Board of Ethics public meetings in 2021
22 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics ruled on numerous requests to waive or reduce late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure reports. The Board also issued several advisory opinions regarding nepotism, dual-office holding, and the use of campaign funds. Additionally, it approved a rule to allow electronic signatures on filed reports.
- Suspended all but $500 of a $1,000 late fee for Raymond S. Childress (8-3)
- Suspended all but $1,000 of a $2,000 late fee for Royce Duplessis (unanimous)
- Ruled Judge Stephen Beasley may use surplus campaign funds for recusal hearing legal fees (unanimous)
- Suspended all but $500 of a $3,000 late fee for Baker Donelson LA PAC (unanimous)
- Suspended all but $500 of a $2,500 late fee for Easton W. Shelvin (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 civil penalties each for Patrick J. Harrington and Donald "D.T." Thompson (unanimous)
- Approved rule to allow electronic signatures on reports (unanimous)
- Ruled Marcus Peterson is prohibited from contracting with Jefferson Davis Fire District #1 (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics will meet to consider numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosures. The Board will also review several advisory opinion requests regarding the use of campaign funds and potential conflicts of interest.
- Requests to waive campaign finance late fees ranging from $120 to $5,000
- Advisory opinion request for Judge Stephen Beasley regarding appropriate use of campaign funds
- Advisory opinion request regarding potential nepotism for a DOTD employee
- Consideration of enhanced penalties for failure to file supplemental reports in Caddo and Opelousas
- Discussion of legislation enacted during the 2021 Regular Legislative Session
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics adjudicated numerous campaign finance late fee waiver requests and issued several advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest for public officials. The Board also approved several consent opinions involving ethics violations and instructed staff to draft a policy for electronic signatures.
- Waived late fee for R. C. “Chris” Nevils (Docket No. 21-520)
- Suspended $1,000 late fee for Bob Fisher based on future compliance (Docket No. 21-281)
- Reaffirmed decision to decline $2,000 late fee waiver for Donald R. Dobbins (Docket No. 21-127)
- Adopted advisory opinion that Louisiana Water Resources Commission members are not required to file disclosures (Docket No. 21-675)
- Concluded that Sgt. M. Laz Wilson may apply for a vendor license with Baton Rouge Police Department after retirement (Docket No. 21-786)
- Adopted consent opinion for Desmond Wallace regarding Calcasieu Parish School Board employment; $500 penalty paid (Docket No. 21-074)
- Instructed staff to draft a policy to accept electronic signatures on reports
- Promulgated a rule to waive suspended late fees at the staff level if assessed at least 8 years prior with no other late filings
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics will meet over two days to consider complaints, advisory opinions, and waiver requests. They will discuss charges against Brian Pope in Docket 2017-1404 and consider proposed rules on electronic signatures and enforcement of suspended late fees. The agenda includes numerous requests to waive or reconsider campaign finance late fees, as well as advisory opinions on conflicts of interest and post-employment restrictions.
- Discussion of charges against Brian Pope in Docket No. 2017-1404
- Proposed rule to allow electronic signatures on ethics reports (G27)
- Proposed rule on enforcement of suspended late fees (G28)
- Consideration of legislative suggestions for 2022 session (G29)
- Multiple waiver requests for campaign finance late fees, including $3,000 fee against La State Pelican PAC (G30)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics processed numerous requests for the waiver or suspension of campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees. The Board also issued several advisory opinions regarding employment conflicts and approved multiple disqualification plans.
- Declined to waive $420 late fee for Kevin J. Centanni (6-3)
- Ruled that Mark David Freneaux is not prohibited from voting on city hall property purchase
- Suspended $1,400 late fee for AgriPAC based on future compliance
- Approved Disqualification Plan for Sanettria Glasper Pleasant
- Assessed $10,000 penalties each for missing reports by Charles Jean, Jr., Glenn Dale Bridges, and Donald C. Hodge, Jr.
