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Police say Short Street deaths were apparent murder-suicide

Tue, 01/30/2024 - 10:41am

Staff Report

Police say evidence indicates that the two people whose bodies were found Monday on Short Street died in a murder-suicide.

The Morgan City Police Department on Tuesday identified the people found Monday as Primos Patrick Johnson, 39, and Alexis Ledean Roberston, 39.

They died from apparent gunshot wounds, the MCPD said.

"According to reports, the evidence indicates that this is going to be a murder-suicide situation," police said Tuesday. "The investigation is ongoing as investigators await autopsy
results."

Officers found the bodies after responding to a welfare concern call about 1:27 p.m. Monday at a home on Short Street.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division at 985-380-4605.

Police: Men accused of vandalism, threatening young people

Mon, 01/29/2024 - 10:34am

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Berwick police on Saturday arrested two men accused of vandalism and threatening juveniles with a slingshot, and another Sunday with the help of bystanders after a shoplifting complaint.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests:

--Kale David, 27, Berwick, was arrested at 6:41 p.m. Saturday on two counts of simple criminal damage to property and three counts of simple assault, and on a warrant alleging failure to register as a sex offender.

--Sabastian Newsom, 19, Berwick, was arrested at 6:42 p.m. Saturday on two counts of simple crimnal damage to property and three counts of simple assault, and on a warrant alleging reckless operation.

About 3:50 p.m. Saturday, the Berwick Police Department received several complaints from residents throughout town reporting that their windows were being busted. Officers quickly learned that incidents were all related and that rocks were being thrown from a moving vehicle.

Also, during these complaints, it was learned that several juveniles reported being threatened by two subjects wearing masks in a vehicle with a slingshot. A description of the vehicle was given to officers along with several surveillance videos.

Through the investigation, officers were able to identify the vehicle and its location. Officers then went to a residence on Fourth Street, where contact was made with David and Newsom. Both had other active warrants and were placed under arrest.

A search warrant of the residence was done, at which time further evidence was obtained linking David and Newsom to the crimes. David and Newsom later admitted to their involvement in the spree of vandalisms and assaults.

They were transported to the Berwick Police Department, where they were booked.

--Stafford Robertson, 42, Berwick, was arrested at 1:21 p.m. Sunday on charges of theft (under $1,000), resisting an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.
About 12:36 p.m. Sunday, the Berwick Police Department received a call from a local business in reference to a subject shoplifting. A description of the subject was given to responding officers.

Officers located the subject, who was identified as Robertson. While speaking with Robertson, he became combative and began fighting with officers. After a brief struggle, Robertson was taken into custody and placed under arrest.

During a search of his person officers located the stolen items as well as items of drug paraphernalia. During the struggle with Robertson, several civilian bystanders intervened and assisted officers in getting him into custody.

Chief David Leonard thanked these bystanders for assisting officers, which prevented officers or any innocent members of the public to be injured during this event.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 136 calls for service over the last 72-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Deysi Perero-Bolanos, 39, Laurel Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:44 p.m. Friday on charges of flight from an officer, no seat belt, registration required, expired license plate, no motor vehicle inspection and no driver's license on person.

--Mary Schahn Howard, 34, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:39 p.m. Friday on a charge of resisting an officer.

--Roxanne Prevost, 54, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested on a charge of criminal mischief (false emergency).

--Davalynn L. Rose, 23, Burgess Road, Denham Springs, was arrested at 1:05 a.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of marijuana.

--Allen Lee Escort, 59, Mount Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:10 p.m. Saturday on a charge of open container of alcoholic beverage.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Cassidy R. Hilliard, 20, First Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:06 p.m. Saturday on charges of disturbing the peace (fighting) and simple criminal damage to property. Hilliard was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

\--Esteban Pascual-Jimenez, 37, Evelyn Avenue, Houma, was arrested at 8:24 p.m. Saturday on charges of driver's license suspended or revoked, no proof of insurance and speeding 69 mph i a 55 mph zone. Pascual-Jimenez was released on a summons.

--Teraneka D. White, 28, Tiffany Street, Patterson, was arrested at 3:07 a.m. Sunday on charges of simple battery and simple criminal damage to property. White was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bail set at $1,000.

--Cory J. Miller, 33, Bryant Street, Houma, was arrested at 3:04 a.m. Sunday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office warrant alleging driver's license suspended or revoked and improper turn or failure to give signal. Miller is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 109 complaints and made these arrests:

--Andre Luis Galarza, 41, Franklin, was arrested at 12:51 p.m. Saturday on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal trespass.

On Saturday, a deputy made contact with a complainant who reported the theft of a side-by-side utility vehicle. The deputy opened an investigation into the incident. A short time later, deputies received a tip as to where the utility vehicle might be located.

