PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER CITED FOR POTENTIAL ETHICAL BREACH
An informant contacted the MCC concerned about a letter received from Public Service Commissioner (PSC) Jay Blossman on official letterhead requesting a meeting with a salesperson and recommending the private company’s product. The informant was regulated by the PSC and felt that there could be business repercussions for not following Mr. Blossman’s request. The MCC forwarded the complaint to the Legislative Auditor who, in June of 2008, determined that the letter “could be considered coercive and intimidating” and was potentially a breach of Louisiana ethical laws. Mr. Blossman did not seek reelection in the fall of 2008.
CRIMINAL SHERIFF CAPTAIN RESIGNS AFTER MCC UNCOVERS CRIMINAL HISTORY
An MCC referral to the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office (OPCSO) in October of 2008 resulted in the resignation of Reserve Captain Donald Ditta as a consequence of several felony counts that he failed to disclose in his application to the OPCSO. Captain Ditta was arrested multiple times for obscenity charges and was sentenced to 5 years probation in 1980. Ditta’s resignation was a direct result of the OPCSO’s investigation initiated by the MCC’s referral into the matter.
BAND DIRECTOR GUILTY OF CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT WITH STUDENTS
A student at Destrahan High School contacted the MCC reporting that her complaint of inappropriate conduct against Band Director Byron Toups was not being properly investigated. The MCC conducted an inquiry into the matter and located several other victims. In March of 2008, Mr. Toups was arrested for molestation of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and simple battery. Toups later pled guilty to malfeasance, intimidation of a witness, and simple battery in August of 2009. At the conclusion of the case, the District Attorney of St Charles Parish was quoted as saying, “many potential victims were spared because of (the MCC’s) actions.”