Man booked in twin-span scrap scam

A Metairie man has been arrested, accused of stealing about $750,000 worth of scrap materials from the old twin-span bridge connecting the north and south shores of Lake Pontchartrain.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain said Monday that Jason Hedges, 34, was booked with one count of theft over $1,500 and released on $50,000 bond last week.

Hedges worked for demolition contractor NASDI, LLC, which was removing the old twin span bridge. Part of the contract involved NASDI recycling or selling for scrap some of the materials after the bridges were demolished.

An investigation began after the company noticed a lack of proper record-keeping with the job. Investigators found that Hedges, from November 2011 to May allegedly delivered some of the metal scrap to unsanctioned firms in exchange for cash. Detectives traced more than $300,000 in payments to Hedges.

Investigators are still determining whether Hedges acted alone or if there were others involved in the scheme, Strain said.

If convicted, Hedges faces up to 10 years in jail and a $3,000 fine.