Community Accountability Network

Author: Amber Perez

  • Payroll and Tax Reporting Errors

    The City of West Monroe is addressing payroll and tax reporting errors that affected employees.

    According to internal communications, a miscoding issue required amended 2024 W-2 forms, and certain overtime payments were initially calculated at a lower rate than they should have been. Employees were first told checks would be voided and reissued, then later instructed to disregard that message and assured that no direct deposits would be reversed. The City has since stated that any differences owed will be deposited directly and that corrections have been finalized.

    The City is offering reimbursement for costs associated with filing amended tax returns resulting from the W-2 corrections.

    An individual with direct knowledge of the payroll issue contacted this publication privately and expressed concern about internal communication surrounding the corrections, requesting anonymity due to fear of potential workplace repercussions.

    While there is no public indication of fraud or intentional wrongdoing at this time, the sequence of corrections — including amended tax forms, overtime recalculations, and conflicting payroll directives — has prompted questions about internal payroll controls and oversight procedures. City officials have been contacted for clarification regarding how the miscoding occurred and what safeguards are being implemented to prevent similar issues in the future.

    More information will be provided as it becomes available.

  • St. Francis Saga — Part 2

    Ashley’s story begins with a parent’s worst fear: her young daughter suffered a seizure during a high fever.

    On Monday, Ashley claims her child had been showing symptoms of a 24-hour stomach bug other family members had over the weekend. On Tuesday, they visited the child’s primary doctor, who prescribed medication for nausea. The vomiting stopped but the fever persisted.

    On Wednesday morning, at 7:30 a.m., the child was sleeping on the couch when she had a seizure. Ashley says she rushed her to St. Francis Medical Center. In the ER, staff diagnosed strep throat but told Ashley they could not treat children under three and discharged the child without medication.

    “I didn’t feel right about it,” Ashley said. “Something just didn’t sit well with me.”

    After leaving the hospital, Ashley says she called the child’s primary doctor, who immediately requested she bring her daughter in. The PCP and other staff were reportedly shocked that the ER denied treatment to a child who was sick to the point of seizures. There, the child received an antibiotic injection and prescriptions for further treatment. Ashley stressed that proper care was critical, as untreated strep can lead to serious complications such as scarlet fever and even vision problems.

    Ashley also noted confusion during the ER visit when the doctor questioned her dosing of Tylenol, suggesting it might have caused the seizure. After confirming with her primary doctor that the dosage she had given — brand-name infant Tylenol — was correct, Ashley was left frustrated by the uncertainty and lack of clear communication.

    “This isn’t the first time I’ve been burned by St. Francis,” Ashley said. Years earlier, she says she had gone to St. Francis three times while severely ill and was repeatedly told she had the flu. It wasn’t until a family member took her to another hospital on Christmas Day that she was diagnosed with pneumonia and a partially collapsed lung.

    Ashley’s experience is part of a larger pattern reported by families in the community — particularly involving infants, young children, and postpartum patients.

  • St. Francis Saga — Part 1

    My disappointment with Saint Francis Medical Center — Downtown runs deep. But their negligence was a building block in my desire to continue advocating for my community.

    Video: Part 1

  • Downsville Demons — Part 2

    Sheriff Gates Stands by Investigation as Allegations Surface at Downsville Charter

    Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates says he stands by the work of his investigators following a recent case connected to Downsville Community Charter School.

    In a recent meeting, Sheriff Gates told me that his investigators conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and handled it appropriately. Gates also stated that he personally disagrees with the District Attorney’s decision in the case but continues to support the work carried out by his department.

    The case has drawn increased attention to the school and its leadership, prompting a number of parents, former students, and community members to reach out with their own concerns regarding Downsville Community Charter School and its Executive Director, Tony Cain.

    Over the past several months, numerous individuals have contacted me describing their experiences at the school. The concerns shared fall into several general categories, including discipline practices, handling of bullying complaints, student search procedures, treatment of students with IEPs and 504 plans, and communication with parents during disciplinary matters.

