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Report: President tried to seize control of Mueller investigation

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 11:30am

WASHINGTON (AP) — Public at last, special counsel Robert Mueller's report revealed to a waiting nation Thursday that President Donald Trump had tried to seize control of the Russia probe and force Mueller's removal to stop him from investigating potential obstruction of justice by the president.
The report said that in June 2017, Trump directed White House Counsel Don McGahn to call the acting attorney general and say that Mueller must be ousted because he had conflicts of interest.
McGahn refused — deciding he would rather resign than trigger what he regarded as a potential Saturday Night Massacre of Watergate firings fame.
For all of that, Mueller said in his report that he could not conclusively determine that Trump had committed criminal obstruction of justice.
The Justice Department posted a redacted version of the report online Thursday morning, 90 minutes after Attorney General William Barr offered his own final assessment of the findings.
The two-volume, 448-page report recounts how Trump repeatedly sought to take control of the Russia probe.
Mueller evaluated 10 episodes for possible obstruction of justice, including Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, the president's directive to subordinates to have Mueller fired and efforts to encourage witnesses not to cooperate.
The president's lawyers have said Trump's conduct fell within his constitutional powers, but Mueller's team deemed the episodes deserving of criminal scrutiny.
Mueller reported that Trump had been agitated at the special counsel probe from its earliest days, reacting to Mueller's appointment by saying it was the "end of his presidency."
As for the question of whether the Trump campaign had colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign, Mueller wrote, "While the investigation identified numerous links between individuals with ties to the Russian government and individuals associated with the Trump Campaign, the evidence was not sufficient to support criminal charges."
Mueller also said there wasn't sufficient evidence to charge any campaign officials with working as an unregistered foreign agent of Russia.
The report included an appendix that contained 12 pages of Trump's written responses to the special counsel. They included no questions about obstruction of justice, as was part of an agreement with Trump's legal team.
Trump told Mueller he had "no recollection" of learning in advance about the much-scrutinized Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and a Russian lawyer. He also said he had no recollection of knowledge about emails setting up the meeting that promised dirt on Hillary Clinton's campaign.
He broadly denied knowing of any foreign government trying to help his campaign, including the Russian government. He said he was aware of some reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made "complimentary statements" about him.
Trump said that his comment during a 2016 political rally asking Russian hackers to help find emails scrubbed from Clinton's private server was made "in jest and sarcastically" and that he did not recall being told during the campaign of any Russian effort to infiltrate or hack computer systems.
Trump's legal team called the results "a total victory for the president."
For complete coverage of the Mueller report, go to: https://www.apnews.com/TrumpInvestigations

Police: Suspect booked on robbery warrant

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:46am

Staff Report

A 20-year-old man was booked Thursday on a simple robbery warrant in Morgan City, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Tremaine Ruffin Jr., 20, of Clements Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:46 a.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with simple robbery.

Officers came into contact with Ruffin on La. 182. A warrants check revealed that Morgan City police had a warrant for his arrest. He was jailed.

Blair reported that officers responded to 46 calls and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Drevin M Willis, 20, of Prairie Road North in Franklin, was arrested at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana first offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers were dispatched to a single vehicle crash on Martin Luther King Boulevard. Upon officers arriving, they came into contact with Willis, who denied being the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash, Blair said.

During the investigation, a K-9 officer arrived on scene and deployed the K-9 around the exterior of the vehicle. K-9 Lady showed an odor response for the presence of illegal narcotics. Investigating officers, located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, Blair said. Willis was jailed.

—Justin Lee Harris, 30, of Roxie Highway in Church Point, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in court.

Harris was located at Acadia Parrish Sheriff’s Office and arrested on a warrant for City Court of Morgan City. He was jailed.

—Carol Marie Spain, 31, of Myra Street in Franklin, was arrested at 11:22 p.m. Wednesday on charges of proper equipment required, possession of an alcoholic beverage and possession of phentermine hydrochloride.

Officers conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation on U.S. 90. The driver was identified as Spain. During the traffic investigation, officers located suspected phentermine hydrochloride, which is a controlled substance in Spain possession, Blair said. Police also located an open alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. She was jailed.

—Aaron Michael Dinger, 26, of Railroad Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:36 a.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in court.

Officers came into contact with Dinger in the area of Duke Street. A warrants checked revealed an active warrant for 16th Judicial District Court. He was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that deputies responded to 45 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Victor L. Crane Jr., 51, of Shady Grove Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 8:06 p.m. Wednesday on charges of DWI first offense and open container.

