Month: July 2018

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul, appearing before the Baton Rouge Press Club on Monday, July 23, 2018.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul was the guest speaker at the Baton Rouge Press Club meeting of Monday, July 23, 2018.  Prior to becoming Baton Rouge Police Chief, Paul was a long-time LSP trooper.  In fact, he’d been a trooper since 1994. As lieutenant colonel at LSP, prior to accepting the role of Baton Rouge Police Chief, he served as the Deputy Superintendent of the LSP Bureau of Investigation.

At the meeting, Sound Off Louisiana founder Robert Burns asked Paul if he had obtained the LSP Colonel position rather than Reeves, whether he would have taken the same action as Col. Reeves or whether he believes the troopers, who all testified before the LSPC on Monday, July 16, 2018 that they were “scapegoats” for former Col. Mike Edmonson, should prevail in their appeal of Reeves’ disciplinary action, which was comprised of demotions for troopers Rodney Hyatt and Derrell Williams, and a letter of reprimand for trooper Thurman Miller.  Let’s view Paul’s response:

BR Police Chief Paul responds to Burns’ question entailing Reeves’ disciplinary action on three LSP troopers entailing “Vegas side trip.”

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Retired LSP Trooper Leon “Bucky” Millet makes his public comments to the Louisiana State Police Commisison at the conculsion of a disciplinary hearing entailing three LSP troopers’ “Las Vegas side trip” while traveling to a San Diego conference in October of 2016.  The Commission will render its judgment at its next meeting of August 9, 2018.

We have taken our time to produce today’s feature entailing testimony by three LSP troopers on Monday, July 16, 2018 before the Louisiana State Police Commission (LSPC) because #1) it was a lengthy and tedious process to condense each trooper’s testimony into reasonable-viewing-time videos for our subscribers and, #2) the LSPC has opted to wait until its next scheduled meeting before rendering its decision.

The troopers provided compelling evidence that they were essentially expected to be errand boys (our words, not their words) for former Col. Edmonson, with trooper Rodney Hyatt testifying that Edmonson indicated that, “if you want to go to the convention, you have to drive!”

At this time, let’s present condensed video testimony for each trooper.  Because Hyatt’s role was the lead on this venture and Edmonson chose to communicate almost exclusively through him, by necessity, Hyatt was on the stand far longer (nearly four hours) and, correspondingly, his video is longer.  Although our condensed version is 43 minutes, we believe it is #1) very informative, and #2) well worth the view (as are those of troopers Thurman Miller and Derrell Williams as well).  Here are the videos of the troopers’ testimony:

LSPC testimony of Rodney Hyatt (CLICK HERE for testimony in its entirety).

LSPC testimony of Thurman Miller (CLICK HERE for testimony in its entirety).

LSPC testimony of Derrell Williams (CLICK HERE for testimony in its entirety).

When the entire four-day proceeding concluded, Advocate reporter Jim Mustian drafted an excellent article entailing the troopers’ testimony.  Sound Off Louisiana founder Robert Burns provided extensive commentary in the comments section of that article entailing what he believes the LSPC’s ultimate decision will be (as well as some other commentary on the matter, with particular negative focus on Gov. Edwards near the end).  If readers would like, they may view those comments in their entirety here; however, for purposes of this feature, let’s focus strictly upon the crux of the matter at hand, and that is the prediction on how this hearing will ultimately play out as predicted by Burns (from the aforementioned comments):

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First, great article, Jim, just as you’ve done throughout this ordeal and on other matters pertaining to LSP.

Now, I know what I’m about to write will most certainly not be popular; however, as that saying goes, “it is what it is.”:

The members of the LSPC are essentially jurors. As such, though their final decision may not even coincide with their own opinions on the matter, as jurors, they are to listen to the evidence and testimony and then take the appropriate action in light of that evidence and testimony.

I have attended approximately 65% or so of the four-day hearing. Not only did Major David McClendon testify that, if Edmonson approved the side trip (which the evidence was overwhelming that he did and even cheered it on), then the issue of disciplinary action “would have to be revisited,” but beyond that, Col. Kevin Reeves, near the end of his testimony and when quizzed by LSPC Chairman Eulis Simien, Jr. stated in no uncertain terms that, “if the previous administration approved the rates for the hotel charges,” no violation transpired! Also, Col. Reeves testified that, if Col. Edmonson instructed Trooper Derrell Williams to play golf and network with the Motorola representatives and that he considered him “on the clock” when doing so, that too “would not be a violation.”

