At the risk of an onset of “Troopergate Fatigue,” details keep emerging involving expensive TRIPS to conferences by members of former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson’s inner circle on the taxpayers’ dime.
But while The Baton Rouge Advocate’s Jim Mustian was busy documenting yet another of those trips, this one to Orlando back in 2014, LouisianaVoice has learned that members of the Louisiana State Police Commission (LSPC) now recognize that they were apparently asleep at the wheel when they approved the creation of a Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) position last August at the behest of Edmonson.
Of course it didn’t hurt that Edmonson, described by virtually anyone who knows him as a slick snake oil salesman, was able to schmooze the somnolent commission into approving his request.
But the thing that is really tragic about the whole affair is that it led directly to the forced resignation of LSPC Executive Director Cathy Derbonne when she pointed out irregularities in the procedures employed to elevate Maj. Jason Starnes into the position.
Once she was onto the scam, she simply had to go.
Events were set in motion when Edmonson, getting the cart ahead of the proverbial horse, listed Starnes as “undersecretary” on the State Police Web page. Derbonne pointed out to the Edmonson that the designation of undersecretary was incorrect because Starnes did not occupy the position. In fact, the designation of undersecretary was not Edmonson’s to convey; that responsibility belongs exclusively to the governor.
Edmonson conceded that her assertion was correct but said that he had given Starnes “oversight” over the Office of Finance and that he “has assumed those duties in his current position.” From that moment on, Derbonne’s fate was sealed.
“What I’d like to do in this position is create an unclassified position just like we have with all the lieutenant colonels. We still hold and maintain a classified position of Major so that, if I brought (in) a lieutenant colonel and said, ‘We’re making a change,’ they can go back to that classified position.”
In his August appearance before the board to pitch the new position, Edmonson explained that he was asking to “create this temporary assignment. I am not increasing my T.O. (Table of Organization, i.e. actual permanent positions) I am not creating any additional funding issues…He’ll do that position within that rank. My desire is to create…a CAO because of how much work we do within our office.”
Edmonson then offered to address any questions commission members had. One of those, from Jared Caruso-Riecke, was about any additions funding necessary for the position. Edmonson assured Riecke there would be “no new funds. It was not my intention to even ask for that,” he said.
This is where things got dicey.
Commission member Eulis Simien seconded the motion for approval of the position “with the understanding that we are accepting the motion to create a position not relative to any particular person. Whatever appointment would be based on being after the position is created.”
Yet, only moments before, Edmonson had specifically committed the position to Starnes in a statement that apparently every single member of the commission managed to miss. Asked by Riecke about the duties of the position and whether they were “created somewhat by the board that you have now, Edmonson responded, “Correct. Jason Starnes will come in this position and assume the duties and oversight.”
To hear that commitment, go HERE and scroll to the 2:27 mark in his testimony.
Then, no sooner had Starnes been officially named to the new position than he was rewarded with a $25,000 increase that prompted former member Lloyd Grafton (he ultimately resigned from the commission after questioning its overall integrity) to challenge the pay increase because of the promise by Edmonson that no additional funds would be incurred—another tidbit missed by everyone but Grafton.
When a formal complaint was lodged over the transfer of a classified member of the State Police Service being transferred to an unclassified position outside the State Police Service (as with the Starnes assignment), a violation of Rule 14.3g, contract attorney Taylor Townsend (initially hired to investigate campaign contributions by members of the Louisiana State Troopers Association but whose duties were apparently expanded to that of general counsel) said that Starnes was not officially appointed to the undersecretary position. Townsend confirmed that only the governor, and not Edmonson, had the authority to fill the position of deputy superintendent.
When Townsend further explained that the commission’s August approval of the CAO position had rendered the investigation of the complaint moot, Riecke moved to go into executive session.
LouisianaVoice protested that an executive session on that matter was illegal because it was not to discuss pending litigation or an employee’s character but Townsend said the closed door session was to discuss personnel matters.
Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law (R.S. 42:16-17) provides that a public body may go into executive session if two-thirds of the members present vote to go into executive session. In executive session, public officials may only discuss a) the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of a person (unless the person is being considered for an appointment), b) strategy or negotiations regarding collective bargaining or future or current litigation, c) security personnel, plans or devices, d) investigative proceedings regarding alleged misconduct or e) an extraordinary emergency.
Because the discussion was not about the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of Starnes, nor was it about hiring him specifically, but instead was about whether or not the creation of the position itself was legal, LouisianaVoice maintained at the time and continues to hold that the executive session was illegal, Townsend’s professional legal opinion notwithstanding.
Predictably, upon emerging from the 25-minute closed-door confab, Riecke made the motion that no further action be taken on the investigation of the complaint.
Townsend, of course, the same attorney who recommended no action be taken on the LSTA campaign contributions matter. He also never submitted any report to the commission to support his recommendation.
Finally reacting to the constant prodding of retired State Trooper Leon “Bucky” Millet of Lake Arthur, the commission last Thursday decided to request that all of Townsend’s papers generated by his “investigation” be forwarded to the commission since his contract stipulates that all his findings would become the property of the commission.