    Some individuals also described incidents they believe involved extreme, inappropriate and excessive discipline or force, while others reported concerns about how complaints were handled by school administration. At this stage, these accounts remain allegations shared by individuals who reached out directly.

    I have spoken with Mr. Cain regarding these concerns and provided him with the general areas of inquiry. Mr. Cain provided a written response addressing school policies related to discipline, bullying procedures, student searches, and school governance. His full response will be published in Part Three so readers can review his explanation in full.

    In addition to gathering accounts from parents and former students, public records requests have been submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education seeking documentation related to governance records, board actions, contract renewals, and bylaw amendments at the school as I have concerns about the way the school has been structured.

    This article is Part Two of an ongoing review. Future reporting will focus on documented records, school policies, and responses from school leadership.

    My opinion:
    I have reviewed over twenty-five accounts of serious allegations against Mr. Cain. I am personally very concerned about the criminal charges being dropped, the case being silenced and the allegations continuing thereafter. I have reviewed the evidence in the case, and while I am not a lawyer, I find myself very concerned at the decision to not move forward through the proper legal channels on this matter.

    I will be reaching out to the DA/Judge’s office to request a meeting to discuss these concerns. When a Sheriff’s office feels confident in their work and investigation and are left with the same concerns as the citizens, that indicates a lack of transparency somewhere along the line.

    Anyone with documentation related to these matters may contact me privately at [email protected].

  • Downsville Demons — Part 1

    Serious Concerns Raised About Downsville Charter School

    I’ve received multiple messages from parents raising serious concerns about Downsville Charter School, including allegations of excessive corporal punishment, dismissed bullying complaints, and administrative responses they say have harmed students.

    Parents allege that when students report bullying, they are often told they are “tattling,” dismissed, or instructed to be quiet. When parents attempt to advocate for their children, they say concerns are deflected or placed back on the child. Several families describe a pattern in which unresolved bullying escalates until a child reacts, resulting in disciplinary action against the student rather than addressing the original complaint. Some parents also allege the school has been quick to suggest having children admitted for evaluation instead of addressing underlying issues.

    One of the most serious accounts shared with me involves an 11-year-old student with a Section 504 designation. According to my source, the student was removed from class following activity on a school computer and taken to the office by staff identified as Tony Cain and another staff member referred to as Mr. Bean. The parent alleges Mr. Cain authorized and carried out corporal punishment using a plastic paddle, resulting in broken skin and severe bruising. Photos provided to me appear to show extensive bruising. Corporal punishment of students with Section 504 protections is prohibited under state and federal law.

    According to the account, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Department investigated the incident and confiscated the paddle. No criminal charges have been filed at this time. Following the incident, the school board reportedly implemented a policy prohibiting corporal punishment.

    This is an ongoing story. I did reach out to the school for an interview, but as of the date of this publication have not yet received an official response.

    If you are a parent, student, or staff member with relevant information or experiences involving Downsville Charter School and would like to share them, you can contact me privately. Information can be shared safely and anonymously, and identities will not be published without consent.

    I will continue to update as more information becomes available.

  • Ratty Business Deals — Pest Control Inspection Concerns

    A local couple is speaking out after what they describe as a troubling experience with a pest control inspection at their new home.

    The homeowners, who asked not to be publicly identified, said they initially scheduled a routine preventative spray service after moving into their home about a month ago. According to them, several hours before the scheduled appointment, a man identifying himself as Clay Ashbrook, a supervisor, called and offered to perform a complimentary attic inspection, stating the area was known for rat problems.

    The couple agreed.

    During the inspection, the employee allegedly told the homeowner that the attic contained dozens of rat nests and multiple litters of baby rats. Within minutes, they say he presented a quote of approximately $22,000 for insulation removal, rodent remediation, insulation replacement, and sealing gaps near roof ventilation. The proposal included financing options.

    The homeowners state they had not seen, heard, or smelled any signs of rodent activity in the month they had lived in the house.