- Ruled that Lionell Lawson's son is prohibited from employment at City of Zachary Utilities Department
- Approved 2022 proposed meeting dates
- Waived $800 late fee for Scott Perry, Jr. following his death
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics will hold an executive session to discuss confidential complaints, the civil suit Louisiana Board of Ethics v. River Birch, and charges against David Patron and Robert Berry. In open session, the Board will consider numerous requests to waive campaign finance late fees, advisory opinions on potential ethics conflicts, consent agenda items, and proposed legislative changes. The agenda is largely procedural, with many routine waiver requests and advisory opinions.
- Reconsideration of $400 campaign finance late fee waiver for Steven Marcus (Docket 21-274)
- Advisory opinion on Central City councilman's vote to purchase property for new city hall (Docket 21-600)
- Consideration of enhanced penalties for Charles Jean Jr. and Glenn Dale Bridges for failure to file campaign finance reports (Dockets 21-158, 21-696)
- Discussion of legislation from 2021 Regular Session and suggestions for 2022 (Dockets LEGISLA)
- Consent opinion regarding Peter Businelle, former employee of St. Mary Parish Gravity Drainage District (Docket 17-073)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics assessed several $10,000 penalties for failed campaign finance filings and ruled on various conflict-of-interest requests. The Board also processed numerous late fee waivers and suspensions for personal financial disclosure statements.
- Assessed $10,000 penalties each for Bub Tucker II, Jerry Lee Dunn, Jr., Pamela Burleigh, and Roger Z. Toney for campaign finance filing failures
- Rescinded $100 late fee for Aylin Acikalin Maklansky (6-2)
- Ruled that Richard L. Traina is prohibited from providing paid legal services to the Office of State Lands for previous litigation
- Suspended $600 campaign finance late fee for Alfred Randall Williams
- Reduced late fees for Lynelle Johnson, declining to waive $480 of the total
- Suspended late fees for Melissa Barrett O'Neal and Cleve Dunn, Jr. based on future compliance
- Ruled that the Code of Governmental Ethics does not prohibit the hiring of Ronnie Anderson while his brother is employed in the same department
- Dismissed charges against James Wayne Richard, Patrick Richard, and Ricky Richard (5-3)
Board of Ethics
The Board will hold executive sessions to discuss confidential complaints and charges against several individuals. The meeting also includes reviewing numerous requests to waive campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees.
- Executive Session discussion of charges against Peter Businelle (Docket No. 2017-073)
- Executive Session discussion of charges against Ricky Richard, Patrick Richard, and Wayne Richard (Docket No. 2019-053)
- Request to reconsider a $2,000 campaign finance late fee for Donald R. Dobbins
- Review of various requests to waive campaign finance late fees ranging from $60 to $2,000
- Review of multiple requests to waive personal financial disclosure late fees ranging from $150 to $3,000
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics processed numerous campaign finance late fee waiver requests, issuing a mix of suspensions, reductions, and denials. The Board also issued several advisory opinions regarding employment conflicts and public service activities. Additionally, it approved a disqualification plan for a Department of Transportation and Development employee.
- Suspended most late fees for Jonathan Holloway, Sr. (Docket 20-790), requiring payments of $1,000 and $250
- Ruled that certified building inspectors may perform private work for IECI & Associates, LLC if performed outside their jurisdiction
- Reduced Edward Adrian Adams' $480 late fee to $200 (6-5 vote)
- Suspended $4,500 in fines for Ardi Scott based on future compliance
- Ruled that Logan J. Hunt may continue employment with Argent Mineral Management, LLC while serving on Lincoln Parish Police Jury
- Approved disqualification plan for Angela Townsend regarding the employment of her son
- Assessed $10,000 penalties for each missing report for Don Menard and Barnell L. Williams
- Waived $150 late fee for Kathleen Gordon's first late filing
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics will meet to consider various advisory opinion requests regarding post-employment restrictions, conflict of interest, and potential ethics violations. The agenda also includes reviewing numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance disclosure reports.
