Louisiana Voice

“History buffs, law enforcement junkies and readers with an affinity for entertaining stories about colorful elected officials and political scandals will enjoy this book about some of Louisiana’s most notorious Sheriffs. Tom’s meticulously researched book documenting the self-serving decisions, arrogance and greed that led to the downfall and political ruin of several Louisiana sheriffs is an enjoyable read for anyone but should be required reading for public servants everywhere.”

—Rafael C. Goyeneche, III, President, New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission

“Everyone enjoys reading Tom Aswell, so long as he is writing about someone else. Errant politicians who have featured in his investigative newspaper reports or the blog he has run in recent years have found it a chastening experience. Aswell has been the political conscience of Louisiana for decades, and his intimate acquaintance with the seamy side of our public life delightfully informs this survey of skullduggery on party of those mighty panjandrums—the sheriffs. Aswell’s subject could hardly be more serious – the malefactions of our sheriffs cover the criminal gamut – but he cannot help being an entertaining read as he relates the malefactions of such larger-than-life character as Cat Doucet of St, Landry Parish and Harry Lee of Jefferson. Sheriffs, with the wide authority they enjoy under the state constitution, are top dogs in most parishes and have been taking advantage for generations. Aswell covers the subject from Reconstruction, when the local sheriff played a leading role in the Colfax massacre, through the Kefauver hearings on the mob and gambling in the New Orleans area and gives us a full account of more recent sheriff looking out for number one. If you want to understand what makes Louisiana a law unto itself, you need to read this book.”

—James Gill, columnist, New Orleans Advocate

“Gambling, prostitution, racism, and garden-variety chicanery. That’s just some of the corrupt behavior of the worst Louisiana sheriffs through the years. In this entertaining and eye-opening book, Tom Aswell is an expert guide to the rogue’s gallery of Bayou State lawmen who ruled Louisiana parishes for too long.”

—Bob Mann, author

“Tom Aswell’s book about Louisiana Sheriff is entertaining to say the least! As a former Sheriff, I personally knew many of the deceased “legends.” and of course, most of the living. I should mention that I am ecstatic that I didn’t make the cut to be included in its cast of characters. The book is a good read and is thoroughly researched. I know that many of the players were “good old boys” who were great politicians but lacked education and quite often the advice of counsel.

“It has always been my opinion that the longer an office-holder remains in office, the greater the potential for committing absolutely egregious ethical or criminal violations. The aura of being untouchable and undefeated surrounding an elected official can lead to a tragic downfall and often prison. A vast majority of the men and women in uniform are dedicated to their profession, and the potential for becoming an on-the-job fatality occurs every time a uniform is worn! We should all be thankful for the jobs being done by a mostly underpaid group of men and women that needs the public’s support now—more than ever.

—Anthony G. “Tony” Falterman, former sheriff and district attorney

“Those of us who grew up in Louisiana know that local governments are run by the “courthouse gang” of local elected officials and state politicians still believe they need their support to win elections. Without question, the most powerful and independent member of that group is the sheriff, who is also a member of the most powerful political lobbying group in the state, the Louisiana Sheriffs Association. Not only do sheriffs hold considerable sway with lawmakers, but governors are known to take their recommendations for certain appointments, including the heads of state police and the corrections system. Our current governor comes from a family of sheriffs.

“Beginning with the Kefauver Crime Commission in 1951, Aswell traces actions by some sheriffs across our state that would, in the absence of the right connections, net most of us time in a parish jail or a state or federal prison. He details human rights violations, nepotism, favoritism, discrimination, racism, sexism, organized crime connections, ignorance (for a price) of gambling and prostitution, theft of public property and other actions anybody should clearly see as wrong – things that, as Lord Acton’s statement implies, indicate that as power grows, moral senses tend to diminish.

“Those familiar with Tom Aswell’s work will know he is meticulous in his research – For proof, pick up a copy of his earlier book, Louisiana Rocks. In Louisiana’s Rogue Sheriffs Aswell continues the diligence of his encyclopedic volume on rock music history and in his seminal book about our immediate past governor – Bobby Jindal: His Destiny and Obsession, coupling it with the courageous journalism reflected in his LouisianaVoice blog. Despite the serious nature of this book, he manages to work in humorous anecdotes from his personal experiences.

“I recommend this book to anybody seeking insight into our justice system, particularly the law enforcement side and specifically sheriffs. It represents years of work and documentation of facts and experts’ opinions. It is exhaustive and hard to absorb in one or two sittings. I recommend you read 3 – 5 chapters at a time to get the full effect.”

—Stephen Winham, Louisiana State Budget Director (Ret.)

“I’m gonna rip his head off and pour Drain-O down his throat.”

—Anonymous Sheriff

That last one’s a joke, folks—not to be taken seriously (I hope).

But in case it isn’t, you still have time to order your signed copy by clicking on the yellow button in the column to the right of this post (don’t click on the one in the story; it doesn’t work. Go to the right hand column and scroll up) and pay by credit card.

If that doesn’t work or if you prefer not paying by plastic, you may send a check for $30 to Tom Aswell, P.O. Box 922, Denham Springs, LA. 70727.