Both the chair and co-chair positions on the Louisiana State Police Commission (LSPC) are now vacant with the resignations of the seventh and eighth members from the commission in the past 12 months.
Commission co-chair Monica Manzella is the latest to step down from the commission. There has been no official announcement but both her name and that of former chairman, State Trooper T.J. Doss, have been removed from the names of commissioners listed on the LSPC Internet home page.
LouisianaVoice also has learned that Doss may have claimed he was working during the time he was in a movie and later in a Baton Rouge hotel with Manzella.
Doss resigned last Friday after being called into the office of State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves after he and Manzella were observed emerging from a movie while he was on the clock. When they exited the theater, Doss was carrying two mugs which the theater gives to patrons when they purchase beer. Soft drinks are sold in plastic cups.
Doss and Manzella were recorded on video and still camera last Thursday as they first exited Baton Rouge’s Movie Tavern and less than an hour later as they checked into front desk of the Watermark Hotel in downtown Baton Rouge. Manzella was filmed putting her arm around Doss as they checked into the hotel and then the pair immediately got on an elevator, presumably to their room.
Although neither is married, the fact that both served on the commission that hears trooper disciplinary appeals and which approves the Louisiana State Police (LSP) pay grid, could pose as problematic because of their potential influence on each other’s votes on those and other issues that come before the commission.
Doss’s time sheet, obtained by LouisianaVoice via a public records request, indicates he claimed to be in last Thursday’s (August 10) LSPC meeting for five hours, from 7 a.m. to noon, when in fact, the meeting, which did not begin until 9 a.m., lasted less than an hour. Those five hours were listed on his time sheet as “shift differential pay hours.”
Additionally, he claimed 10 hours, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday. During at least part of that time, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., he and Manzella were in Movie Tavern and from there, were in the hotel until almost 7 p.m.
Photos taken by LouisianaVoice document that the last photo, of Doss’s state vehicle parked in a city police parking space curbside opposite the hotel entrance, was taken at 6:29 p.m., which means he was on the clock and being paid while he was with Manzella from 3 p.m. until at least 6:30 p.m.
His time sheet indicates that he was traveling from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, where he lives, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.
After publication of the photos of the two leaving the theater and later checking into the hotel, he was called back to Baton Rouge and met with Reeves from noon on Friday until 2:30 p.m. and submitted his resignation from the LSPC shortly thereafter.
Louisiana Voice 
I am very proud of Superintendent Kevin Reeves for doing the right thing but it was only through your efforts Mr.Tom that they got caught and we Thank You for that.
God Bless all our good Troopers because they deserve a good leader and it looks like they finally got a good one.
Well said Barbara.
Here is another fine example of another article filled with exaggerated, misleading, and blatantly false information. That is actually proven to be unsubstantiated by the timesheet evidence Tom has provided.
However, before that is discussed, there are other inaccuracies that should be clarified. “When they exited the theater, Doss was carrying two mugs which the theater gives to patrons when they purchase beer. Soft drinks are sold in plastic cups.” This is false. After calling the Movie Tavern, it was learned that the mugs costs $12 and you can put anything you want into them, ANYTHING. If he had he actually done some investigative reporting, he would have learned this fact with a simple phone call.
Furthermore, because Doss is required to drive to the meetings as the elected state police representative he is allowed to drive his state issued vehicle; additionally, because Manzella is a board member she is allowed to ride in that vehicle. Doss is domiciled in Shreveport, LA which means that he is paid to travel to and from his residence or work location.
What Doss claimed on his timesheet was that he worked a total of 10 hours that day. Travel time from his domiciled location to Baton Rouge is approximately 4 hours one way which means that in travel time alone his day is 8 hours. Tom you actually may be right. Looks like Doss falsified his timesheet by NOT claiming enough time.
“…he and Manzella were observed emerging from a movie while he was on the clock.” According to the time sheet you provided, he was not on the clock as it shows a clear break in the comment section. You should learn to read a time sheet before you make this false statement.
Just wanted to state the truth.
He did not claim round-trip travel. He claimed only from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. The fact is he claimed to be on the clock from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.—during which time he and Manzella were at a movie.
You can defend Doss and Manzella all you wish, but it does not change the impropriety of their fraternization while serving together on a state commission charged with hearing disciplinary appeals and approving the LSP pay grid.
