City bidding out jail’s healthcare contract
National contractor Wellpath has served the provider since 2014.
Category
Criminal Justice
Asking why and how, and what needs to be done.
Brandon Jackson, convicted of robbery in split-jury vote, given new parole hearing
Jackson was convicted of robbery in a 10-2 vote. Since split verdicts were declared unconstitutional last year, he has been fighting his conviction in court. But the state parole board may offer him an alternative path to freedom.
In suit against parole board, judge orders Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed released from prison
Sneed sued the state parole board for illegal imprisonment after his parole was stripped.
Gusman, facing runoff election next month, encounters tough crowd at city budget hearing
Gusman’s opponent, Susan Hutson, made an appearance during the public comment period to question the sheriff about his agency’s legal spending.
Sheriff’s race to head to runoff between Gusman and Susan Hutson
Former Independent Police Monitor has cast herself as a progressive alternative to the long-time sheriff.
Badon, Lombard going to runoff in Criminal District Court Clerk race
The two City Court clerks are vying to replace Arthur Morrell, who is retiring after more than a decade in the post.
Divergent rulings on how to treat old split-jury verdicts could prompt action from La. Supreme Court
On Wednesday, a state appeals court in New Orleans ruled that a non-unanimous conviction should be overturned. On the same day, an appeals court in Lake Charles ruled that another split-jury verdict was valid.
Gusman delays budget presentation, to frustration of criminal justice advocates
Sheriff’s budget hearing pushed to after primary election. Gusman’s office claims it must meet with court-appointed budgetary working group before the budget hearing, but the chair of the working group says that’s not necessary.
Now DA, Williams backs off on the need for funding parity between prosecutors, defenders
As a councilmember, Williams sponsored an ordinance meant to bring Orleans Public Defenders city funding in line with the DA’s office. On Wednesday, he asked for millions more than the defenders.
Jail construction timeline could endanger FEMA funding
FEMA’s deadline for substantial completion of the Phase III jail building is August 2023. The city, which is working on the building reluctantly, says it won’t be finished until January 2024.