A deputy heard a complaint of a reckless driver through dispatch near Carol Road in Bayou Vista. Dispatch advised the deputy that the vehicle was heading to Patterson on U.S. 90. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Red Cypress Road in Patterson and made contact with the driver, identified as Crane. The deputy could smell a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath and noticed his speech was slurred. Crane admitted he consumed alcohol earlier in the day, the sheriff said. Crane performed poorly on a field sobriety test and was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for chemical testing, Smith said. Crane was later released on a summons to appear in court July 29.

—James Patrick Voisin, 34, of Kyle Street in Berwick, was arrested at 11:08 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant from Morgan City Police Department charging him with failure to appear in court.

While on a traffic stop, a deputy made contact with Voisin. A background check revealed an active warrant for Voisin’s arrest. He was jailed with no bail set.

—Demarcus Tramaine Skipper, 24, of Hickory Street in Patterson, was arrested at 12:44 a.m. Thursday on a warrants for failure to appear for battery on a dating partner first offense, possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, failure to use seatbelts and failure to honor a written promise.

A deputy was refueling in Bayou Vista when he observed Skipper walking in the parking lot. The deputy was aware of the active warrants for Skipper's arrest. He was jailed with no bail set.

Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrest:

—Calvin Mitchell Jr., 48, of Live Oak Street in Patterson, was arrested at 4:32 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana second offense and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. No bail was set.

Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported the following arrest:

—Michael Cousson, 54, of Sixth Street in Berwick, was arrested at 12:43 p.m. Wednesday on charges of disturbing the peace intoxicated, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-refusal, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cousson was transported to St. Mary Parish jail.

Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported the following arrest relating to east St. Mary Parish:

—Caitlyn Brooks, 24, of Jenna Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:50 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of simple battery. Brooks was jailed with bail set at $2,500.

From the Editor: After three decades, an accounting

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:44am

By BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

By last week, when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette released a list of priests accused of sexual misconduct, such lists had become almost common.
Diocesan officials across Louisiana has released similar documents in response to an appeal by Pope Francis. Between the Houma-Thibodaux and Lafayette lists, 11 priests who had once served in St. Mary Parish were identified as being the subjects of allegations of misconduct.
The list could never be called routine. The victims are nearly all young people. The lists came with pain and shame attached.
But the Lafayette list also suggested that after more than 30 years, the church is finally coming to terms with what had long since become a crisis. Events in the Lafayette Diocese first brought the crimes to the attention of the world.
The Lafayette list contains 37 names. About halfway down is the former priest Gilbert Gauthe.
Gauthe was convicted in 1985 of sexually abusing 11 boys when he was assigned to churches in Vermilion Parish. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison but released after 10.
Not long after his release, Gauthe was accused of molesting a toddler in Texas. A no contest plea there was followed by a conviction for failing to register as a sex offender.
The church had offered the Vermilion families counseling and money and sought their silence. One family instead went to civil court in a case that HBO made into a movie called “Judgment.”
The names of more priests emerged. A guilty secret was secret no longer.
The church might be excused for not knowing how to handle charges of sexual misconduct involving children. No one else did either.
Child molesters were seen, or depicted at least, not as predators but as pathetic losers and objects of ridicule. Remember the Uncle Buck character from the old “Saturday Night Live”? Comedian Buck Henry played a man all too willing to babysit for his young nieces and to bring his Polaroid.
The skit never failed to get laughs.
But over the course of the Gauthe case, police and reporters learned something. Gauthe had been the target of concern at an earlier church posting in Broussard years before joining the Vermilion churches. Among the allegations: Boys returned from a visit with “Father Gil” with their clothing rumpled.
Gauthe was sent for what passed for treatment and counseling then, and moved to a new parish.
Investigators saw the same pattern in Washington state. And Massachusetts. And Ireland. And Australia.
Charge. Reassignment. New allegation. Ssshhhh.
The church has a long and important history in Lafayette. A priest founded Holy Rosary Institute, which was the best educational option for African American children during Jim Crow days. The church runs a shelter and soup kitchen for the homeless. A diocesan office helps settle refugees fleeing from violence overseas.
But somehow the same institution that performs so many acts of charity allowed itself to become an international conspiracy to conceal, and consequently to facilitate, the sexual exploitation of children.
Over the years, the church has promised reforms, convened conferences of bishops and made new rules. But there had never been a real accounting before the lists began to be released.
Like other Christian denominations, the Catholic church teaches the importance of repentance. And true repentance requires confession.
That’s what the lists of abusive priests represent: the first step toward something better.
Bill Decker is managing editor of The Daily Review.