A patrol deputy driving near the location observed a utility vehicle matching the description behind a residence in Franklin.

As the investigation progressed, deputies developed Galarza as the suspect in the theft, and the utility vehicle was recovered.

Galarza was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.

--Jawarski J. Jack, 29, Jeanerette, LA, was arrested at 3:23 p.m. Friday on a charge of battery of a correctional officer. Jack continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Ernest Mingo, 40, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:36 a.m. Saturday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and possession of alprazolam.

Bail has not been set at this time.

--Denniell Reiko-Leilani Daigle, 36, Franklin, was arrested at 4:21 p.m. Saturday on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Joel Michael Floyd II, 35, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:14 p.m. Saturday on a charge of aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm or carrying of a concealed weapon by a person convicted of a felony. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Omar David Espinoza-Pacheco, 22, Morgan City, was arrest at 1:36 a.m. Sunday on charges of reckless operation (no accident) and driving under suspension. Espinoza-Pacheco was released on a $1,500 bond.

--Christopher Renard Hawkins, 56, Charenton, was arrested at 7:02 p.m. Sunday on a charge of simple assault and on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana and resisting an officer. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Brandi J'Rae Ingram, 26, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. Sunday on charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, simple battery, disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and resisting an officer.

Bail was set at $14,500.

--Matthew Charles Pierce, 43, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:12 a.m. Monday on a charge of simple criminal damage to property. Bail has not been set at this time.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 17 complaints over the weekend and made these arrests:

--Halee Henslee, 33, Irish Bend Road, Franklin, was arrested at 2:21 p.m. Friday on a charge of simple assault. Henslee was booked, processed and released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

--Shane Sophus, 44, Tabor Street, Franklin, was arrested at 2:10 a.m. Saturday on a charge of violation of protective orders. Sophus was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--Carl Joseph Jr., 30, Curtis Street, Franklin, was arrested at 2:18 p.m. Saturday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Joseph was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--Devontrae Williams, 23, Iberia Street, Franklin, was arrested at 6:21 a.m. Sunday on charges of domestic abuse battery (strangulation), domestic abuse battery, simple kidnapping and false imprisonment. Williams was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--Jordan McDaniel, 30, Cypress Street, Franklin, was arrested at 4:46 a.m. Mnday on warrants for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on charges of second-degree battery and possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. McDaniel was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

Morgan City police radio logs for Jan. 25-29

Mon, 01/29/2024 - 9:26am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Thursday, Jan. 25
6:54 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
7:24 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
8:32 a.m. 1500 block of Youngs Road; Medical.
8:51 a.m. Duke/Florida streets; Complaint.
10:01 a.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
10:54 a.m. 1400 block of Second Street; Arrest.
11:34 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Animal complaint.
12:17 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Crash.
12:43 p.m. 600 block of Aucoin Street; Suspicious subject.
2:46 p.m. Sixth/Spruce streets; Crash.
2:52 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Lost and found.
2:54 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
3:13 p.m. Roderick Street/La. 182; Utility.
4:15 p.m. 1400 block of Filmore Street; Arrest.
4:30 p.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Welfare concern.
4:37 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Assistance.
5:05 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Complaint.
5:48 p.m. Brashear Avenue; Reckless operation.
7:24 p.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Open door.
8:25 p.m. 700 block of Franklin Street; Electrical fire.
8:45 p.m. 200 block of Ohio Street; Loud music.
9:44 p.m. 1800 block of Filmore Street; Disturbance.
9:59 p.m. 3200 block of Susan Drive; Complaint.
Friday, Jan. 26
2:22 a.m. 1400 block of Maple Street; Suspicious vehicle.
2:41 a.m. U.S. 90; Assistance.
2:43 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
3:15 a.m. Roderick Street; Suspicious person.
5:16 a.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Suspicious person.
Saturday, Jan. 27
6:53 a.m. 300 block of Glenwood Street; Medical.
8:10 a.m. Area of Fourth/Third streets; Animal complaint.
8:22 a.m. Area of Marguerite Street /Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
10 a.m. 500 block of Leona Street; 911 hang up.
12:09 p.m. Area of Fifth/Maine streets; Complaint.
1:25 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Vehicle accident.
2:45 p.m. 500 block of Marshall Street; Juvenile problems.
3:55 p.m. Area of La. 182; Animal complaint.
4:18 p.m. 400 block of Canton Street /Berwick; Be on the lookout.
6:49 p.m. Sixth/Greenwood streets; Suspicious subject.
6:50 p.m. La. 182 West; Suspicious vehicle.
9:02 p.m. Federal Avenue/Terrebonne Street; Suspicious subject.
9:11 p.m. Marquis Manor; Alarm.
9:30 p.m. Sixth/Greenwood streets; Suspicious subject.
9:34 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Fire.
9:43 p.m. 6600 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:48 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Remove subjects.
10:18 p.m. Mallard/Robin streets; Disturbance.
10:26 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Theft.
10:39 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Assistance.
10:41 p.m. 6200 block of La. 182; Civil matter.
11:47 p.m. 1900 block of Cedar Street; Complaint.
Sunday, Jan. 28
1 a.m. 6200 block of La. 182; Assistance.
1:48 a.m. Ditch Avenue/Eighth Street; Suspicious subject.
2:14 a.m. Railroad Avenue/Myrtle Street; Suspicious subject.
2:41 a.m. 1000 block of McDermott Drive; Disturbance.
4:04 a.m. Mount Street/Railroad Avenue; Suspicious subject.
4:11 a.m. Federal Avenue/Everett Street; Suspicious subject.
8:17 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Alarm.
6:26 p.m. 2500 block of Maple Street; Fire.
6:59 p.m. Federal Avenue/Bowman Street; Suspicious subject.
7:01 p.m. Louisiana Alley/Fifth Street; Frequent patrols.
7:22 p.m. Orange Street; Suspicious subject.
7:49 p.m. 2300 block of Tupelo Street; Suspicious vehicle.
8:01 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Suspicious subject.
8:10 p.m. Federal Avenue/Egle Street; Suspicious subject.
9:10 p.m. Marguerite/Seventh streets; Suspicious subject.
10:22 p.m. Brashear Avenue/Ninth Street; Suspicious subject.
10:54 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Medical.
11:56 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
Monday, Jan. 29
1:12 a.m. 700 block of Louisiana Street; Medical.
1:40 a.m. Front/Greenwood streets; Suspicious vehicle.
2:31 a.m. Leona/Sixth streets; Suspicious subject.
3:25 a.m. Sixth/Egle streets; Suspicious subject.