I suppose you also consider our reporting on the San Diego trip and the attempt to increase Edmonson’s retirement pay as cheap tabloid journalism. Or the reporting of a state trooper having sex in his patrol car or of a state police lieutenant trying to sneak an underage woman into a Vicksburg casino and then getting promoted to troop commander or of a trooper being promoted to troop commander after documentation of his prescription drug abuse while on the job or of a trooper going home for the night when he was supposed to be on road patrol or the funneling of LSTA funds into political campaigns and the Doss-led LSPC’s paying $75,000 to an attorney to whitewash the investigation with his recommendation that “no action be taken.”
Tom, I am really not trying to be a pain and I am not defending anyone. Just tired of the miss information. I just want the truth stated. Doss did not claim time while at the movie. What is most shocking is the people like Tarnish and Watson who know how to read a time sheet remain silent about it instead of trying to help correct you. It really is shameful. I’m not against reporting. I guess I better watch what I say before I like others are not allowed to post anymore.
Great job, Tom!
BTW, both the LSP Rip Off and JBE Fraud websites have been updated to reflect all of the activity of the last week (heck, if troopers and retired troopers so desire, they can even watch the meeting itself!!). Here are the respective URLs:
http://www.lspripoff.com
http://www.jbefraud.com
Again, great job, Tom.
Great job, Tom!
BTW, both the LSP Rip Off and JBE Fraud websites have been updated to reflect all of the activity of the last week (heck, if troopers and retired troopers so desire, they can even watch the meeting itself!!). Here are the respective URLs:
http://www.lspripoff.com
http://www.jbefraud.com
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It appears that Corruption runs rampant throughout the State of Louisiana, The Veterans War Veterans throughout the State seems to have some BIG problems with INTEGRITY issues, as well as the State Police. Wednesday of this week, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Mr Strickland along with many on his staff were in Monroe for meeting on the corrupt operations whereby our veterans are being abused at the hands of the employees. Hopefully, these meeting will result in some REAL improvements, rather than the standard “Dog and Pony Show” as some call it, just to impress the public. All eyes will be on this and other agencies, to see if these Officials are sincere in improving the situation at all 5 of the Louisiana War Veterans Homes, where these ABUSES of our veterans have been, what seems to be a standard practice. If Improvements are NOT forth coming, then these State run VA Facilities, should be returned to Federal Control. Therefore, it is imperative that ALL veterans and family members be very vigilant and report all violations to Congressman Ralph Abraham or Senator John Cassidy, who seems to be real supporters of our American War Veterans.
The gravity of this situation should really be looked at if these timesheet issues are what they appear to be. We have unauthorized personnel in a state vehicle, improper off duty use, consumption of booze in a state vehicle or driving after the consumption of booze in a state vehicle (sounds like what old Mike used to do), and now payroll fraud and falsifying a timesheet. Now these two individuals would weigh in on the punishments of troopers. Seeing how the punishments have been inequitable in the past and highly prejudicial between the friends of Mike and everyone else, it is a disgrace that these two would have any say in confirming or overturning any punishment garnered by the state police when he himself is in violation of policy and law.
I may be mistaken, but wasn’t there somewhere else in the state police where timesheets where being falsified and altered at HQ or a Troop? It might be an older story. If so, if I remember correctly, that was covered up too, something about shooting targets at the range or something and getting days off for making arrests. I apologize if I am mistaken with my assumption. I remember the Captain being removed at this place. If this situation is the same case, then it would seem this type of behavior is continuing to be condoned.
I’ve seen the State Police arrest other police department officials for malfeasance. They have arrested DMV workers for theft. The state police though, resign, get promoted, or are transferred. The Vegas and San Diego Trip highlighted a while back also involved timesheet issues. The supervisors were aware of the false claims but they all signed off on them. Any word if those supervisors or troopers were reprimanded? I believe Dupuy signed off on those. Sorry for being long-winded, but just when I thought there was no more to it, BAM! Right in the Kisser. Wonder if Truth Seeker had anything to say. Probably upset he wasn’t there to cover this up.
That was Troop D in Lake Charles. Shift supervisors had their people claim 12 hours for an 8 hour day. The only supervisor that refused to do that was unofficially transferred to work for Major Beckett Breaux in a different troop area. He was no longer a shift supervisor. He eventually just retired because of the retaliation by the major for the final removal of Captain Chris Guillory. Captain Guillory not only was transferred to Baton Rouge ( he drives from Sulphur to Baton Rouge daily, no wonder the state is broke) but was given no disciplinary action. The other supervisors were given a slap on the wrist. You would think that after everything Tom has brought to light that some agency would investigate all these crimes and clean up the state police, but only by Tom’s vigilance has any token of disciplinary been taken. Thanks for what you Tom!