    The situation raised additional concerns when the couple later learned the employee was not a supervisor, but a termite inspector. They allege he referenced their baby’s health during the inspection and used terms such as “hazardous waste removal.” They further claim that photographs included in the quote did not match their attic. According to the couple, they have photographic evidence comparing their attic to the images used in the estimate.

    After returning home, one of the homeowners says he personally inspected the entire attic and found no nests, rodents, or structural gaps consistent with what had been described.

    Since sharing their experience publicly, the couple says multiple individuals have contacted them with similar concerns about the same employee. Some commenters alleged that women and elderly homeowners appear to be disproportionately targeted, though those claims remain unverified.

    The homeowners emphasized that their concern is not with Orkin as a whole, but with the actions of one employee. However, they say they are discouraged that no corrective action has been taken despite prior complaints they were made aware of.

    Orkin has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations. This story will be updated if a response is received.

    Consumers who believe they have experienced misleading sales practices are encouraged to report concerns to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau.

  • Milano’s Italian Grill — Child Labor and Trafficking Allegations

    Location: Monroe/West Monroe, LA

    Important disclaimers: The minors referenced in this story have been removed from the situation and are currently safe. The allegations outlined below are serious and should be treated with appropriate gravity. This is a multi-layered and developing story. Some details may not immediately appear to fit together. Information is being released intentionally and in a specific order — not for engagement, but to protect the integrity of those involved and to avoid compromising any ongoing processes. Safety remains my highest priority.

    All events described below are alleged. I have spoken with multiple individuals who independently shared similar experiences. I have reviewed documentation and testimony provided to me and have attempted to present the information responsibly. Some claims have been intentionally excluded because I do not believe they are sufficiently supported to publish at this time.

    This article references Labinot Gashi, the reported current owner, and his possible connection to the previous restaurant owners with the same name.

    Milano’s Italian Grill, a locally owned restaurant, has been accused of violating child labor laws. To protect identities, names in this story have been shortened to initials, as the individuals involved were minors at the time.

    According to allegations shared with me, M began working at the restaurant at approximately 15 years old. He reportedly worked six to seven days a week with no days off, often logging between 72 and 84 hours weekly, for a flat rate of $500 per week. Based on those hours, his effective hourly wage would fall between approximately $5.95 and $6.94 — below Louisiana’s minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has been in effect since 2009.

    A similar allegation was made regarding L, a 16-year-old dishwasher who reportedly worked under comparable conditions beginning around June 18, 2025. She was allegedly paid the same flat weekly rate, worked extended hours without breaks, and earned an effective hourly wage below minimum wage.

    Both individuals were allegedly paid in cash, “under the table,” meaning wages may not have been properly reported and payroll taxes may not have been withheld.

    If accurate, these allegations raise serious concerns involving child labor violations, wage theft, overtime violations, and potential tax avoidance — particularly troubling when minors and vulnerable workers are involved.

    The allegations do not stop there. I was told this conduct was not isolated, but recurring. According to multiple sources, the owners were allegedly involved in facilitating visas for minors to come to the United States to work for the business under their control and outside formal payroll systems. I have included screenshots showing the owner’s social media activity, including pages followed that assist with locating work visas.

    Additionally, multiple sources allege that certain employees were provided housing tied directly to the business owner. According to the alleged victims, they were placed in an apartment leased in the owner’s name. I was able to verify, through identification documents and witness confirmation from the alleged victims, that they did reside at this address. Screenshots shared alongside this post show that the apartment lease is in the name of the restaurant owner. These materials are presented for context and transparency and should be understood as part of an ongoing review — not as proof of guilt.

    Before publishing, I contacted the restaurant and offered an opportunity to provide a statement or clarification. In my opinion, the response appeared to present as unaware of the situation. Based on my own investigation and communications, I believe they are aware of the allegations. I was surprised that no direct denial was offered. Instead, the response relied on carefully chosen language that, in my opinion, suggested unfamiliarity while simultaneously referencing potential legal action against the accuser. I found it notable that the initial response appeared to involve attorneys rather than an expressed willingness to hear or address the allegations. This is my personal interpretation of the communication I received.

