LouisianaVoice has learned that The Louisiana State Troopers Association (LSTA) has funneled more than $45,000 in political campaign contributions through LSTA Executive Director David T. Young since 2003 without the knowledge of the organization’s rank and file membership.
Much of that amount ($23,750) was given to Bobby Jindal ($10,250) and to three of the four major candidates for governor in the 2015 election ($13,500).
This follows the LSTA’s endorsement of Governor-elect John Bel Edwards in his runoff election against U.S. Sen. David Vitter which also was done without consulting or polling LSTA membership.
Following revelations by LouisianaVoice, the LSTA board has taken action to ensure that no future candidates will be endorsed by the organization without first polling its membership. The board also declined to forward a letter to Edwards asking that State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson be reappointed for another four-year term. Edmonson denied that he asked for the letter but LSTA Interim President Stephen LaFargue twice confirmed that Edmonson did make the request.
It was LaFargue who made the motion at the board’s November 30 meeting to not send the letter. The 11-member board voted unanimously to not send it.
The LSTA, according to information contained on its website, is “a fraternal organization representing the men and women of the Louisiana State Police” and represents approximately 97 percent of the commissioned officers “as well as a substantial portion of State Police Retirees.”
Organized under Section 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code, LSTA is a non-profit organization founded in 1969 to represent the interests of its members and to “improve the public services provided by our members to our community.”
Besides membership dues of $30 per month for about 950 active members and $15 per month for retirees under 60 (there are no dues for retires over 60), LSTA also relies on individual and corporate contributions to sustain its activities. It also sells decals, wearables, shirts, caps, glasses, mugs, flashlights, and miscellaneous clothing, according to information contained on the Secretary of State’s corporate records for LSTA Enterprises, LLC.
A member who spoke to LouisianaVoice on condition of anonymity said the board sets aside $25,000 per year for political contributions. Later, when candidates for office become known, the decision is made on whom to contribute money. “The problem with that is,” he said, “is that the membership has never been told of this. They knew nothing about it. David (Young) writes a check and then invoices the board for that amount.”
Another member, when shown the numbers said simply, “Holy s–t! We had no idea this was going on.”
A 501(c)(5) is allowed under IRS rules to make “unlimited corporate, individual or union contributions, so it was not immediately clear why the contributions were made through Young.
The same source said he was incensed by the action. “LSTA wasn’t set up for this kind of activity. Its main purpose is to provide support for trooper who have suffered misfortune, such as when a child has a major illness or when a trooper’s home burns down. We’re not supposed to get all involved in politics.”
Another source said it was not Young’s idea for the LSTA endorsement of Edwards or to make the political contributions and that in fact, he advised against the endorsement. “He (Young) has tried his best to keep Edmonson out of the LSTA’s operations. He and Frank (former President Frank Besson) butted heads constantly over that issue (the endorsement). But when it came down to it, Frank was President and David did as instructed. David has been dedicated and loyal to the LSTA for more than 15 years.”
Besson was recently promoted to captain’s rank and was forced to relinquish his presidency since no one with a rank higher than lieutenant may serve as an LSTA officer. LaFargue was elevated to the position on an interim basis until newly-elected President James “Jay” O’quinn takes office.
Following is a printout from the Board of Ethics Campaign Finance report on contributions made by LSTA through Young. Blank spaces represent the contributions of different David Youngs which were removed by LouisianaVoice.
