Former Avoyelles Correctional Center warden, wife plead not guilty at federal arraignment

The former warden of the Avoyelles Correctional Center and his wife pleaded not guilty in federal court on Friday.

Nate Cain, 50, and Tonia Cain, 42, both of Moreauville are accused of using a state credit card to make $152,000 in purchases for themselves between December of 2012 and January 2016. They face 18 counts each of fraud.

Nate Cain resigned as warden in 2016 amid questions about his administration. Tonia Cain had served as manager of the business office of the facility.

Nate the son of Burl Cain, the longtime warden of the state's largest prison, the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Burl Cain himself has been accused of using free inmate labor to enrich himself before he resigned last year.

If convicted, the two face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count.

Nate Cain is being represented by John McLindon of Baton Rouge, and Tonia Cain was represented by Mike Small for the arraignment hearing. However, she has not retained Small for the duration of the trial yet.

She has been giving until September 8 to either retain Small or find other representation.