Community Accountability Network

Author: Amber Perez

  • Employees Speak Out on Safety During Winter Storm

    Location: USA Travel Plaza #8 (629 HWY 3033, West Monroe)

    According to some employees, management instructed staff to continue working while weather conditions worsened, even after damage was discovered inside the building. Some workers say they expressed safety concerns but felt pressured to stay, despite management allegedly calling out, leaving one shift-leader without relief since 5 AM.

    Employees also report receiving a text message from their boss allegedly stating it was time to see who was dedicated to their job or not, which they interpreted as discouraging them from leaving due to safety concerns. At this time, the claims have not been independently verified, and the employer has not publicly responded. Multiple attempts were made for comment, but I was unable to reach a representative.

    A family member of an employee expressed concern, as the employee is young and not experienced for this kind of situation.

    No injuries have been confirmed, and it is unclear whether any formal complaints have been filed.

  • PetSense Allegations — Part 2 (Former Employee Account)

    Not my story, submitted by a former employee and rewritten for clarity

    “I am a former employee of this location and worked there for over a year. The following statements reflect my personal experiences and observations during that time.

    During my employment, I observed practices that raised serious concerns for me regarding animal care and workplace treatment. On multiple occasions, I felt that animals were not being cared for in a manner I believed was appropriate. When concerns were raised internally, I did not observe corrective action being taken.

    After complaints were made to higher levels of management regarding animal care and workplace conditions, both myself and a former manager were later informed that we were no longer permitted on the property. I was not provided with a clear explanation beyond references to internal complaints.

    I experienced frequent contact from management outside of scheduled work hours, including repeated calls and text messages on days off. This included communication during a family funeral, which management had been informed of in advance. I personally perceived this level of contact as excessive and distressing.

    I also experienced what I believe to be unprofessional and inappropriate communication from a district-level supervisor, including being addressed in a manner I found disrespectful via text message. These interactions contributed to a work environment that I felt was hostile, ultimately leading me to resign.

    I reported my concerns to corporate management and provided documentation of communications I received. To my knowledge, no independent investigation was conducted. I was later informed that the information had been shared with local management.

    Based on my observations, the location appeared understaffed, and employees expressed concerns about workload and compensation. I also observed situations where animals appeared to go without timely or adequate care, in my opinion.

    For transparency, it is my understanding that there were no visible cameras in the grooming area or other interior areas of the store during my employment.

    These statements are provided to share my personal experience and concerns and are not intended to assert proven facts beyond what I personally observed.”

    Note from Amber Perez: During the course of my journalistic investigation into this establishment, I have received multiple concerning reports regarding animal welfare and serious allegations concerning management. At this time, I do not feel it is appropriate to publish everything that I have been made aware of as many of the tips I received are from people who are afraid to come forward because of fear of retaliation. I would also like to note that I have had a few responses indicating positive experiences as well. This information is being shared for informational purposes only. Please do not harass employees of the store. If you have been a witness to anything that concerns you, please report it to the appropriate agencies.

  • PetSense Grooming Allegations — Part 1

    Location: West Monroe, LA

    A West Monroe pet owner, Rikki Shackelford, is alleging that her two poodles were injured and mistreated during a grooming appointment at PetSense in West Monroe, prompting veterinary treatment and multiple complaints to store management and corporate representatives.

    According to a series of Facebook posts and my interview with Shackelford, she dropped off her dogs at the store around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and prepaid for grooming services. She said the dogs were not ready for pickup until after 7 p.m.

    Shackelford said she was immediately alarmed by the dogs’ appearance, describing extensive hair removal and visible skin irritation. After returning home, she claims both dogs showed signs consistent with razor burn across their bodies.

    In a follow-up post, Shackelford further alleged that a woman who was inside the store during the grooming appointment contacted her after seeing the original post. According to Shackelford, the woman claimed she witnessed one of the dogs being handled roughly by the groomer, including forcefully holding the dog’s mouth shut while the animal was panting heavily.

