In St. Tammany Parish, the sheriff’s race is getting intense.
WDSU first told you how a judge issued a temporary restraining order, blocking Three Rivers PAC from airing television advertisements against Daniel Seuzeneau.
The plaintiff claimed the committee was advertising false accusations.
On Monday, both parties came to an agreement.
The Three Rivers PAC updated its original television ad after the judge granted a temporary restraining order.
The plaintiff who supports Seuzeneau filed for the injunction over the weekend, saying the original ad made false claims.
The defendants disagreed.
On Monday morning, both parties told the judge they are satisfied with the update to the ad.
After the hearing, the attorney representing the plaintiff and another person who came to court in support of Seuzeneau called this a win.
In the original petition put forth by Gregory Johnson, he claimed the ad “goes on to show a figure of at least $322,082” and implies that Daniel Seuzeneau earned that amount or authorized that amount in a payment to a car dealership.
The plaintiffs argued the Three Rivers PAC did not have proper documentation to support that claim and therefore was in violation of Louisiana Statute 18:1463, which forbids transmission of false statements about political candidates.
“In this instance, it is the position of Three Rivers PAC that there was nothing in the advertisement that was false or misleading,” said Stephen Gele, Attorney for Three Rivers PAC. “The ticker was simply indicating the constant increase in number of money that was being paid to the very business that was paying Mr. Daniel Seuzeneau.”
Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal, who submitted an affidavit in support of the plaintiff, claims the accusations are false. He goes on to say at no time were public funds improperly directed and Seuzeneau’s outside employment arrangement was properly disclosed.
While Seuzeneau did not file for this temporary restraining order, he is not denying his part-time work and says all claims that money was misused are false.
“I am focused on a positive campaign. I have some great supporters and my entire focus is on St. Tammany Parish. Bringing this community together, not trying to tear it apart with political advertisements,” said Seuzeneau.
Col. Robert Hodges is mentioned on a Three Rivers PAC registration form as the candidate the organization supports.
WDSU reached out to Hodges’ team to see if he knew anything about the advertisement. He says, in part: “I had no role in that ad and was shocked when I saw it.”
The judge did not make a ruling on the new ad because no one has filed a petition against it.
READ MORE:Agreement reached after judge blocks campaign ad targeting St. Tammany sheriff candidate