    To be clear: the children involved are currently safe. They have either been reunited with their families or placed within the foster care system. Their identities are being protected, and no identifying details will be shared.

    Since this story began, multiple anonymous sources have reached out independently to corroborate aspects of these allegations. These individuals claim to have either been directly involved or to have witnessed concerning behavior. Some of these statements include allegations involving drug abuse and other criminal activity. At this time, those claims remain unverified and are being treated strictly as allegations.

    I am aware that appropriate authorities have been involved in investigating this matter, and I plan to reach out this week to request official statements. While I have trust in our judicial system, I am seeking clarity on how children could be removed by authorities and placed into foster care while the associated business remains operational. I am confident there is an explanation, and I believe it is important to hear directly from the appropriate parties before drawing conclusions.

    There are many details I have intentionally chosen not to publish at this time — for the safety of those involved, to preserve the integrity of any ongoing investigations, and out of respect for the accused. I do not currently have sufficient hard evidence to responsibly publish every claim that has been shared with me. That said, based on my independent investigation, it is my personal belief that this story goes much deeper than what is presently known.

    Awareness matters. Accountability begins with attention.

    Update: Restaurant Owners Deny Trafficking Allegations

    In an exclusive interview, the owners of a local Italian restaurant have spoken publicly for the first time, denying trafficking allegations they say have harmed their business and personal lives.

    They state they chose to come forward after building trust during conversations we held in my independent journalistic inquiry and confirm they are now seeking legal counsel for their own protection.

    The owners deny any involvement in trafficking or related criminal activity and reject claims connecting them to other accused individuals, saying similar last names are coincidental. While acknowledging past issues in the broader Italian restaurant community, they deny any involvement in wrongdoing.

    During my time in their restaurant, kitchen and waitstaff wanted to speak on behalf of their employers and revealed positive accounts of the owners, with no employees reporting trafficking or exploitation.

    The owners acknowledged an oversight during the purchase of the business, stating they relied on the previous owner’s representations rather than conducting full due diligence. They also confirmed providing housing and transportation to some employees as part of compensation arrangements.

    One owner said the accuser was once considered “almost family” and believes the allegations were fabricated using coincidental circumstances. These claims remain disputed and unverified.

    No criminal findings related to trafficking have been confirmed. The owners say they are exploring legal options to protect themselves and shared documentation they believe supports their account, though it has not been authorized for publication at this time.

    This story is ongoing.

  • My-Home Studio Apartments — Pricing Questions

    Location: Monroe, LA

    This property was redeveloped and publicly promoted as affordable workforce housing, with rents discussed in the $800-$1,000 range.

    Now I’m seeing one-bedroom units advertised at $2,500 for a very basic 1 bed/1 bath.

    I’ve tried to get clarification — called the number listed with no response, messaged through Facebook with no response so far.

    I actually met with Sam Datta, the owner, shortly after his purchase of this property. I took a tour of the property with him and listened to his pitch for affordability in the area. He did not mention market-rate rentals at that time and insisted this was for people who needed affordable housing. He even confessed to me in our one-on-one that he chose this location specifically because it could only rent at affordable prices due to the area it is in and the history of the building. He also told me that part of the motivation in choosing that location was due to the Ochsner Cancer center that’s coming to Monroe. He mentioned wanting to have affordable housing for both the staff and potential patients who would need to live closer to their treatment center. Now it appears he is marketing more towards the incoming Meta employees.

    If this pricing is accurate, the community deserves to know what changed. If it isn’t, then clarity matters just as much.

    Affordable housing isn’t just a buzzword — it affects real families, real workers, and our local economy.

    Update: Productive Conversation with Management

    I had a really productive conversation today with a representative of a local apartment complex I’ve been covering concerning rental prices at My-Home at Monroe. We discussed the community’s concerns about affordability, and I appreciated how openly and thoughtfully he listened.

    As a result of our conversation, he shared that he’s actively working toward potentially adjusting rental prices to better serve the community. Because of that, he asked to pause outside coverage so this process can unfold.

