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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.

DA Williams rejected plea deal in federal tax fraud case, attorneys say

July 18, 2022 Updated July 18, 2022
Williams trial for tax fraud began on Monday with jury selection.

DA Jason Williams heads to trial in federal tax fraud case

July 15, 2022 Updated July 18, 2022
If convicted, Williams would likely be forced to step down as district attorney.

Jail staff ignored medical and mental health needs of detainee who died in custody last summer, lawsuit claims

July 13, 2022 Updated July 13, 2022
Lawyers say Anthony Hunt was kept locked in a flooded jail cell prior to his death from an overdose, despite clear signs that he needed medical attention.

Louisiana kids detained in Alabama sent back after altercation at juvenile facility

July 8, 2022 Updated July 8, 2022
Local police were able to provide limited details regarding the Tuesday incident.

Nearly a year after council vote, blanket pardons for marijuana convictions still not showing up in criminal records

June 28, 2022 Updated June 28, 2022

Louisiana abortion provider wins temporary restraining order, rendering trigger laws unenforceable for now

June 27, 2022 Updated June 27, 2022
The ruling comes just days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that established the fundamental right to abortion.

After Supreme Court decision, Orleans DA says prosecuting abortions under state trigger law not a priority for his office

June 24, 2022 Updated June 24, 2022
Williams called the court decision overturning Roe 'cruel and irresponsible.' His position could lead to conflict with the state's top prosecutor, AG Jeff Landry, who is staunchly anti-abortion and supports prosecution.

Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice now sending some kids in state custody to Alabama, advocacy group says

June 22, 2022 Updated July 7, 2022
The youths were transferred to Alabama without notice, according to the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights.

Hutson official says jail staff wasn’t present during fight that left one dead

June 15, 2022 Updated June 18, 2022
The sheriff defended her decision to reassign courthouse staff despite criticism from judges, councilmembers.

Some Louisiana kids are being shipped to juvenile detention facilities in Mississippi and Alabama, potentially violating state law

June 14, 2022 Updated June 21, 2022
Records show that dozens of children have been held out of state in recent years. Advocates say that they are being kept away from families and lawyers.

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