In Terrebonne Parish, a serious controversy has arisen following allegations of misuse of a government vehicle by Parish President Jason Bergeron during a political parade. The issue has prompted action from the Terrebonne Parish Council Chairman, John Amedee, who reported the incident to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. This blog post explores the details of the situation, the legal implications, and what actions the various authorities may take.
The Controversy Unfolds: Misuse of Government Resources
The controversy began on November 2, 2023, when Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron reportedly used a government vehicle in a political parade. The vehicle, a 2024 Chevy Tahoe Premier, was prominently featured with a cardboard cutout of former President Donald Trump sticking out of its sunroof. The incident caught the attention of local officials and the public, as many questioned the ethical implications of using taxpayer-funded resources for political purposes.
In response, Terrebonne Parish Council Chairman John Amedee sent a letter to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office on December 11, 2023. In his letter, Amedee highlighted the misuse of the parish vehicle and the reimbursement made by Bergeron for the vehicle’s usage, amounting to $244.86. The reimbursement included $7 for gas and a breakdown of the Enterprise daily rate for similar vehicles, which suggested that the cost was comparable to renting a vehicle for personal use. Despite the reimbursement, the primary issue remains whether the use of the vehicle for a political event violated state laws.
Legal Considerations: Ethics and Government Property Use
Under Louisiana State Law, government resources, including vehicles, cannot be used for personal or political gain. Louisiana Revised Statutes (LA RS 18:1465) prohibits the use of taxpayer-funded property to endorse any political candidate or cause. This statute is part of the Cabela’s Test, which determines whether public funds are misused. The test evaluates three key factors:
- Legal Obligation: Was the vehicle use legally required for a public function?
- Public Purpose: Did the use of the vehicle serve a legitimate public interest?
- Public Benefit: Did the use of the vehicle benefit the public in any way?
According to Ken Levy, a Louisiana State University Criminal Law Professor, the case likely fails the Cabela’s Test. He believes that the use of the vehicle for a political event does not meet the criteria for legal, public, or beneficial use, especially considering that it was used for personal political purposes, not for the benefit of the public.
The Investigation Process: What Happens Next?
The incident has led to an ongoing investigation. Councilman Brien Pledger initially reported the matter to the Louisiana Ethics Board, and he is awaiting their findings. However, Pledger also took the step of notifying the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. He reported that when he contacted the AG’s office, he was directed to the Ethics Board. Interestingly, when John Amedee later inquired with the AG’s office, they had no record of such a report being filed.
At this stage, the investigation into the allegations will proceed through several steps:
- Ethics Board Review: The Ethics Board will assess whether Bergeron violated ethical guidelines.
- Prosecutorial Decision: If any wrongdoing is confirmed, the matter will be forwarded to Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr., who will determine whether criminal charges should be pursued.
- Censure by the Council: The Terrebonne Parish Council also has the option to issue a formal censure of Bergeron’s actions. While most council members have refrained from commenting, Councilman Danny Babin expressed indifference, stating that the council has more pressing issues to address.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
The Terrebonne Parish Council meeting on November 6, 2023, was heated, with members of the public calling for swift action against Bergeron. Many felt that the Parish President’s actions were an affront to public trust. Aronda Smith, a former Parish President candidate, voiced her disappointment with the council’s failure to take action. Smith argued that the council’s role is to serve as a check-and-balance against executive overreach, and public officials should hold one another accountable.
Key Points to Understand:
- Misuse of a Government Vehicle: Parish President Jason Bergeron used a 2024 Chevy Tahoe Premier in a political parade, which is a clear violation of ethical guidelines surrounding the use of public resources.
- Reimbursement Not Enough: Although Bergeron reimbursed the parish for the vehicle’s use, this action does not necessarily absolve him from wrongdoing.
- Legal Test: The Cabela’s Test suggests that the vehicle use may not meet legal, public, or beneficial criteria.
- Investigation in Progress: The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana Ethics Board, and District Attorney’s Office are all involved in investigating the incident.
- Public Outrage: Many local residents and public officials have expressed frustration with the lack of immediate action from the Terrebonne Parish Council.
Moving Forward: What Could Happen Next?
As the investigation continues, several outcomes are possible:
- Criminal Charges: If the Ethics Board finds a violation, the case could be referred to District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. for prosecution. The local DA has the discretion to press charges or dismiss the case based on the evidence.
- Council Censure: The Terrebonne Parish Council could choose to censure Bergeron, formally condemning his actions. This would not have legal consequences but could tarnish his political reputation.
- Public Outcry: The issue could escalate further if local residents demand more transparency and accountability from their elected officials.
Conclusion
The situation in Terrebonne Parish highlights the importance of accountability for elected officials, especially when taxpayer funds and resources are involved. As the investigation unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see whether the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Louisiana Ethics Board, or the District Attorney will take action. The question remains: Will the Terrebonne Parish Council step up and hold their president accountable, or will this controversy fizzle out?
Relevant links for further reading
- Louisiana Ethics Board (link)
- Louisiana State Law on Government Property Use (link)
- Terrebonne Parish Council (link)
- Cabela’s Test (link)
Photo credit: Fox 8
