Mandel Ngan, AFP / Getty Images
Sources told Reuters on Friday that former New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin is being investigated by federal authorities for allegedly receiving favors or items of value from vendors under city contracts. Nagin, made famous in 2005 for his defense of his city in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, is reportedly cooperating with both the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department. Nagin said the charges are three years old and he wants a chance to finally deal with them. “Hopefully we can have an honest, open approach where truth and justice will prevail, but I’m starting to worry about that now,” Nagin said, without saying what prompted his concerns. Since he left office in 2010, there has been speculation that he could face corruption charges—especially after a former associate and close personal friend pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the city.