News Summary
Four former public defenders have filed a lawsuit against the Louisiana government and the state public defender, alleging their dismissals were politically motivated. The plaintiffs claim interference from the current state public defender’s office and Governor Jeff Landry’s administration contributed to their job losses, especially after they voiced concerns regarding proposed changes to public defender roles and funding. This lawsuit highlights broader issues of political influence within public defense and calls into question governance practices in Louisiana.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Four former public defenders are suing the Louisiana government and the state public defender over their recent terminations, claiming their dismissals were politically motivated and fueled by personal animosity from the state public defender’s office. The plaintiffs, Michelle AndrePont, Brett Brunson, John Hogue, and Trisha Ward, allege that interference from Governor Jeff Landry’s administration played a role in the review process of their work contracts, culminating in their job losses.
The lawsuit, filed in East Baton Rouge Parish by attorneys Rick Schroeder and Stephen Haedicke, names several defendants including the Louisiana Office of the State Public Defender, the Louisiana State Public Defender Oversight Board, and Rémy Starns, the current state public defender. The plaintiffs collectively bring nearly 100 years of experience in public defense, and until their terminations, they had never faced problematic audits or performance reviews in their positions.
The claimants assert that Starns declined to renew their contracts after they voiced concerns against proposed changes to the finances and pay scales for chief public defenders. Their termination came on the heels of their testimony against a legislative proposal that sought to shift significant power from the oversight board to Starns. This proposal was ultimately withdrawn following growing opposition from the plaintiffs and public defense experts, thereby preserving the oversight board’s authority over crucial decisions.
In the months following their terminations, Starns attempted to introduce a new salary model for chief public defenders, which was met with resistance due to concerns that it could lead to pay cuts for existing public defenders. Earlier efforts by Starns to consolidate power, which included proposing additional legislation, were also derailed by state legislators who criticized the moves as a blatant “power grab.”
The lawsuit highlights allegations of inappropriate communications between Starns, the Landry administration, and members of the public defender oversight board concerning the plaintiffs’ dismissals. The new board members appointed to review the terminations reportedly received instructions to vote for the terminations as a precondition for their appointments. In a twist of events, the oversight board’s vote resulted in the newer members siding with the terminations, while the original board members expressed support for the defenders.
One newly appointed board member, Medlock Harbison Jr., cast the decisive vote in favor of the terminations despite having no prior experience in criminal law. His vote was backed by a prewritten resolution that had allegedly been authorized prior to the vote, further suggesting possible collusion.
The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages, including a request for their reinstatement to their former positions. This court case not only underscores the ongoing tension between the public defense system in Louisiana and its oversight bodies but also highlights broader concerns regarding potential political interference in public service roles. The outcome of this lawsuit may set significant precedents for public defenders and state employment practices in Louisiana.
The current state public defender, Rémy Starns, was initially appointed in 2020 by then-Governor John Bel Edwards and was reappointed by Landry in 2024. The events leading up to this lawsuit raise critical questions about governance within the public defender system and the impact of political dynamics on crucial legal services provided to those who cannot afford private counsel.
As the legal proceedings continue, attention will remain focused on how this case influences the ability of public defenders in Louisiana to advocate effectively without fear of retaliatory actions stemming from political disagreements.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- LA Illuminator: Public Defenders Sue Louisiana
- NOLA: Louisiana Public Defenders Sue Rémy Starns
- Law Commentary: Louisiana Attorney General Sues Roblox
- Wikipedia: Public Defender
- Digital Music News: Louisiana AG Files Lawsuit vs. Roblox
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Attorney General
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
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