CARRIE MARIE LAMBERT HEBERT

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:42am

Carrie Marie Lambert Hebert, 84, a native and resident of Belle River, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019.
Carrie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking and taking care of everyone.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 68 years, Ivan Hebert; one son, Derhyl Hebert (Paula); eight grandchildren, Nicole Thietje (Tobias), Lane Hebert, Rachel Herrington (Zach), Megan Gallagher, Jessie Doiron Jr. (Sandy), Hayward Courville Jr. (Charity), Maggie Courville and Christen Hebert; nine great-grandchildren, Jessica Doiron, Hailey Doiron, Emily Doiron, Bailey Hebert, Jude Thietje, Elijah Thietje, Audrey Thietje, Evelyn Herrington and M.J. White; two nephews, Troy Lambert and Todd Lambert; and two nieces, Michelle Gussman and Crystal Gomez.
She was preceded in death by her two children, Cheryl Courville and Eroy Hebert; parents, Calvin and Magnolia Lambert; and one brother, Wayne Lambert.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Church of God of Prophecy in Belle River from 10 a.m. until services at noon. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville is in charge of arrangements.

DAMIAN DAVID JOHNSON

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:38am

Damian David Johnson, 54, a native of New Orleans and resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Delco-Johnson of Morgan City; a son, Damian Johnson of Morgan City; a daughter, Tonette Quinn of New Orleans; a brother, Charles Johnson; three sisters, Cheryl Moffett and Gina Bradley, all of New Orleans, and Karen Henderson of Gulfport Mississippi; two stepchildren, Quentin Delco of Bayou Vista and Rachelon Delco of Morgan City; four grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wheel House for April 18

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:36am

DIVINE MERCY
Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Bayou Vista, at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28. Public invited to celebrate.

Making history in Berwick

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:34am

Submitted Photo
Members of the Jeanerette Bicentennial Park & Museum, 500 E. Main St., made a return visit to The Brown House, Berwick’s Heritage Museum to exchange ideas with Berwick Historical Society members to help promote their museums. Shown, front row from left, are members of the Jeanerette Museum, Darlene Derise, Kathy Rosamond and Mona Stansbury. Members of the Berwick Historical Society in the second row: Janie Brashear, Charlie Ann Eues and Toni Fangue. Third row: Shannon Hubbard McFate, Dale Fangue, Patsy Thomas and Gen Thorguson.

Blood drive continues through April 21

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:30am

Coby the cat is ready for Easter and he has lined up some special thank you gifts for blood donors during Vitalant’s Egg-stravaganza. Hop on in to your nearest donation center or blood drive to help #SaveTheHumans with Coby.
Vitalant said that to keep an adequate blood supply, all types are needed.
If you join the Egg-stravaganza blood drive, which continues through Sunday at 1234 David Drive in Morgan City or a mobile blood drive, you will receive a Save the Humans Spring T-shirt and a $25 Amazon gift card through bonus points in the online rewards store.
You can schedule your appointment to donate at vitalant.org or call 877-25VITAL.
Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate. It’s at vitalant.org.
Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Morgan City Hospital Auxiliary holds Spring Luncheon

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:24am

Morgan City Hospital Auxiliary held its Spring Luncheon April 9.
During the luncheon, members were presented awards for years and hours of service.
Incoming officers were recognized. Incoming officers for 2019-21 are President Sandra Ratcliff, Vice President Lea Hebert, Recording Secretary Lois Giroir and Treasurer Linda Crapell.

‘Deeply candid’ Demi Moore memoir coming in September

Thu, 04/18/2019 - 10:17am

BY HILLEL ITALIE, AP National Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Nine years after her book deal was first announced, Demi Moore is ready to release a memoir her publisher calls “deeply candid and insightful.”
Moore’s “Inside Out” is scheduled for Sept. 24, HarperCollins announced Wednesday. According to the publisher, she will write openly about everything from her “tumultuous relationship” with her mother, from whom she was long estranged, to her three marriages, among them to Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher.
“Throughout her rise to fame and during some of the most pivotal moments of her life, Moore battled addiction, body image issues, and childhood trauma that would follow her for years — all while juggling a skyrocketing career, celebrity status, and raising a family,” HarperCollins announced. “In this emotionally charged memoir, she opens up about her career and personal life — laying bare her defining tumultuous relationship with her mother, her marriages, her struggles balancing stardom with motherhood, and her journey toward open heartedness. ‘Inside Out’ is a story of survival, success, and surrender — as well as resilience: a wrenchingly honest portrayal of one woman’s at once ordinary and iconic life.”
Moore, 56, was a high school dropout who became a television star in her early 20s on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital” and later starred in such hit films as “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Ghost” and “A Few Good Men.” She is also a longtime activist for children’s rights and is the co-founder of Thorn, a nonprofit which combats child sex trafficking.
The deal for her memoir, reportedly worth seven figures, was announced in 2010, when she and Kutcher were still together. Moore announced in 2011 that she was ending the marriage and they divorced two years later. HarperCollins, which originally set a publication date of 2012, declined comment on financial details or whether the breakup with Kutcher contributed to the book’s delay.