But that was not the only voice of concern emerging from Thursday’s otherwise tranquil meeting.
It now seems that Simien is also now concerned over Edmonson’s apparent misleading statements to the commission last August regarding the Starnes appointment. Go HERE and scroll to the 2:07 mark to hear his comments.
All this because Derbonne had the temerity to do her job land point out to Edmonson that he had incorrectly and improperly designated Starnes as a lieutenant colonel on the State Police Web page.
We can somewhat understand why, given the political nature of LSP and the players involved, why Derbonne became the sacrificial lamb. She was the easiest to set up, the most vulnerable, and best of all, expendable, both in terms of the ease of getting rid of her and replacing her.
What we fail to understand is why two members of the commission then, with their own money, retained the services of a private investigator to follow her. This was apparently done, LouisianaVoice has learned, in an effort to determine who within LSP might be leaking information to her.
Way to bury the lead, Tom. The last paragraph is a doozy.
Done by design, the reasons for which I hope will become evident in time.
It doesn’t end there keep digging
WOW!! I’m damn near speechless from that final revelation! I think there can be little doubt that the peace and tranquility of the last meeting will be a flash in the pan given that bombshell revelation.
Obviously, Mr. Millet’s memory of the exchange between Simien and Edmonson was a little foggy; however, how can ANY member of the Commission have ANY doubt about for whom the position is being created with Col. Edmonson made no effort whatsoever to conceal the fact is was being created for Starnes. “Jason Starnes will come in this position.” What does the Commission expect Edmonson to do? Take out billboards all over town with those words affixed on them?
Riecke has repeatedly said “we all have a copy of the tape and the tape says what it says.” Well, maybe the Commission members have always had the tape, but I really don’t think they wanted John Q. Public to be able to hear that tape (particularly from the 2:27 – 2:31 mark) with the mere touch of a link!
Now that the public has that ability, I think now would be an appropriate time to review the most hostile exchange I’ve seen yet, which was the infamous Riecke-Grafton exchange over exactly what the tape said: https://youtu.be/0-X1ju-iX_s.
With the advantage of the tape and the preceding video, everyone can assess whose account of the tape contents was accurate. I’ve done so, and it is VERY, VERY obvious whose recollection of the tape’s contents was accurate!
I agree with you, Tom. I think it was this SPECIFIC episode that caused Derbonne’s ouster. By Riecke’s own admission on that video, “there were other commissioners out there that were angry at me for putting that out there.” I think we now know why, and I have no doubt at least three members of the Commission (at that time) that I can think of would NOT want the contents of that tape out there for reasons that are now very obvious!
I agree with you, Tom. The contents of that tape explain why Derbonne was ousted! It’s that simple.
Great article, Tom. Sorry my article was so boring, but I simply don’t have your pipeline, and I just gave an account of Thursday’s meeting, which was very tranquil. Somehow, I think with your revelation at the end of this article, the next meeting is going to be a doozy!
Tom,
LSP is crying, “Let Us Move On”, “Mike is Gone we need closure”. The reality the public deserves from the new Superintendent is Transparency and those involved held accountable in the form of discipline and justice. The inner circle held positions of authority and knew better. Heck, they disciplined Troopers for doing the same thing they were doing for years.
As for as the LSP Commission is concerned. How can a regulatory body be controlled by the entity they regulate. Their Office Space, Their Records, IT, and Data are all controlled by LSP. The LSP Commission daily operational functions are handled by LSP Management and Finance, (Jason Starnes). In other words, they can’t pay a invoice without it going through LSP Management and Finance. The Commission Chairman is a Trooper who answers to a LSP Chain of Command at the end of the day. Why so many resignations from the Commission in the past 18 months? We All Know Why!
Their is so little confidence in the Commission because of all this. Has any complaints been filed by active Troopers requesting an investigation by the Commission for a LSP Commission Rule violation in the past 20 years? There are none, because of all this.
At best, this Commission serves as a duplication of services that could be appropriately handled by State Civil Service. In the current State budget crisis, the Legislature should consider placing LSP back under Civil Service.
Amen. In reality, the commission should have never been created. If you ask the now-retired author of the bill creating it, I believe he will tell you he wishes he had not. Power corrupts…
Tarnish, Please don’t take offense to this, but you sound like a dick.
Only if you are an LSP shill
Disappointing at best.
I hope Derbonnne has hired a great attorney. If not, I’d like to recommend Jerald Harper in Shreveport. I hope she sues them into oblivion.
This is my first visit to this “news outlet” and I could not be more disgusted. Mike Edmonson dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of this state, and he did so admirably. Was he perfect? Of course not, but for this news medium or any other to stoop so low as to reference him as a “slick snake oil salesman” is reprehensible. As stated above, he was in no way deceitful about who was going to fill the position, and the lady on the video said Edmonson’s move resulted in over $100,000 in savings. It looks like he had support on that commission. Like the title says: “no good deed (like saving us $100,000) goes unpunished.” I’m highly disappointed with this article, but I guess when you’re a public figure, you get subjected to pop shots like being called a “slick snake oil salesman.” Pathetic!