    Shackelford also reported noticing swelling on one dog’s face and abnormal mouth movement later that evening. She said a veterinarian confirmed swelling beneath the dog’s left eye but found no fractures. Both dogs were reportedly prescribed antibiotics, with one also receiving pain medication.

    Shackelford described multiple interactions with store staff and management, stating that a refund was eventually issued but that she was dissatisfied with how the situation was handled. She said a regional manager told her there were no cameras inside the grooming area and advised that any further action would require legal counsel. According to Shackelford, corporate representatives offered to cover veterinary expenses.

    PetSense has not publicly confirmed the allegations, the presence or absence of surveillance cameras in grooming areas, or any personnel actions related to the groomer named in the posts.

    Animal welfare experts encourage pet owners to document injuries, seek veterinary care promptly, and report suspected mistreatment to appropriate authorities.

    Animal care professionals note that certain breeds, including poodles and poodle mixes, require frequent and consistent grooming as part of their overall health care. Regular grooming helps prevent painful matting, skin infections, and mobility issues, and it also relies heavily on trust between the animal and the groomer. Experts say repeated positive grooming experiences are essential for reducing stress, preventing injury, and ensuring that animals remain calm and cooperative during future appointments. When that trust is damaged, it can have lasting effects on both an animal’s physical health and behavior.

    This story remains under investigation. PetSense and its parent company, Tractor Supply Co., have been contacted for comment.

  • Zaxby’s Incident — Discriminatory Conduct Allegation

    Location: West Monroe, LA

    As many of you know, I am a linguistic consultant acting as an advocate for those who need a voice. Today, I am acting on behalf of a client who has requested anonymity.

    On a recent visit to the Zaxby’s location in West Monroe, Louisiana, my client, a Hispanic male, was asked for his name when placing an order. The receipt printed the name “ICE.”

    This name was not provided by the customer.

    In the current social and political climate, assigning this label to a Hispanic customer raises serious concerns regarding discriminatory conduct, workplace culture, and customer safety.

    This post serves several purposes:
    – To publicly document the incident
    – To preserve community awareness
    – To notify relevant parties that this matter is being taken seriously and reviewed

    This is not an allegation of intent against a specific employee at this time. It is a factual account of what occurred and the impact such conduct has on individuals and the community.

    Businesses serving the public have an obligation to ensure customers are treated with dignity and without bias. Failure to address incidents like this exposes broader issues that warrant scrutiny.

    We are currently in the process of gathering documentation and determining appropriate next steps.

    This post is not a call for harassment or retaliation. It is a call for accountability, transparency, and corrective action.

    Respect is not optional.
    Documentation matters.
    Community awareness matters.

  • Local Rescue Raises Alarm Over Deadly Cat Virus at Shelter

    In an exclusive interview, a West Monroe cat rescue owner is speaking out after losing dozens of kittens to panleukopenia, a highly contagious and often fatal cat virus. She says the local shelter did not disclose that some cats were exposed, and several kittens she rescued died despite strict care.

    She also warns that members of the public adopting cats from the shelter could unknowingly bring home the virus, putting their families and pets at risk. Rescue operators say multiple kittens have died this year under similar circumstances, and the outbreak may have been kept quiet.

    At the time of publication the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter was unavailable for comment. I will continue to reach out for a statement. This story is ongoing.

  • Monroe Moccasins Rolex Raffle — Questions Remain

    The Monroe Moccasins ran a paid raffle for a Rolex watch, with a goal of $35,000. Fans were told the drawing would happen at the December 20th game after it was postponed once in November, and very little information has been shared since.

    I now know a winner exists, but to my knowledge no official announcement was made, and it’s unclear who won or how the raffle was handled.

    I reached out to the Louisiana Office of Charitable Gaming, and their response was:

    “I am unable to locate The Monroe Moccasins in our system.”

