Louisiana City Council member Peter Lewis accused of disability insurance fraud

Lewis, 44, is accused of providing false information about his employment status to support a long-term disability claim with Unum Life Insurance Company of America, according to a news release from State Police Troop L.

State Police obtained an arrest warrant on Aug. 19, and Lewis surrendered on Thursday, according to the release.

Lewis referred comment to his attorney, Cameron Mary, who declined comment on Lewis' arrest. Lewis was out on a $10,000 bond Thursday afternoon.

Lewis, who is an independent insurance agent, represents the council's District A, which covers the north-central part of Covington including the West 30s neighborhood, an area he had pushed for the city to rebrand as "Uptown." He is serving his first term in office, having won the seat in 2019.

Lewis has talked about a possible run for mayor, but he said Thursday that he never officially made a decision.

Municipal elections in Covington are next spring.

A fellow member of the City Council, Rick Smith, said that Lewis has the right to defend himself in court and that he would not pass judgement on the matter.

"As an elected official, your integrity is a character trait that's most important to the people you represent," Smith said.

And Council President Larry Rolling said the council won't take any action at this time.