Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a New Orleans resident for defrauding the Sewerage & Water Board Workers Compensation program of more than $37,000, according to a March 30 announcement.
The case involves allegations that Warren Murphy, also known as “DJ Hardhead,” failed to report income while receiving workers compensation benefits. This matter is significant because it highlights efforts by state authorities to address fraud within public programs and ensure proper use of government resources.
According to the statement, the investigation began after the Risk Management Division of the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans filed a complaint regarding suspected workers compensation fraud. Agents determined that in July 2022, Murphy reported an on-the-job injury and was placed in nonwork status by a doctor. While receiving benefits, he was required to submit Monthly Report of Earning forms disclosing any work or income during each reporting period.
Investigators found that during August, September, and October 2022 as well as February and March 2023, Murphy worked as a disc jockey at local venues under the name “DJ Hardhead” but did not disclose this activity on his required forms. As a result, authorities say he obtained over $37,000 from the Workers Compensation program through misrepresentation. An arrest warrant was secured through Orleans Parish Judicial District Court for charges related to workers compensation fraud under L.R.S. 23:1208—misrepresentations concerning benefits over ten thousand dollars.
Murphy was already incarcerated at Orleans Parish Jail on unrelated charges when he was rebooked on these new allegations associated with this case. The investigation remains ongoing. The release notes: “All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
The Louisiana Department of Justice serves as the primary legal office for the state under an independently elected attorney general according to its official website. Liz Murrill leads this department and has challenged federal overreach in more than 35 cases according to its official website. The department works statewide focusing on protecting constitutional rights and providing legal resources for citizens according to its official website, while also seeking to preserve Louisiana’s culture and heritage through legal efforts according to its official website.