LAFAYETTE — A former employee of the Opelousas Housing Authority was sentenced to two years of probation Friday in a federal investigation of bid-rigging that also snagged the former director and a local contractor.

Garnette L. Thomas, 76, the Housing Authority’s former grant and capital funds coordinator, pleaded guilty last year to fraud charges.

Thomas faced 10 to 16 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, but U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Foote said she opted for probation because of Thomas’ age, her cooperation with investigators and her lack of a criminal record.

Foote also fined Thomas $5,000, ordering that it be paid within 10 days.

Thomas made only a brief statement before the sentencing: “Your honor, I’m very sorry.”...