| Alario PAC, | F202 : ANN – LA-41156 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 OAKDALE BATON ROUGE, LA | CC | 12/21/2011 | $1,000.00 |
| Angelle, Scott A. | F102 : 10P – LA-52247 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 9/30/2015 | $2,500.00 | |
| Broadwater, Chris | F102 : 30P – LA-50384 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | 2/26/2015 | $1,000.00 | |
| Broadwater, Chris | F102 : 10P – LA-25704 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | Contribution. | 9/16/2011 | $250.00 |
| Clark, Cloyce | F102 : 30P – LA-50765 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 6/26/2015 | $500.00 | |
| Clark, Cloyce | F102 : 30P – LA-50765 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 3/27/2015 | $500.00 | |
| Clark, Cloyce | F102 : 10G – LA-54484 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 10/14/2015 | $500.00 | |
| Dardenne, John L. (Jay) | F102 : ANN – LA-47554 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70810-3107 | 12/11/2014 | $1,000.00 | |
| Davis, Paula | F102 : 10P – LA-52147 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 OAKDALE BATON ROUGE, LA 70810 | 10/1/2015 | $250.00 | |
| Downer, Hunt | F102 : 90P – LA-4445 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 5/29/2003 | $250.00 | |
| Edwards, John Bel | F102 : 10G – LA-54393 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 10/26/2015 | $5,000.00 | |
| Edwards, John Bel | F102 : 30P – LA-50798 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 8/10/2015 | $2,000.00 | |
| Edwards, John Bel | F102 : ANN – LA-48840 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA 70810-3107 | 7/16/2014 | $1,000.00 | |
| Edwards, John Bel | F102 : 90P – LA-49688 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 7/2/2015 | $1,000.00 | |
| Edwards, John Bel | F102 : ANN – LA-39161 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 7/14/2013 | $500.00 | |
| Edwards, John Bel | F102 : ANN – LA-48840 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 10/30/2014 | $500.00 | |
| Gautreaux, Dudley A. (Butch) | F102 : 30P – LA-20558 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 7/26/2010 | $1,000.00 | |
| Gautreaux, Dudley A. (Butch) | F102 : SUP – LA-23092 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 10/25/2010 | $500.00 | |
| Gautreaux, Dudley A. (Butch) | F102 : 30P – LA-20558 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 2/26/2010 | $500.00 | |
| Gautreaux, Nick | F102 : SUP – LA-11398 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 3/22/2006 | $250.00 | |
| Guillory, Elbert | F102 : 30P – LA-16780 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 2/11/2009 | $500.00 | |
| Guillory, Elbert | F102 : 10P – LA-25573 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 9/16/2011 | $500.00 | |
| Guillory, Elbert | F102 : 10G – LA-27857 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 10/29/2011 | $500.00 | |
| Guillory, Elbert | F102 : ANN – LA-35616 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 3/9/2012 | $500.00 | |
| Guillory, Elbert | F102 : ANN – LA-39781 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 3/26/2013 | $500.00 | |
| Guinn, John | F102 : ANN – LA-20241 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr. Baton Rouge, LA | 10/5/2009 | $250.00 | |
| Heitmeier, David | F102 : SUP – LA-16593 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 2/20/2008 | $500.00 | |
| Hoffmann, Frank A. | F102 : 10P – LA-25000 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 9/21/2011 | $250.00 | |
| Hoffmann, Frank A. | F102 : 30P – LA-50146 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 4/10/2015 | $250.00 | |
| House Democratic Campaign Committee of LA, | F202 : 30P – LA-24567 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 6/8/2011 | $500.00 | |
| House Democratic Campaign Committee of LA, | F202 : ANN – LA-34684 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 5/17/2012 | $500.00 | |
| House Democratic Campaign Committee of LA, | F202 : ANN – LA-39740 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 5/9/2013 | $500.00 | |
| House Democratic Campaign Committee of LA, | F202 : ANN – LA-47440 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 8120 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge, LA | 3/25/2014 | $500.00 | |
| House Democratic Campaign Committee of LA, | F202 : 30P – LA-51260 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 8120 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge, LA | 5/31/2015 | $500.00 | |
| Jackson, Michael L. | F102 : ANN – LA-11231 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 3/22/2006 | $250.00 | |
| Jindal, Bobby | F102 : 90P – LA-24239 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr. Baton Rouge, LA | 4/21/2011 | $5,000.00 | |
| Jindal, Bobby | F102 : 180P – LA-11626 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr. Baton Rouge, LA | 2/26/2007 | $2,500.00 | |
| Jindal, Bobby | F102 : 30P – LA-12153 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 8/18/2007 | $2,500.00 | |
| Jindal, Bobby | F102 : ANN – LA-10037 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 9/30/2003 | $250.00 | |
| LaBruzzo, John | F102 : ANN – LA-22748 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 12/3/2010 | $500.00 | |
| LaFonta, Juan | F102 : ANN – LA-18988 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 10/15/2009 | $500.00 | |
| Landry, Nancy | F102 : ANN – LA-17887 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 4/2/2009 | $250.00 | |
| Leadership for Louisiana, | F202 : ANN – LA-34933 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 3/6/2012 | $250.00 | |
| Leadership for Louisiana, | F202 : ANN – LA-39180 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 2/14/2013 | $250.00 | |
| Martiny, Daniel R. | F102 : 30P – LA-12096 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 4/19/2007 | $500.00 | |