- Review of charges against Peter Businelle in Docket No. 2017-073
- Request to waive $2,500 and $800 late fees for Jonathan Holloway, Sr.
- Advisory opinion request regarding IECI & Associates, LLC hiring building officials
- Review of a $5,000 unauthorized severance payment involving Jacquetta Grayson
- Consideration of enhanced penalties for various candidates including Don Menard and Barnell L. Williams
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest and post-employment restrictions. It also ruled on numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosure reports. Additionally, the Board adopted several consent opinions involving civil penalties.
- Declined to waive two $2,500 late fees for James Austin Gray, II (6-2)
- Waived $7,500 in late fees prior to 2012 for James Austin Gray, II and declined to waive $11,200 (6-2)
- Ruled that Brady Hotard's zoning request would violate the Code of Ethics
- Prohibited Johnathan Tebeleff and Cory Landry from providing specific services for two years post-employment
- Approved a disqualification plan for the Commissioner of the Office of Financial Institutions' son
- Assessed a $10,000 penalty against Keary Grayson for failure to file a 30-P report
- Assessed $20,000 in penalties against Carl Hardy for failure to file 10-P and 10-G reports
- Dismissed charges against Ray Nagin in Docket Nos. 09-348, 09-436, and 09-442
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets June 3-4 to discuss confidential complaints and pending charges in executive session, including cases against Jeanine Blaney, Timothy Duncan, Kemic Smothers, and the Richards. The board will also consider dozens of waiver requests for late fees on campaign finance and personal financial disclosure reports, issue consent opinions on past violations, and provide advisory opinions on post-employment restrictions and other ethics questions.
- Executive session to discuss charges in Docket Nos. 2016-017, 2016-116, 2018-400, and 2019-053
- Waiver requests from former New Orleans councilmember James Gray for $5,000 in late fees (G1) and $18,700 in campaign finance late fees (G2)
- Consent opinion on unauthorized $5,000 severance payment by former Village of Clarence mayor Tommy Evans (G28)
- Advisory opinion on post-employment restrictions for former state employees (G8, G14, G15, G19)
- Consideration of legislation for the 2021 Regular Legislative Session (G36)
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics adjudicated several campaign finance late fee waivers and issued advisory opinions on post-employment and conflict-of-interest rules. It also assessed significant penalties against five candidates for failing to file disclosure reports and adopted amendments to Personal Financial Disclosure Waiver Guidelines.
- Reduced Ralph “Big Guy” Johnson, Sr. late fee from $1,000 to $600
- Reduced Patricia “Pat” Gilley's 30-P late fee to $300 and declined 90-P waiver
- Instructed staff to assess penalties and additional $10,000 fees for Taranza Arvie, Patrick Landry, Lawrence Richard, and Lester Smith
- Instructed staff to assess penalties and an additional $10,000 fee for Emil Brandly, Sr.
- Adopted amendments to the Personal Financial Disclosure Waiver Guidelines
- Ruled W. Jeff Reynolds' employment with Ochsner Clinic Foundation is not prohibited
- Declined to waive late fees for Donald R. Dobbins ($2,000), Darren Roy ($120), Marian Jacobs Gonzales ($400), and Lee V. Faulkner, Jr. ($480)
- Dismissed charges against Tracy Stewart, Brionne Stewart, and David James
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets May 6-7 to elect a vice chairman, hold executive sessions on confidential complaints and charges, and consider numerous requests for waivers of campaign finance late fees, advisory opinions, consent opinions, and enhanced penalties for candidates who failed to file reports. The board will also discuss legislation and amendments to PFD waiver guidelines.