Hence, as jurors, the LSPC has an obligation to consider the testimony entailing the above revelations and take the appropriate action. In my humble opinion, that is going to necessitate the following:

1. Trooper Williams’ demotion will be overturned, his previous rank will be reinstated, and he will be issued back pay for the time he has been demoted. I do not believe he will be reinstated to his prior position in Internal Affairs because of the inappropriate emails sent on the LSP computer email account.

2. Entailing those inappropriate emails, I believe the LSPC will instruct that a letter of reprimand be placed in Williams’ file for that infraction.

3. Trooper Hyatt’s demotion will be overturned, his previous rank will be reinstated, and he will be issued back pay for the time he has been demoted. The evidence has been overwhelming that Hyatt was forced to drive as a condition of attending (he indicated today a total lack of enthusiasm when first told he would have to drive) and that, as attorney Floyd Falcon stated at the outset of the hearing, that was a requirement “so Colonel Edmonson could have a Ford Expetition at his beck and call and a driver in San Diego.”

4. Trooper Thurman Miller’s letter of reprimand will be expunged from his file. Col. Reeves indicated that “common sense” would have dictated not making this side trip, and that’s true. It is also “common sense” that only an idiot would drive from Natchitoches, Louisiana to Baton Rouge only to then have to ride with a crew from Baton Rouge back to Natchitoches, Louisiana when going to San Diego! Miller stated that made no sense. The bottom line is he had no idea they were even going to take the “northern route,” and thus would also be in the dark on the adventures along the way. Thus, in the truest sense of the phrase, he was literally “along for the ride.” Under those circumstances, I do not believe the letter of reprimand was appropriate, and I think the commission members will see it the same way.

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With the benefit of time, the only addition Burns now indicates he would make to the above itemization is that a letter of reprimand would also be placed in Hyatt’s file for him having disregarded his obligation to be at a conference at 9:00 a.m. and, by his own admission, “staying up late in Las Vegas” the night before, causing him to not make it to the conference until around 2 pm.

The meeting Monday concluded with very interesting public comment from retired LSP trooper Leon “Bucky” Millet, who has been a determined watchdog at the LSPC for about 2 1/2 years.  Let’s view his public comment at this time:

Public comment by retired LSP trooper Leon “Bucky” Millet at the conclusion of the meeting.

We contacted Millet after the meeting, and he indicated that, were he a member of the LSPC, he would decline to take any action at this time other than “referring it to the Attorney General, Inspector General, and East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney for criminal investigation.”  He indicated that, if the investigative agency finds that the troopers committed criminal acts, “they should be terminated upon finding of guilt.”  When we pushed him for what he would do if the agency declined to review the matter or, upon review of the matter, determined that no criminal acts transpired on the parts of the troopers, what he would do?  His response:  “At a bare minimum, I would uphold Col. Reeves’ disciplinary measures because, in my opinion, they knowingly took a state-paid vacation.”

The LSPC announced that it will render its judgment at its next meeting of August 9, 2018, and Sound Off Louisiana will be there to videotape that decision and distribute it to our subscribers and other interested parties.

If you would like to be added to our Sound Off Louisiana email list to be notified of future posts, simply go to our home page and scroll to the bottom (mobile devices) or to the top of the right-hand column (desktops).  Supply your email address within the subscribe box.  You’ll then receive an automated email from Word Press, and all you have to do is click on the blue “confirm follow” bar contained within that email, and you’ll begin receiving great posts such as the preceding one above.

Former member of Gov. Edwards’ Auction Board, Jacob Brown, who was arrested on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 for allegedly issuing $175,000 in worthless checks, many of which are purported to be to the State of Louisiana entailing his auctioning of State surplus equipment.

Sound Off Louisiana subscribers may recall founder Robert Burns’ extensive efforts to ensure auctioneers are included in Sen. John Milkovich’s SB-260 (they were, and the measure becomes law on August 1, 2018), and we placed in the headline the fact that the Louisiana Auctioneer’s Licensing Board (LALB) is now formally recognized as among the three most corrupt boards in Louisiana.