| Michot, Mike | F102 : ANN – LA-17198 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 3/31/2008 | $500.00 | |
| Mills, Fred | F102 : 30P – LA-24540 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 OAKDALE DRIVE BATON ROUGE, LA | 4/25/2011 | $500.00 | |
| Montoucet, Jack | F102 : ANN – LA-24151 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr. Baton Rouge, LA | Golf Tournament Fundraiser 11-12-2010 | 11/11/2010 | $500.00 |
| Montoucet, Jack | F102 : 10P – LA-31755 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | Golf Tournament | 9/26/2011 | $250.00 |
| Montoucet, Jack | F102 : ANN – LA-38808 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | Campaign Contribution | 3/21/2013 | $250.00 |
| Montoucet, Jack | F102 : ANN – LA-24150 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1545 OAKDALE DR BATON ROUGE, LA | 10/4/2009 | $250.00 | |
| Nevers, Sr., Ben W. | F102 : 90P – LA-24091 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | donation | 4/20/2011 | $1,000.00 |
| Nevers, Sr., Ben W. | F102 : 10P – LA-31700 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 9/15/2011 | $500.00 | |
| Perry, Jonathan | F102 : SUP – LA-41161 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 OAKDALE DRIVE BATON ROUGE, LA | 9/22/2011 | $500.00 | |
| Robideaux, Joel | F102 : ANN – LA-47422 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 10/28/2014 | $500.00 | |
| Robideaux, Joel | F102 : ANN – LA-47422 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 1/24/2014 | $500.00 | |
| Robideaux, Joel | F102 : ANN – LA-47422 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 8/11/2014 | $250.00 | |
| Robideaux, Joel | F102 : 10P – LA-25466 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 9/20/2011 | $250.00 | |
| Schneider III, M. P. “Pete” | F102 : 30P – LA-50707 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Drive Baton Rouge, LA | 7/16/2015 | $250.00 | |
| Schroder, John | F102 : ANN – LA-38807 | CONTRIB | DAVID T. YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 4/3/2013 | $250.00 | |
| Smith, Patricia Haynes | F102 : SUP – LA-35365 | CONTRIB | DAVID YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 10/24/2011 | $500.00 | |
| St. Germain, Karen | F102 : ANN – LA-18774 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 2/25/2009 | $500.00 | |
| St. Germain, Karen | F102 : 10P – LA-25903 | CONTRIB | DAVID T YOUNG 1548 Oakdale Dr Baton Rouge, LA | 9/21/2011 | $500.00 | |
[…] Source: More than $45,000 in campaign cash is funneled through Executive Director by Louisiana State Trooper… […]
Reblogged this on tmabaker.
Once a year I receive a call on my cell phone, (which is listed on the do not call government list) from a state trooper soliciting donations for LA. State troopers. I cannot help but wonder where the funds really go and find it intimidating by these calls on my personal cell phone with its locator tracking capabilities. Why is the solicitation occurring when LSP are the only government workers to receive a huge pay increase? Let me first state that I support and applaud all first responders and putting their life at risk for the people of LA. and that includes all of them ,not just LSP.
Sounds lke corrupt housecleaning is way overdue.
While an active state employee, I was told no donations were to be made to people running for an elective office. Sounds like a vilolation of civil service!! Shame on those in charge.
So, the LSTA is free to make political contributions, make recommendations to the governor about who should be head of State Police, hire telemarketers to cold-call people soliciting donations – something many people find intimidating no matter what is in the script read to them, sell stuff and collect dues – and, although membership is apparently voluntary, there is a good reason 97% participate.
Aside from the many other implications, the existence of LSTA is further proof being a State Trooper is the best job you can have and be on the state payroll, particularly since you wouldn’t be a trooper anyhow if you didn’t want a career in law enforcement and realize the dangers inherent in the job. You apparently don’t have to worry about any silly civil service rules or much of anything else other state employees worry about and you are paid very well. You can retire early and have a whole other career before you are anywhere close to actually being old.
Imagine if rank-and-file state employees had an organization like the LSTA. But, wait, what is left of civil service would preclude such a thing. After all, we have to protect regular classified employees from engaging in any political activities that could lead us back to the old deduct box days, don’t we?
hire telemarketers to cold-call people soliciting donations
I imagine the new reply-before-hangup is going to be “Hey, I didn’t get a 30% raise! Click”.
that huge raise was bought and paid for …
The contributions explain the HUGE pay increase for state police!!!!
This whole business of making these covert political donations with the troopers money was designed by none other than Edmonson’s Chief of Staff Charlie Dupuy when he was the association president. It was nothing more than a backdoor way to buy himself and Edmonson their current positions of superintendent and chief of staff. I would have to disagree with the assessment of David Young being innocent and just caught in the middle. He has always been Dupuy and Edmonson’s lap dog and continues to be. I would be willing to bet money that he helped design their strategy. He has been hostile towards retired members and the retired members have been shunned and basically stripped of any rights within the organization. This is in keeping with Edmonson’s assessment of the retirees being “A bunch of disgruntled former employees” The fact of the matter is the retirees are not intimidated by Edmonson and are not subject to his in house vindictive reprisals.