@Hydrocodone Man,
See the above comment for your answer. There is no payroll fraud, there is no booze in a state vehicle, there is no improper off duty use. Please get some actual facts instead of using tabloid journalism as proof. It equals reading a National Enquirer headline and believing it as fact. I thought you were smarter than this. I do know who you are but respect your and everyone else’s anonymity including Slippery and Tarnish. I just wish you guys would actually put more work into helping instead of trying to hinder and hurt. You all can be better than this.
One more old retiree question. If the Colonel called Doss and asked him to resign, is this in lieu of punishment? I thought the Colonel is separate from the Commission, but he can ask for resignations from a separate entity?
Perhaps as colonel, he has the authority to direct a member who is a trooper (Doss) to step down but he does not have authority to tell him how to vote, etc. (At lease the colonel should not be able to intervene on votes or issues, but we suspect Edmonson had more influence over the commission than he should have.)
Payroll fraud at the least, conduct unbecoming, most definitely. Doss, you remember reading that in the procedural manual, the conduct unbecoming clause? Apparently you didn’t have to memorize it like us old retirees did. Hey LSTA, didn’t you kick four people out for reporting wrongdoing? Why not kick Doss out of the LSTA for his actions that disgraced the LSP and the commission (if there is any honor left in the commission)? Doss’s actions and intent were fraudulent where the four retirees were reporting fraud and illegal activity. Don’t believe me? Just read the ethics findings where a $5000 fine was paid.
Col. Reeves, sir, your job looks tougher than you expected. The tentacles of the previous Col. run deep. You need to fire these people as fast as old Steve Jones would write a speeding ticket, or Ira B. looking for a DWI. Start firing some of these knuckleheads, charge them with the crimes they commit, Payroll Fraud (RS 14:138: I still had my old blue book). I bet then you see some of them straighten up. At the current rate of the people dropping from the commission, it might be a while before their appeal could be heard. This retiree is ashamed of reading about the shenanigans of wannabe politicians masquerading as troopers. Its time for someone to bring out the broom and start sweeping the dust and mold out!
In the real world of state civil servants (Louisiana) flagrant falsifying of time sheets in this manner would be grounds for dismissal.
Now that Ms. Manzella has resigned, it is time for Louisiana College to submit nominations for her position, but it must be done within 30 days. If I am not mistaken, in the past, Louisiana College was never notified of that requirement, and the Governor made his selection by default; either no names were ever submitted, or not enough (3) names were submitted. This time, I hope the Commission notifies Louisiana College in time to meet all the required deadlines.
Also, the LSPC website shows her position to have represented the 2nd Congressional District and Louisiana College:
Vacant
Represents: 2nd Congressional District
Nominations from: Louisiana College
Term Expires:12/05/2017
Whereas Louisiana College is located in the 5th Congressional District.
And Ms. Manzella is from New Orleans.
So I would think names submitted from Louisiana College should be drawn from its proper district, and the LSPC site needs to correct the error in its listing.
By now it is quite obvious the LSPC is controlled by the Department they are suppose to have independent over watch of. Involving hiring, promotion, and disciplinary appeals. This did not occur overnight and the culture is hard to break.
In over twenty years of existence this is how it has been like this.Their office space and daily operating expenses are handled through the State Police. During the same time in existence and up until recently, they have never investigated anything under their authority as it involves the State Police.
No Active Trooper in their right mind would think of filing a request for investigation by the Commission without the Department getting word of the complaint before the ink could dry.
Time To Place State Police Back in Civil Service!
Sometimes it takes people with a law enforcement background to see both sides of a situation, and I”m not sure if you have that with the Louisiana Civil Service Board. But the key is find LSPC members who are truly unbiased; that responsibility falls on the Presidents of the nominating colleges, who submit the names to the Governor. They are in the position to nominate candidates, and hopefully they can do it without external influence from the major political powers. When the rules are followed, the system should work.
I know you have been around awhile Truth Seeker, 7-8 years? Before I decided to leave the department, people of your stature pushed the same old narrative, sweep it under the rug and just act like everything is kosher. If you don’t realize it, this is how we have gotten to this point. Even prior from seperating from the department, we weren’t allowed to drive our units to hotels and movie theatres. Things must have changed.
Wasn’t a previous LSPC Director fired or quit (or indicted) due to misuse of state credit cards and other improprieties? Seems like that office was built on a old Indian burial ground. They can’t get out of their own way.