- Election of Vice Chairman for the Board
- Reconsideration of $2,500 and $800 late fees for Jonathan Holloway (Docket 20-790)
- Enhanced penalty consideration for Taranza Arvie, Patrick Landry, Lawrence Richard, Lester Smith, and Emil Brandly (Dockets 21-154, 21-159, 21-161, 21-162, 21-169)
- Advisory opinion on post-employment for W. Jeff Reynolds with Ochsner Clinic Foundation (Docket 21-130)
- Consideration of legislation for the 2021 Regular Legislative Session
Board of Ethics
The Board issued several advisory opinions regarding employment and conflict-of-interest rules for public officials. It also assessed multiple $10,000 penalties for failed campaign finance disclosures and voted on several legislative bills. Various late fee waiver requests were approved, denied, or suspended based on future compliance.
- Suspended $700 campaign finance late fee for Judge John “Johnny” Lee, Jr. (unanimous)
- Opposed bills HB113, HB306, HB491, SB4, and SB203 (SB203 vote: 6-1)
- Supported bills HB176, HB496, and HB581 (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 penalties per report for Keisha D. Fleming, Tenisha Bellard Wiltz, and Anthony Bloise (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 penalties per report for Bradley C. Zaunbrecher, Jose "Lil Joe" Chapa, Larry Cochran, Jr., and Greg Pete (unanimous)
- Assessed $10,000 penalty for Cedric Bradford Glover (unanimous)
- Denied $2,500 late fee waiver for Grayson Linn “Lindy” Bolgiano, Jr. (unanimous)
- Rescinded late fees for Donald Cravins, Sr. and Katie Mayers based on medical documentation (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Board is meeting to consider numerous advisory opinion requests regarding potential conflicts of interest and nepotism. The body will also decide on requests to waive campaign finance, lobbying, and personal financial disclosure late fees, as well as assess enhanced penalties for failed disclosure reports.
- Request to waive $18,700 in campaign finance late fees for James A. Gray, II
- Consideration of enhanced penalties for candidates including Anthony Bloise and Bradley C. Zaunbrecher
- Advisory opinion on whether a newly elected Orleans Parish School Board member can continue employment with the Einstein Group
- Waiver requests for lobbying late fees for Donald Cravins Sr. ($1,350) and Katie Mayers ($850)
- Executive session discussions regarding charges against Melissa Guitreau, David Patron, and Kevin M. Berken
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding employment and contracting restrictions under the Code of Governmental Ethics. The Board also decided on numerous campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fee waiver requests and increased the food and drink limit for events.
- Approved increase of food and drink limit from $63 to $65 per event effective July 1, 2021
- Adopted consent opinions and dismissed charges after $1,500 civil penalties were paid by Ron Bourgeois/REECO Rental & Supply and Ronnie Chiasson/Sunbelt Fire Inc.
- Declined to waive late fees for Terrell “T-Bone” Wilson ($660 and $1,000), Ralph “Big Guy” Johnson, Sr. ($1,000), Robert E. Jones, III ($1,000), Mark David Chiasson ($540), and Charles Glenn Fallin ($480)
- Suspended late fees based on future compliance for 12 individuals, including Cynthia Green and John Tullos
- Waived late fee of $2,500 for Anthony Rainey
- Ruled that the Code of Ethics permits Chris Dunn to be employed by Quad Area Community Action Agency, Inc. with specific transaction restrictions
- Ruled that the Code of Ethics prohibits KA-JI Construction, LLC from accepting compensation from parish contractors due to Jill DeSouge's role in Parish Accounting
- Ruled that the Code of Ethics does not prohibit Joe Magee from serving as EMS Administrator and on the Desoto Parish Fire District 2 Board
Board of Ethics
The Board will meet to consider various advisory opinion requests regarding potential conflicts of interest for public servants and employees. Additionally, the Board will review multiple requests to waive campaign finance and personal financial disclosure late fees.
- Advisory opinion request regarding a $24,250 contribution from the City of Baton Rouge to the Butterfly Society
- Discussion of charges against India Reimonenq in Docket No. 2020-749
- Waiver request for a $1,000 campaign finance late fee for Terrell 'T-Bone' Wilson
- Waiver request for a $3,000 campaign finance late fee for Citizens for Cutting the Crap Out of Politics
- Review of various personal financial disclosure late fees ranging from $100 to $2,500
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics issued several advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest for public officials and candidates. It also ruled on numerous requests to waive late fees for campaign finance and personal financial disclosures. Additionally, the Board adopted legislative recommendations to be sent to the governor and legislators.