Drug, improper supervision arrests reported in Morgan City

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 12:38pm

Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Morgan City police reported arrests this week on charges of drug possession and improper supervision.

Franklin police arrested two men, both over 65, on fighting charges.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 63 complaints over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Kristy Renee' Rulf Ribardi, 46, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested 11:03 a.m. Thursday on two counts of failure ot appear (16th Judicial District Court).

--Louis David Gonzalez, 32, Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:45 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of cocaine, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and no driver's license.

--Louis Joseph Aucoin Jr., 53, Cotten Road, Patterson, was arrested at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of improper supervision of a minor by a parent.

--Tara Christina Oubre, 34, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:24 a.m. Thursday on a charge of improper supervision of a minor by a parent.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to six complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Charles Milton, 67, Cypress Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:09 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). Milton was booked, processed, and released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

--James Johnson, 75, Robertson Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:13 p.m. Friday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). Johnson was booked, processed and released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

Outgoing Galatea royalty

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 9:36am

The women’s mystic Krewe of Galatea will hold its tableau at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. Viewing is by invitation only. Queen and King Galatea LIV Mrs. Damon Bergeron and David Burton will make a farewell appearance. Galatea will present its parade at 2 p.m. Feb. 11 in Morgan City.

Valentine’s Day has several traditions

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 9:31am

Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Some sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run.
A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well.
Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.
Handwritten cards
It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the 11th hour. People can save themselves the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. Prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.
Pampering gentlemen
It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates.
However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers.
Bouquets
These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday.
History.com reports that, in the 19th century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.
Puzzle purses
Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.
Heart-shaped chocolate boxes
Having already introduced a "Fancy Box" of chocholates, British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited for marketing the first Valentine's Day box in 1861 shaped like a heart. It was filled with chocolates, and later could be saved as a keepsake to store special notes or other mementos, according to the North American Packaging Association.
Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.
Celebrating in June?
Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year.
Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February.

Stepson’s crimes are more than stepmom can tolerate

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 9:30am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My 30-year-old stepson, “David,” is a convicted sex offender, currently serving a 15-year sentence for possession of child pornography and having inappropriate conversations with a preteen that almost went further. This was his third arrest for the same thing. David is also mildly autistic.
I am beside myself. Because of David’s autism, his family looks the other way about his crimes. They all send him money, call him, buy him things, etc. I have kids of my own, and, frankly, the whole situation makes me want to vomit. I hide how I feel and try to be there for my husband because he loves his son, and it pains him to see David in prison. He also has been wonderful to my kids and raised them like his own.
I’m dreading what is going to happen when David is out of prison. He has nowhere to go, and I know he’s going to want to live with us. I am 1,000% against this, and I truly believe it could happen again.
My kids will be adults soon and away at college when he’s released, so I can’t use that as an excuse for him not to live with us. I also don’t want my home address on the sex offender registry. The street where I live is full of children.
What can I do?
I don’t want to lose my husband over this. I love him with all my heart, which is why I can’t tell him how I feel. Every time David speaks with his dad, he tells him he wishes he were home with him.
Please help!
STEPMOM WHO’S DREADING IT

DEAR STEPMOM: It is time to have an honest talk with your husband about this. When a sex offender is released from prison, there are stipulations in place. One of them is being forbidden to live close to young, vulnerable children.
Because your street is populated with them, David may not be ABLE to live with you. This is something you and your husband need to be communicating about as David’s release draws nearer, because it will have an impact on your lives.