We were not being melodramatic, and we welcome our subscribers to view the previous feature entailing testimony by Burns regarding the LALB’s resolute determination to permit its executive director, Sandy Edmonds, to commit “blatant payroll fraud.”

Also, we’ve recently outlined the extensive corruption of one of Gov. Edwards’ hand-picked board members, Jacob Brown, who has allegedly issued an approximate $175,000+ in worthless checks, and subscribers are welcome to view just how Brown royally screwed both consignors and buyers via the complaints placed on full display at the preceding link.

As long-time Louisiana residents may know, Jacob Brown is the son of Cecil Brown, who served time in Federal prison along with former four-term Louisiana Gov. Edwin Washington Edwards pertaining to bribes in the gaming industry during Edwards’ last term in office from 1992 – 1996.  On July 16, 2012, Cecil Brown also was summoned in for an LALB administrative hearing pertaining to illegalities entailing a consignor from the state of Washington (Lance Chipmen).

As long-time Sound Off Louisiana subscribers are aware, Gov. Edwards also appointed Rev. Freddie Lee Phillips, Louisiana’s first and only African American auctioneer, to the LALB on April 20, 2016.  After being bombarded with Facebook and other social media pleas to Gov. Edwards by members of the Louisiana Auctioneer’s Association (LAA) for him to rescind that appointment, Gov. Edwards caved and did rescind Phillips’ appointment on May 5, 2016 before Phillips could even attend his first LALB meeting!  Four days later, May 9, 2016, Rev. Phillips confronted and challenged Gov. Edwards on his decision on camera.  As evidenced by the preceding video clip, Edwards claimed he yanked Phillips because of a “prior commitment.”  He also said, “I had to rescind an appointment (to fulfill that commitment), and I rescinded yours.”

Perhaps Gov. Edwards may have been better served to have chosen Brown, who, like Phillips, was one of Edwards’ newly-selected LALB members.  Brown was also one of those members of the LAA clamoring for Phillips’ removal as evidenced by the Facebook link above.  We point out that Brown’s LAA membership is no longer displayed on the LAA’s website.    At any rate, Governor Edwards, in rescinding the appointment of Louisiana’s only African American auctioneer in its history, certainly appeared more than willing to cave to Louisiana auctioneers’ “good ‘ole boy” network, Edwards’ 97% support among African American voters in 2015 notwithstanding!  Guess those “prior commitments” must be darn near blood oath covenants, huh, Governor?

At any rate, Jacob Brown, whom Gov. Edwards chose to allow to remain an LALB member rather than Phillips, has now been arrested and charged with multiple felonies as a result of his confusion over his bank balances.  After first having been profiled on WAFB’s Crime Stoppers last week, Brown surrendered to authorities yesterday (July 17, 2018).  Videos of WAFB’s profiling of Brown on Crime Stoppers and coverage of his arrest have been consolidated into the following video clip which is less than a minute in length, and the WAFB links from which they were derived are beneath the video:

WAFB’s Crime Stoppers profile of Brown as well as his arrest.

So, that was an interesting “prior commitment,” Gov. Edwards..errrrrrrrrrr “Honor Code.”  While we commend WAFB for its assist with the apprehension of Brown, it’s nevertheless interesting that they saw fit to omit the fact he was an appointee of Gov. Edwards to his Auction Board and was engaging in these acts at the very time of him serving on the LALB.  Just an oversight on WAFB’s part we’re sure!    Click here to see our post on the very hush-hush manner in which Gov. Honor Code and the crew at the LALB relieved Brown of his duties.  Guess this “prior commitment” was a flat-out bust, huh Gov. Edwards..errrrrrrrr “Honor Code?”

If you would like to be added to our Sound Off Louisiana email list to be notified of future posts, simply go to our home page and scroll to the bottom (mobile devices) or to the top of the right-hand column (desktops).  Supply your email address within the subscribe box.  You’ll then receive an automated email from Word Press, and all you have to do is click on the blue “confirm follow” bar contained within that email, and you’ll begin receiving great posts such as the preceding one above.