Debra Johnson, while executive director of the State Police Commission (Commission), used the Commission’s state purchasing cards (P-Cards) to obtain more than $11,839 in personal items. After an audit of the Commission’s P-Card transactions revealed likely criminal offenses, we contacted the Louisiana Attorney General (Attorney General), who agreed to participate jointly with the Inspector General in further investigating the matter. On May 12, 2008 that investigation resulted in Ms. Johnson being arrested and charged with felony theft, malfeasance in office, and access-device fraud. The prosecution of Ms. Johnson is being handled by the Attorney General’s Criminal Division. Special Agents from the Attorney General seized three hundred and seventy- nine items from Ms. Johnson’s home. Ninety-seven of those — valued at $11,839 — were clearly identified as items purchased on the Commission’s P-Cards between July 1, 2006 and April 2, 2008. Ms. Johnson admitted to using the P-Cards to purchase many of the items that could not be clearly identified on our list of P-Card transactions. We also believe many of the other unidentified items were purchased using the P-Cards. However, the items were difficult to match to our list of P-Card transactions due to the nature of the items, such as cordless phones and laptop cases. In addition to the theft, more than $18,770 in items purchased on the Commission’s P-Cards, such as computers and medicine, were either purchased for the personal use of employees, which is prohibited, or were unnecessary to the operations of the office. The Commission also paid for the personal use of internet air-cards and cell phones and their monthly services. The investigation revealed that in 2001, Ms. Johnson sued the Commission alleging racial discrimination. It appears that fear of another such lawsuit by Ms. Johnson hampered the level of oversight by the Commission, making it possible for her to engage in systematic misconduct over a significant period of time without detection.
Check this link for full details.
Click to access 1080009.pdf
Quick question if someone knows the answer:
Do the six colleges really submit names for the Commission for a vacancy? I suppose someone notifies them. Or does the Governor pick someone by default if no name is submitted?
You probably know the answer and are just trying to get the dialog out in the open, which is always a good thing.
Having said that, the answer is no. LouisianaVoice did inquired about the appointees to the State Police Commission and we pointed out in one of our stories that something like only one appointee was the result of a college president’s nomination—and that one was from several years back.
The failure of the commission to notify college presidents of vacancies and to seek nominations, of course, leaves the door wide open for the governor to make an appointment based on political expedience and his own agenda.
BAM! Back to you Mr. Honor Code! Sad Excuse for a West Point Army Officer!
My apologies; found the rule.
(C) Nominations. The presidents of Centenary College at Shreveport, Dillard University at New Orleans, Louisiana College at Pineville, Loyola University at New Orleans, Tulane University of Louisiana at New Orleans, and Xavier University at New Orleans, after giving consideration to representation of all groups, each shall nominate three persons. The governor shall appoint one member of the commission from the three persons nominated by each president. One member of the commission shall be elected by the classified state police officers of the state from their number as provided by law. A vacancy for any cause shall be filled by appointment or election in accordance with the procedure or law governing the original appointment or election, and from the same source. Within thirty days after a vacancy occurs, the president concerned shall submit the required nominations. Within thirty days thereafter, the governor shall make his appointment. If the governor fails to appoint within thirty days, the nominee whose name is first on the list of nominees automatically shall become a member of the commission. If any nominating authority fails to submit nominees in the time required, or if one of the named institutions ceases to exist, the governor shall make the appointment to the commission.
So if the colleges never know to nominate, those in power will take the initiative.
Very unfortunate.
If the commission members were NOT constitutionally appointed, then how can any of the votes made by these members be valid? What about the pay plan or disciplinary hearings? It would seem any vote on that would have no merit. The troopers who were disciplined or fired should file a new appeal before new commission members who are consitutentially appointed. Has anyone looked into the other boards, for example the Gaming board; to see if the members were constitutionally appointed? The only solution is to abolish the commission so the troopers would have a fair chance! If the current members did not receive nominations by a University (Caruso-Riecke and Simen) then they should be removed for cause.
Enough is enough. The citizens of this state deserve better, especially the men who sacrifice their lives everyday.
apparently there are only 4 members left on the Commission–Caruso-Riecke, Simien, Pierite, and Neustrom. Does anybody know if they were listed by a college, or just appointed by the governor because there was no list submitted?
Just read Tom’s answer from Aug 19; I should have looked more closely before posting my question. Apparently none of the remaining 4 were ever nominated by a College. Can’t wait to see what happens in the future.