- Suspended all but $100 of a $1,000 late fee for Randall “Randy” Delatte
- Ruled that Lt. John Stelly may accept employment from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
- Ruled that Todd Wackerman cannot serve on Orleans Parish School Board while salaried Director of STEM
- Approved disqualification plan for Allen Myles to remove him from supervision of his brother
- Declined to waive $2,200 late fee for Local Two Forty-Seven PAC Fund
- Declined to waive $1,000 late fee for Charles "Gary" Wainwright (9-2)
- Waived $2,500 late fee for Stephen Weeks
- Approved purchasing plan for Joseph Pruitt to lease office space from Town of Arcadia
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics will meet to consider confidential complaints, various advisory opinion requests, and several requests to waive campaign finance and financial disclosure late fees. The agenda also includes reviewing the January 2021 minutes and discussing potential legislative proposals.
- Review of charges in executive session against Jacquetta Grayson, Tommy Evans, and Jeanette Place
- Request to waive a $1,000 campaign finance late fee for Randall Delatte
- Advisory opinion request regarding Todd Wackerman's potential candidacy for Orleans Parish School Board
- Waiver requests for multiple $1,500 personal financial disclosure late fees
- Request to waive a $2,200 campaign finance late fee for Local Two Forty Seven PAC Fund
Board of Ethics
The Board issued several advisory opinions regarding post-employment and conflict-of-interest restrictions for public officials. It also processed numerous requests for late fee waivers for campaign and financial disclosures, approving some and denying others.
- Suspended $1,500 late fee for Victor Lemane (unanimous)
- Ruled Jacqueline Winemiller's employment with Inframark, LLC is not prohibited (unanimous)
- Ruled LHA Rentals Oberlin, LLC may purchase property and continue lease with Dept. of Children and Family Services (unanimous)
- Ruled Maghen Shipley Gagnard may accept employment with Office of Juvenile Justice while at SocialWorx (unanimous)
- Ruled Patrick Hobbins may serve on Capital Area Groundwater Conservation Commission (unanimous)
- Ruled Monograms Unlimited is prohibited from contracting with Ouachita Parish Sheriff Office Patrol Division (unanimous)
- Ruled Suzonne Cowart is prohibited from providing compensated services to Central Chamber of Commerce (unanimous)
- Approved $5,000 civil penalty consent order for Robert Allen (unanimous)
Board of Ethics
The Louisiana Board of Ethics meets over two days to discuss confidential complaints and charges in executive session, including cases against Stephanie Bachemin, Erin Caruso, Abbey Caruso, Cathy Kendrick, Gretchen Bradford, James Gibson, and Gibson Entities, LLC. In open session, the board will consider advisory opinions on potential ethics conflicts for public officials and employees, consent orders, and numerous requests to waive campaign finance and disclosure late fees. The agenda also includes consideration of changes to guidelines for waiver recommendations.
- Executive session discussion of charges in Docket No. 2015-042 (Bachemin, Caruso, Caruso), Docket No. 2019-689 (Kendrick, Bradford), and Docket No. 2019-796 (Gibson, Gibson Entities, LLC).
- Advisory opinion request (20-598) on whether Maghen Shipley Gagnard may work for the Office of Juvenile Justice while employed by SocialWorx, a nonprofit with a state contract.
- Advisory opinion request (20-812) on whether Luke H. Abrusley's company may lease property to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services after he resigns from the Allen Parish District Attorney's Office.
- Consent orders (18-1510, 19-808) against Louisiana High School Correspondence Courses, LLC for transacting business with LSU Laboratory School.
- Dozens of requests to waive campaign finance late fees (ranging from $320 to $2,000) and personal financial disclosure late fees (up to $2,500) for candidates and public officials.