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are part of a three-couple group who enjoy dining out as well as entertaining in our homes. However, while my wife and I and one other couple serve as hosts, the third never invites us into their home. They often suggest a menu or an occasion for us or the other couple to serve when we host.
This has gone on for at least five years. Both wives (who do most of the work for whatever in-home event there is) don’t seem bothered by it, but it irks me.
Is there a way to kindly suggest the third couple host without causing a problem?
FAIR IN SOUTH CAROLINA

DEAR FAIR: There can be several reasons why people behave as this couple does. They may not be confident in their cooking skills or the appearance of their home.
However, they SHOULD attempt to make up for it in other ways such as offering to bring food or beverages, or by doing the cleanup after the dinners. I see nothing wrong with asking the couple the reason for their reluctance, as long as it is done privately.
***
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

JOHN HENRY STANLEY

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 8:00am

John Henry Stanley, 70, a native and resident of Berwick, died Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.
He is survived by daughter, Jenae Stanley; son, Daniel Stanley; stepsons, Larry Fernandez and Jacob Fernandez; nine grandchildren; and brothers, James Stanley and Ted Stanley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are pending at this time.

St. Mary Chamber awards

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 7:01am

The St. Mary Chamber installed officers and presented awards at its banquet Jan. 18 at the Bayou Bend Wellness Center. More pictures appear elsewhere on this site. Photos are by Lily Kay Photography.

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: Next special session will focus on crime

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 6:44am

The end of one special session brings the countdown to the next.
Between now and the regular session that begins in March, Gov. Jeff Landry is expected to recall lawmakers to Baton Rouge to focus on crime. Organizers were originally targeting Feb. 19 through March 6 for the policymaking gathering.
Promising to crack down on crime was a focus of Landry’s campaign and his inauguration speech. The administration has not yet announced any specific proposals, though some lawmakers have begun lobbying for their concerns.
The governor, to be sure, has in the past criticized the bipartisan criminal justice overhaul the Legislature enacted in 2017. But it’s doubtful the call will be confined to just those policy topics.
Most lawmakers are waiting to find out what will be included. Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, who chairs the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee, said he is not privy to the administration’s plans.
“This session has two things it can do: You can use a hammer, and you can use a velvet hammer. You have to use both,” he said. “You can’t just focus on putting people in jail.”
Muscarello, R-Hammond, plans to propose a pilot program, modeled after an Arizona initiative, that would require people with identified mental issues who are convicted of a crime to enter treatment as a condition of their probation or parole.
A group of women legislators has been pushing for greater attention for crime survivors.
“I’m trying to give some weight to sexual assaults committed,” said Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, “recognizing the way we handle victims and also the way the crimes are handled or not at all.”
As for the special session on election issues that was recently adjourned, Landry got some, but not all, of what he wanted.
His favored congressional map, which carves up Congressman Garret Graves’ district while largely protecting the other GOP incumbents, was approved.
But his call to reapportion the Louisiana Supreme Court’s districts didn’t make it through the process. And the closed party primary election proposal was scaled back and delayed until 2026.
Here’s what passed, and has since been signed into law by Landry:
— SB 8 by Sen. Glen Womack, R-Harrisonburg, to redraw congressional districts to create an additional Black-majority district
— HB 16 by Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, to appropriate $1.4 million for mailings related to congressional redistricting (Funding for party primaries was stripped out, since that money won’t be needed for two years)
— HB 17 by Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, to establish party primaries for Congress, Louisiana Supreme Court justices, the Public Service Commission and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Unaffiliated voters can participate in the major party primary of their choice, but only in one per primary, and it provides for a second party primary if no one gets a majority in the first round)
The big question now is whether the congressional map will be challenged again. Freshman Rep. Mike Bayham, R-Chalmette, for one, sees a clear-cut racial gerrymander.
The new 6th District, which slashes across the state from Caddo Parish to the Capital Region, looks suspiciously like a district the Legislature created for the 1994 congressional election that the courts struck down, Bayham said, adding that the new plan splits his St. Bernard Parish in Chalmette.
“Litigation to challenge this map is being prepared and if anyone is interested in serving as a plaintiff in a statewide court challenge at no cost nor expense please contact me,” Bayham posted recently on his Facebook page.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.