Edmonson was as corrupt as he appeared. Anyone that would defend him is part of the problem.
I can hardly believe that I’m dignifying this kind of commentary or this publication, but, you sir, are not qualified to stand in the same room with MIke Edmonson. Yes, he may be a smooth operator and negotiator, but he holds the distinction of being the only Colonel to survive a transfer of power from one Governor to the next. He did so even when the political party of the outgoing Governor is the polar opposite of the incoming Governor. He is a rare quantity who will be impossible to fill the shoes of.
Dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of this state? Geez, he was a public information officer and then the LSU football coach’s bodyguard. He never wrote a ticket in his life, never did patrol duty. The only person he protected was Mike Edmonson. He survived from a Republican to a Democratic governor only because of pressure applied by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, a group no governor in his right mind will buck. If you’re going to comment on these issues, at least know what you’re talking about because you’re completely ignoring the sorry record he compiled as commander of state police.
Tarnish, allow me to explain. You make the statement that LSP wants to move on but that is not good enough for you. Who exactly do you want gone? Will this make you stop whining? You keep talking about inner circles. Tell us who is the “inner circle” and what makes them the inner circle? For instance, is the inner circle people you do not like because of some perceived wrong done to you? I know who you are. You are not that innocent. You got to go on your trips as well and you were promoted under Edmonson, so are you just mad because you were in the inner circle?
Just to be clear Civil Service is not a regulatory agency over any department; and thus, the LSPC is also not a regulatory agency over LSP. Can you please show me where it says that in their function or their mission statement? Let me save you some time. You cannot.
“The State Police Commission was created by Article X, Part IV, Sec 41-51 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, to provide an independent civil service system for all regularly commissioned full-time law enforcement officers employed by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, or its successor, who are graduates of the State Police training academy of instruction and are vested with full state police powers, as provided by law, and persons to become such officers.”
“The mission of the State Police Commission is to provide a separate merit system for the commissioned officers of Louisiana State Police. In accomplishing this mission, the program administers entry-level law enforcement examinations and promotional examinations, processes personnel actions, issues certificates to those eligible, and schedules appeal hearings and pay hearings.”
And, here is what the Louisiana State Civil Service does.
Louisiana State Civil Service is the central personnel agency for the state of Louisiana. Our goal is to help state agencies manage their human resources so that they may provide the most effective service to the citizens of Louisiana. In pursuit of this goal, we administer a comprehensive merit-based personnel management program. Our policies are founded upon the principles of equal pay for equal work, equal opportunity, ability based employment and promotion, and freedom from political influence. State Civil Service is established by Article X in the Louisiana State Constitution.
Vision
To be recognized by user agencies as a leader and partner in the management of human resources.
Mission
To provide human resource services and programs that enable state government to attract, develop and retain a productive and diverse workforce that excels in delivering quality services to the citizens of Louisiana.
Philosophy
It is the responsibility of the Louisiana State Civil Service to provide the systems and services that will enable the agencies of Louisiana state government to make merit-based, quality decisions regarding the hiring, training and retaining of those skilled and capable individuals who are essential to providing cost effective, quality services to Louisiana’s citizens. The Department shall provide services in an efficient and courteous manner and shall foster work practices that ensure that classified employees work in an environment where excellence and productivity are encouraged and recognized.
Please do some research because your lack of it diminishes your credibility. Moreover, considering what you once did in state police, I am shocked at your deficiency in reporting factual information.
Spot On Fairness. Magic Mike and his ability to make a Monday a Tuesday did not do anything without something expected in return. Let us all see where all this ends up in the next few months. Last year at this time they were all in Control. Now with a Retirement/Forced Resignation of Magic Mike AKA “Precious”. Numerous investigations to include federal inquiries, we are all watching Magic Mike and his inner circle squirm! the Laugh will be on them!.
Yes, Tarnish please tell us why so many resignations from the LSPC. You seem to know all the answers. You just always fail to provide any substantial proof or facts. You need some help. I am beginning to see the original Truth Seeker’s point about you.
2 LSPC used their own money to hire a private eye. I would bet (let me not say that, because it might give some the idea to take a Vegas Trip at LSP cost)…I would say that these 2 LSPC didn’t pay out of pocket. Someway, they weaseled it……… where they would get refunded. They dumb and might have used their own money up front, but I can assure you, someway, somehow, they were refunded the money to hire the private eye. Follow the money.. They didn’t hire anyone with their own money unless a refund was in the deal. What’s next. Snake oil troopers installing GPS units in state vehicles for non-criminal means. That would never happen…I assume…ummmm. I hope Ms. Derbonne checked her vehicle for all kinds of attachments if the old LSPC and others snake oiled friends were willing to take it this far.
Mike Edmonson should have been jailed years ago when he defrauded both the Catholic Church, and the state of Louisiana, when the Pope visited New Orleans, way back in the 80’s. He should have been fired, and jailed years ago. That’s always been the problem in Louisiana, and that is why the state has such a poor reputation across the country. In Louisiana Government, the scum always rises to the top ! You’d think the voters would catch on to the political scams, but it’s still alive, and well in the Bayou State !