Tension grew inside the Orleans Parish courthouse Thursday as reporters waited for a grand jury decision in a criminal case involving Louisiana’s attorney general. Court officials ordered reporters out of a hallway before the decision was announced. Some journalists were placed in handcuffs after they refused to leave.
Special prosecutor Laurie White said the court put strict security rules in place to protect the identities of grand jurors. She said reporters were not allowed to film grand jurors or gather near their vehicles. White said several members of the media were arrested after they did not follow the court’s orders. She later helped secure their release.
The scene unfolded as the grand jury prepared to return a 16-count indictment against the Louisiana attorney general.
White, a retired Orleans Parish judge, was appointed after the district attorney’s office was recused from the case. She confirmed the charges include eight counts of malfeasance in office and eight counts of intimidation and retaliation.
White said the case centers on letters sent to five City Council members, the mayor, the district attorney and Judge Calvin Johnson.
“We’re very interested in elected officials in New Orleans not being intimidated or threatened by letter or any other way,” White said.
White explained that the grand jury, which was nearing the end of its six-month term, chose to investigate the matter on its own. The grand jury returned the indictment after hearing evidence.
“I believe that the grand jury made the right decision,” White said. “I did what the grand jury advised me to do after they heard the evidence.”
The attorney general is expected to post bond and appear for arraignment like any other criminal defendant. A judge set bond at $25,000 on each count, totaling $400,000.
The indictment comes as tensions grow between state leaders and New Orleans officials.
When asked about Gov. Jeff Landry calling the proceedings a “kangaroo court” and saying he would pardon the attorney general if convicted, White responded, “Well, good. Let’s get her convicted, then get a pardon.”
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