Jindal/republicans have destroyed civil service. I recommend honoring our State constitution or fixing the mess Jindal’s has made.Otherwise, we can make all government employees NRA members, arm them with AR-15’s, except Muslims, and then we can shoot other government employees, who disagree with our Second Amendment right to be ignorant and prejudiced spiritually, and I do not have to pay taxes to support those workers who won’t work for slave wages and breed like flies to get more welfare benefits. ron thompson
Tom, as usual, an excellent exposé. It would seem the Louisiana Board of Ethics/ Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance Disclosure would be interested in reviewing for possible Title 18 violations since it is unclear if the donations were made clearly in the Association name as required or if the documentation on the Association side accurately supports the expenditures. There may also be issues since State Police is involved in and derives revenue from gaming. There are more specific rules relating to that. Additionally the 501 C (5) tax exempt status has limitations based on the organization’s primary purpose as it relates to political activity, determined by the type organization, in this case, labor union. And the IRS should review how the contributions were made. If in Young’s name, is there documentation to support the narrative now provided? If not, should Young have to claim the reimbursements as income?
What no one is asking… If the LSTA and Young didn’t think what they were doing was wrong, why have checks written by Young from his personal account, then get reimbursed? Why not just write the checks from the Association unless the intention was to hide the activity?
The District Attorney/incoming Attorney General should gather facts to determine if there was subterfuge in hiding the contributions or failure on the part of the company officers to protect the finances. Louisiana Business Corporation Law beginning in Section 91 may in some cases be applicable for members seeking to take control of their Association back from the Board and other Officers. The Board members have a Fiduciary responsibility now to clear this up and report as necessary to the proper authorities just like with any other company. And what about State Police Commission rules prohibiting political activity by Troopers?
As a retired Trooper and former LSTA President I am appalled. As one commenter noted, this apparently began with Charlie Dupuy and the Board during his tenure. I guess you can buy influence, as exhibited by Edmonson and Dupuy. Combined with Political clout from the Louisiana Sheriffs Association the State Police and LSTA have become nothing more than a vehicle to enhance the careers and earnings of those wielding the influence. Things such as the Edmonson Amendment, the State Trooper pay raise, and the attempts at re-appointments become clearer. The Trooper’s fear retribution and their silence was paid for with, in most cases over 50% salary increases. While many workers are fighting to stay above the poverty level and those with advanced degrees make barely enough to raise their families, Edmonson and the Legislators have provided Troopers with salaries in the mid $100k range even though adequate funding wasn’t and still isn’t there impacting all citizens. The Legislators aren’t interested in fighting the battle even though they have been lied to, first about funding and then who would actually receive the increases. Through their old style union thug tactics Edmonson and crew have built a fiefdom. They have alienated themselves from other state workers, including those civilians who work at State Police. They have destroyed the once proud tradition of State Police and denigrated the sacrifices of those before them, sacrifices made, not for them to pad their pockets, but to ensure the safety of citizens of our state. They have trampled on those who had to meet in secret to form the LSTA. There have been other Colonels who attempted to control and use the efforts of those who served the members but there was always a strong core of leaders who refused to allow it, even when faced with pressure over their careers. Unfortunately there does not now appear to be those with the strength of character and the moral compass to stand up to the pressure. Or maybe they have been bought with pay and career enhancements. Either way they have tarnished the State Police badge and dishonored those who sacrificed to build what they are now selling off and destroying.
Shame on you Mike. Being Colonel doesn’t make you a leader… it just makes you a political appointee who people depended on. Character makes one a leader. You’ve not just shamed the department and employees, you’ve shamed yourself over greed and to do it, you’ve used the men and women who placed their trust in you.
@jwpatrick1
Let’s not overlook that quite a bit of this has potential for RICO violations such as labor union embezzlement, money laundering and bribery. All used as tools in the diversion of state funds to specific individuals well in excess of a reasonable expectation of income.
I absolutely love the articles I read on here. Keep defending the defenseless and bringing to the light of day what the corrupt politicians are doing in secret from Bobby Jindal on down. The LSP is a corrupt cesspool filled with liars,thieves,drug addicts, and pedaphiles. And these are the leaders! There a lot of good men in blue that wear the uniform proudly! The day of reckoning is coming. The one question I have is why is the LSP Internal affairs investigating their own corruption? This stinks to the high heavens and yet speaks again to the good old boy network in this state. I hope all this mess can be cleaned up. Edmonson has to go and also several Troop commanders and higher ups to give the public faith once again in this storied organization