    I would like to share that I was very impressed with management’s professional approach to having conversation about real issues.

    I’m hopeful to have an update by the end of the week. Thank you to everyone who reached out and trusted me to bring your concerns forward — this is exactly how constructive dialogue should work. I will say the property has come a long way since my last tour two years ago. There has been a lot of construction and upgrades made. I’m excited to share more with you this week after further discussion with the owner.

    Part Two: Follow-Up with Sam Datta

    Sam Datta, owner of My Home at Monroe, met with me today to discuss concerns raised by locals who were surprised to see units advertised at prices significantly higher than originally expected. Datta said the project was approved through zoning as a mixed housing development, with 80% designated as workforce housing and 20% intended to meet affordable housing standards.

    According to Datta, several factors influenced the current pricing structure, including changes in the regional housing market and a growing shortage of short-term housing for incoming contract workers. He said an influx of implanted and temporary workers has led many to live in hotels due to limited availability of furnished apartments.

    Datta said they have decided to price their available units at $1,500, all utilities paid and completely furnished, noting that this only includes the 50 ready units. “Currently people in the workforce are paying $110-250 a night for housing,” Datta explained. “We conducted market surveys and, based on those findings, invested more into the property than we originally planned to meet the locals’ needs.”

    My Home at Monroe is offering gated access, on-site security with a live-in courtesy officer, indoor and outdoor pool access, and many more future amenities planned for Phase 2 of the project. Datta said those additions may include a restaurant, retail spaces, potential conference or office areas, and on-site laundry facilities, though some elements are still in discussion.

    Despite the higher-end amenities, Datta emphasized that his intent is not to price out local residents. “We don’t want to price gouge,” he said. “Our goal is to offer a nice project at a reasonable price, so residents can use the balance of their money for food, entertainment, and supporting businesses in this area.”

    Datta also noted that much of the temporary housing currently used by contractors is located outside of Monroe, meaning a significant portion of that economic activity is leaving the community. “A lot of temporary housing is being provided further out of town,” he said. “That’s money being spent elsewhere. Our goal is to improve this area and meet the immediate needs of contractors coming in.”

    According to Datta, city leadership — including the mayor and city council — has expressed the need for housing options that can accommodate the growing number of temporary workers tied to regional projects. While many of those workers may only be in the area short-term, Datta said their presence still represents income and economic opportunity for the community. He expressed to me that they are still early on in development stages, and while they are offering units for lease right now, the full property is not ready for lease up. Once the temporary workers move on to the next project, he sees his luxury complex will be at a point where locals will reap the benefits.

    As the project continues toward completion, Datta said he anticipates being better positioned to offer a finished product that more directly serves local residents and aligns more closely with affordability expectations.

    Following discussions about community feedback and rental concerns, Datta shared that he is actively exploring ways to adjust pricing moving forward, with the goal of better balancing market demands and community accessibility.

    This story is ongoing, and further updates are expected as those decisions are finalized.

  • Shadow Glen Apartments — Health and Safety Concerns

    Location: West Monroe, LA

    Residents of Shadow Glen Apartments say ongoing infrastructure, safety, and sanitation issues are severely impacting their quality of life, with some alleging conditions that pose potential health and safety risks.

    Multiple residents report that water service at the complex is interrupted several times a week — sometimes daily — often without prior notice. According to residents, the shutoffs are attributed to an unresolved leak that has persisted for nearly two years. Despite the frequent interruptions, tenants say they continue to be charged a monthly water bill.

    Several residents also claim that raw sewage has leaked into common areas and individual apartments. One resident reports sewage backing up into her unit while she had a newborn, stating it took more than two weeks for the issue to be permanently repaired and cleaned. Residents allege that temporary fixes are often made, but cleanup efforts are inconsistent or nonexistent.

    Beyond plumbing concerns, residents describe what they say are widespread maintenance and sanitation issues across the property. Complaints include roach and rat infestations that contaminate their food and water supply, malfunctioning washers and dryers, improperly sealed doors that allow water intrusion during rainstorms, and electrical outlets that spark during use. One resident says smoke detectors were not replaced until weeks after safety inspections had already been conducted.

