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Author: Nick Chrastil

About Nick Chrastil
Nicholas Chrastil covers criminal justice for The Lens. As a freelancer, his work has appeared in Slate, Undark, Mother Jones, and the Atavist, among other outlets. Chrastil has a master's degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, where his research focused on New Orleans' newspapers during the Reconstruction era. During his time at LSU, he also covered the Louisiana state legislature as part of the Manship Statehouse Bureau. He is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

City wants end to NOPD consent decree, but federal judge worries department has regressed

August 17, 2022 Updated August 17, 2022
One day after the Cantrell administration moved to terminate the reform agreement, the judge overseeing the department ordered additional scrutiny from a team of court-appointed monitors.

Federal magistrate judge demands answers regarding ongoing discussions of jail retrofit alternative to Phase III

August 10, 2022 Updated August 12, 2022
The court has ordered the city move forward on Phase III over opposition from Mayor Cantrell and Sheriff Hutson.

Louisiana Supreme Court could decide legality of kids being held in out-of-state juvenile detention facilities

August 8, 2022 Updated August 8, 2022
Local governments around the state have been sending pretrial juvenile detainees to neighboring states for years. One lawyer says the practice is against state law.

Council passes ‘guardrails’ ordinance on police use of facial recognition, but does not require approval of judge

August 4, 2022 Updated August 5, 2022
Criminal court judges said they wanted more information on the technology before they are in charge of approving it.

Council to consider ordinances requiring greater transparency on facial recognition, police operations

August 3, 2022 Updated August 3, 2022
Cantrell admin opposes proposal calling for NOPD to submit raw data on crime, staffing and surveillance usage.

New Orleans DA Jason Williams acquitted on all counts

July 28, 2022 Updated July 28, 2022
His former law partner was found guilty of four tax charges in a separate case that was tried jointly.

Jury begins deliberations in DA Williams tax trial

July 26, 2022 Updated July 26, 2022
Williams, Burdett forgo witnesses, moving straight to closing arguments after prosecution rests.

First week of trial against DA Jason Williams wraps up with testimony from IRS investigator and Williams’ ex-wife

July 22, 2022 Updated July 26, 2022
The prosecution is expected to continue its case with more witnesses on Monday.

DA’s former tax preparer testifies in federal fraud trial

July 20, 2022 Updated July 20, 2022
Cross-examination of the key government witness will continue on the trial's fourth day, July 21

Jury hears opening arguments in tax fraud case against DA Jason Williams

July 19, 2022 Updated July 20, 2022
If convicted, Williams could lose his law license and would likely be forced to step down as DA.

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The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.
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