Fake subpoenas

Federal judge to decide whether fake subpoena suit will move forward

DA's lawyers say prosecutors enjoy immunity under the law. Judge says plaintiffs have a difficult path ahead.

By Charles Maldonado May 9, 2018

Criminal complaint filed with Louisiana Attorney General over Cannizzaro’s use of fake subpoenas

Two people allege that prosecutors committed forgery, intimidated witnesses and obstructed justice by sending crime victims and witnesses so-called “DA subpoenas."

By Charles Maldonado March 20, 2018

Top employee in Orleans Parish DA’s office ordered staff to use fake subpoenas

Staffers were told to use a notice that looked like a real court document, with “SUBPOENA” printed at the top.

By Charles Maldonado January 24, 2018

Judge can’t remember whether he used fake subpoenas while working as prosecutor

Defense attorneys are seeking a new trial because their client was convicted after the victim received a fake subpoena.

By Charles Maldonado January 8, 2018

Lawyers ask judge to disclose whether he used fake subpoenas when he was a prosecutor

Judge Byron Williams was a prosecutor when the DA’s office used an earlier version of its fake subpoenas.

By Charles Maldonado January 4, 2018

For years, defense lawyers told judges that New Orleans prosecutors were using fake subpoenas. Nothing happened.

Some have asked how Orleans Parish prosecutors used fake subpoenas for so long with no repercussions. We found several instances in which lawyers protested their use in court, but nothing happened. The practice stopped only when it was made public.

By Charles Maldonado December 22, 2017

Orleans Parish judge sent misleading ‘DA subpoenas’ when she was a prosecutor

Criminal District Judge Karen Herman also issued arrest warrants to two women after they disobeyed fake subpoenas.

By Charles Maldonado December 22, 2017

Orleans Parish prosecutors’ use of misleading ‘DA subpoenas’ goes back about 20 years

Former DA Harry Connick said there's a big difference between the notices his prosecutors used and the ones sent under the current DA.

By Charles Maldonado December 21, 2017

District attorney plans to appeal ruling requiring him to turn over fake subpoenas to The Lens

But Cannizzaro’s office will continue to search case files for the documents, a spokesman said.

By Marta Jewson December 20, 2017

Lawyers say shooting victim was coerced with a fake subpoena into talking to police

They contend the defendant should get a new trial because the DA didn’t disclose two fake subpoenas and other evidence.

By Charles Maldonado December 20, 2017