OVERT RACISM RESULTS IN NEW LEADERSHIP FOR CAUSEWAY POLICE DEPARTMENT
The MCC obtained and released a videotape showing Causeway Police Department Major Ronald Guagliardo using racial slurs and coaching officers on how to beat complaints of civil rights violations. In response to the video, Major Guagliardo was fired after working 17 years for the Causeway Police Department. Subsequently, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee sympathized with Guagliardo and hired him to work for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Five weeks later, after broad public outcry, Major Guagliardo resigned. In the midst of the fallout from the racist conduct of Major Guagliardo, Causeway Police Chief Timothy Fondren resigned and Causeway Commission General Manager Hunter Wagner also left his position.
ST. TAMMANY PARISH PYRAMID SCHEME
The MCC uncovered the widespread involvement of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies in a pyramid scheme called the “Friend and Family Private Gifting Program.” Ultimately, 49 deputies, including four high-ranking officers, were disciplined for participating in the scheme. Officers who had benefited from the pyramid scheme donated their gains, about $100,000, to charity.
MCC UNCOVERS CONVICTED FELON AND NEPOTISM IN ORLEANS PARISH CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT
The MCC found that Criminal District Court Judge Charles Elloie had an individual with more than 40 felony convictions working for him in his section of Criminal District Court. In addition, his wife, Charmaine Haydel Elloie was working as his minute clerk. The MCC referred this case to the Judiciary Commission and Judge Elloie’s wife was removed from her position in Criminal District Court.