Louisiana Woman Linked to Super Bowl Reporter's Death Faces New Allegations

Danette Colbert, 48, is facing serious allegations stemming from multiple incidents involving drugging, robbery, and fraud. These accusations have led to calls for harsher penalties against Colbert, who was previously convicted of computer fraud, theft, and illegal transmission of monetary funds in connection with a scheme targeting an individual's life savings.

A Pattern of Alleged Crimes

David Butler, the victim in the 2021 case, alleges that Colbert drugged him and stole over $80,000 worth of cryptocurrency in New Orleans' French Quarter. While no charges were filed directly related to the alleged drugging, Colbert was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay Butler $50,000 in restitution.

Calls for Revocation of Probation

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has stated that Colbert “was not eligible for probation” when she received her sentence. She emphasized Colbert's status as a “habitual offender,” which allows prosecutors to pursue more severe penalties based on her criminal history. Jefferson Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who requested Murrill's assistance in the case, believes this approach will ensure a unified and focused prosecution of these serious offenses.

Previous Convictions and Allegations

Prior to her October conviction, Colbert had pleaded guilty to two previous cases involving similar allegations of fraud and theft in Jefferson Parish. While awaiting trial in Butler's case, she faced additional charges in Clark County, Nevada, for grand larceny and administering a drug to aid in the commission of a felony. Although these charges were ultimately dismissed, they further highlight the pattern of alleged criminal activity.

Further Allegations Emerge

Two separate cases have emerged where men claim they believe they were targeted by Colbert in October 2021 after she allegedly posed as an Uber driver in the French Quarter. Despite filing reports with authorities, no charges have been filed in either case. New Orleans police have stated that they investigate every case brought to their attention.

The Case of Adan Manzano

In a separate and highly publicized case, Colbert has been accused of fraud and other property crimes linked to the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano. She faces charges of simple robbery, purse snatching, computer fraud, illegal transfer of monetary funds, access device fraud, and bank fraud. Manzano was found dead in a hotel room in Kenner on February 5, with a preliminary toxicology report indicating the presence of Xanax in his system, for which he had no prescription.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities believe Colbert could face additional charges as the investigation into Manzano's death continues, including further autopsy and toxicology testing. Following Manzano's death, Kenner authorities received a dozen complaints from individuals who believe they or their loved ones may have been victims of Colbert, including the case of a Maryland man found unresponsive in a French Quarter hotel room in December. This investigation remains active.