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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.

Sheriff’s Office deployed pepper spray in jail’s COVID-19 unit

October 5, 2020 Updated November 23, 2020
The pepper spray discharge occurred after a fight. One detainee has since been charged for his involvement, several months after the incident.

At tax fraud hearing, lawyers for Jason Williams and law partner claim vindictive prosecution, intimidation tactics

October 2, 2020 Updated October 27, 2020
City Council President and candidate for DA Jason Williams is seeking to have his 11-count felony indictment tossed.

Chief public defender takes leave of absence amid judicial campaign

September 30, 2020 Updated October 27, 2020

A year after critical report, massive case and warrant backlogs remain at Municipal Court

September 28, 2020 Updated September 29, 2020
Judges also face scrutiny from watchdog group over comments from the bench

Dozens of Hurricane Laura evacuees have been arrested in New Orleans, as public defenders urge restraint

September 23, 2020 Updated September 23, 2020
Most incidents involved domestic violence allegations, leaving officers little discretion on arrest decisions.

New Orleans jail sees new spike in COVID-19 cases

September 21, 2020 Updated September 21, 2020
76 people in custody and 23 jail staff are currently positive for the disease, OPSO says.

New Orleans City Council passes restrictions on police use of tear gas

September 17, 2020 Updated May 24, 2021
Under ordinance, tear gas can be used only to prevent loss of life, injury or to dislodge a barricaded violent suspect. It's not yet clear how the department will interpret the language in policy.

In DA candidate forum, candidates say they will put an end to tough on crime approach

September 17, 2020 Updated October 27, 2020

City presents jail renovation plan to council committee as an alternative to new mental health facility

September 15, 2020 Updated September 15, 2020
Committee members appear to support renovation plans as litigation over a Phase III continues in federal court

New Orleans City Council committee advances ordinance to restrict law enforcement use of tear gas

September 10, 2020 Updated September 10, 2020
Proposed ordinance comes three months after NOPD deployed tear gas at protesters on the Crescent City Connection.

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