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The indictment, which has been widely expected in recent months, details a continuing practice of kickbacks and pay-to-play between the mayor and contractors and city vendors. The vendors and contractors provided things like free cellphone service for the mayor's family and a check for $50,000, the indictment said.

With the exception of one person named "Businessman A," who was alleged to have provided air travel and limousine service to the mayor in return for forgiveness on tax penalties, all the others listed as part of the conspiracy have either been convicted or pleaded guilty.

The drumbeat of guilty pleas and convictions, matched with investigative reports in local media, drained any surprise from a corruption indictment here in New Orleans. Mr. Nagin, who served as mayor for the maximum two-terms, left office in May 2010, with his popularity in the depths. He has recently been living in Dallas.