    Safety concerns were also raised regarding animals and unauthorized individuals on the property. Residents report dogs frequently roaming loose, including breeds listed as restricted under the complex’s policies. Some say they have had close encounters with dogs owned by residents who repeatedly allow their animals to roam freely, causing anxiety for those uncomfortable around stray or unleashed dogs.

    In addition, residents say common areas such as the dog park and trash disposal areas are often avoided at night due to fears stemming from homeless individuals reportedly sleeping in those locations.

    Other concerns cited by residents include:
    – Trash accumulation and abandoned grocery carts at building entrances
    – Persistent odors of marijuana throughout the complex
    – Frequent police presence and reported criminal activity
    – Loud and disruptive neighbors
    – Dog waste left throughout the property
    – Lawn care crews allegedly damaging residents’ outdoor belongings
    – A large, unattended hole — approximately three feet deep — left on the property for weeks before being repaired
    – Pool access issues due to lack of monitoring, with unauthorized use reported

    Residents say repeated complaints to management have not resulted in lasting solutions, leaving many feeling unheard and frustrated.

    For transparency, I previously and briefly worked at Shadow Glen Apartments under former management and left because of ongoing maintenance and safety concerns. I have no current ties to the property, but residents’ complaints reflect problems that predate my departure.

  • Resident Concerns at Westbrook Villa Apartments

    Location: West Monroe, LA

    Residents of Westbrook Villa Apartments say they are dealing with a growing list of unresolved maintenance issues, safety concerns, and rising costs that have made day-to-day living increasingly difficult.

    The concerns outlined in this article are based on information provided by residents. One resident agreed to speak on the record on the condition of anonymity, while additional accounts were shared off the record to provide context and corroboration. Names are being withheld to protect residents from potential retaliation.

    Westbrook Villa is believed to be owned or managed by the same individuals connected to Shadow Glen Apartments, a complex previously referenced in earlier reporting. While ownership details are still being reviewed, tenants say the conditions and management practices feel strikingly similar.

    Multiple residents who spoke on condition of anonymity described problems that began before move-in and have continued throughout their leases.

    Several tenants report that severe roach infestations were present before they moved in, but they were not informed until after leases were signed and keys were issued. Residents say pest issues have persisted with limited or ineffective treatment, ruining furniture and appliances, like microwaves, that they will have to dispose of once they move out.

    Plumbing problems are another recurring complaint. Tenants report bathtubs that do not drain properly, requiring plungers to empty water, with no permanent repairs made. Constant leaks with sinks and in shared spaces have also been reported.

    Inside individual units, residents say repairs are often incomplete, including doors being replaced but never painted and fixtures left unfinished. While tenants say maintenance may respond initially, they claim issues frequently reoccur.

    Safety and quality-of-life concerns were also raised. Residents report unaccompanied minors playing unsupervised, sometimes causing property damage, as well as reports of crime within the complex. Tenants say late-night noise and loud music often go unenforced, despite complaints.

    Water-related issues appear to be among the most disruptive. Residents report that water service has been shut off for full days without warning on multiple occasions, forcing families to use gas stations or other public facilities for restrooms. The on-site laundry room is also reported to flood regularly, making it unusable at times.

    Adding to the frustration, tenants say water lines have burst repeatedly, and because residents are responsible for water bills on site, some say they have been charged for excessive water usage caused by infrastructure failures, not personal use.

    Financial concerns extend beyond utilities. Residents describe frequent rent increases and confusing add-on charges that they believe function as “hidden fees.” Several tenants said these charges appear quietly on statements without clear explanation or advance notice.

    Perhaps most concerning to residents is the feeling that they are held financially responsible for problems they are not allowed to fix themselves. Tenants say they are unable to make repairs or improvements, yet feel they are charged for how issues are handled — or left unresolved — while being expected to continue living with the conditions.

    Residents say they are speaking out not only to seek accountability, but to inform others considering housing options in the area.