    In Louisiana, raffles must follow strict rules and licensing requirements, and at this time there’s no public record confirming this raffle was legally authorized under the Monroe Moccasins name.

    If you purchased a ticket or know someone who did, please DM me. Any receipts, screenshots, or info will help clarify what happened to provide more information to those who participated in this raffle.

    The public deserves clarity, transparency, and accountability.

    I reached out to the Monroe Moccasins, but did not receive any response.

  • Forsythe Park Update & The Bigger Picture

    After speaking with several families who raised safety concerns about Forsythe Park, I had the opportunity to sit down with Hillary Sirmon, the organizer behind the inclusive playground vision for the park.

    Hillary shared that her passion for inclusive play spaces began with her own child with special needs. She has helped fundraise and plan multiple park projects before, and her mission has always been simple: create spaces where all children, regardless of ability, can play together.

    Forsythe Park is part of the City of Monroe’s broader Parks & Recreation Master Plan — a long-term strategy approved by City Council to revitalize parks across the city. The plan includes upgrades, expanded recreational amenities, and improvements intended to make parks more functional and welcoming for families.

    However, Hillary explained that the Forsythe project is still approximately $25,000 short of full completion.

    Forsythe Park has the potential to be one of Monroe’s most beautiful and inclusive gathering spaces. The goal now is ensuring that it is not only accessible — but safe.

    Donations for the nonprofit raising money for this project can be made at:
    John Clarke Perry Foundation on Venmo

  • Growing Safety Concerns at Forsythe Park

    Location: Monroe, LA

    Forsythe Park has long been a cherished space in Monroe — a place where families gather, children play, and the community comes together. But growing safety concerns are causing some parents to think twice before bringing their children there.

    Local residents report multiple hazards throughout the park’s play areas, including unstable and fading slides, loose and deteriorating guard rails, and connective bridges designed for children that lack any guard rails at all. Parents have also pointed out uneven ground and patchwork repairs that appear worn and unsafe.

    One mother shared a particularly alarming experience, saying she had to physically move her child off a platform after noticing he was about to fall through what appeared to be rotten wood. “Our kids deserve better,” she said. “Why isn’t Monroe addressing this?”

    While Forsythe Park remains full of potential, these safety issues are raising serious concerns among families. Parents say the park should be a place of peace and play, not constant vigilance and fear of injury.

    Many are now calling on the City of Monroe to inspect the park, address the reported hazards, and prioritize repairs to ensure the space is safe for the children it was built to serve. Until then, some families say they’re staying away, hoping that attention and action will restore Forsythe Park to the welcoming community space it once was.

    I would love the opportunity to meet with Mayor Friday Ellis to discuss these concerns and how we can create a fun, safe environment for the community to come together.

    Update from Mayor Ellis:

    “The playground is about to be demolished and a new playground/family area will be in place. Should be about 2-3 months before construction begins. Shoutout to Miracles to Milestone for spearheading and fundraising for the new playground.

    Those rails consistently are an issue. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll send our folk out to brace them up.”

  • Meeting With the Mayor: A Conversation on Transparency

    Meeting With the Mayor: A Conversation on Transparency

    I met with Mayor Friday Ellis today to discuss transparency, public communication, and how information moves between the city and its residents. While he originally opened his office to me, I decided on a video chat due to potential inclement weather. We started on a light note — the irony of my first meeting Mayor Friday on a Friday wasn’t lost on either of us — before moving into more substantive discussion.

    In his office hangs a sign that reads, “Do good recklessly,” a phrase that stuck with me throughout our conversation as I listened to his approach on politics.

    The mayor emphasized that his approach to leadership is rooted in efficiency and governance rather than popularity. He shared that he understands not every decision will be well received, but his focus remains on what he believes best serves the community, even when that isn’t immediately clear to the public.

    Transparency was the central theme of our conversation. He did not shy away from the topic and was ready to address it head on. Mayor Ellis explained that the city operates within a system of checks and balances designed to prevent misuse of power, but that structure can also mean he isn’t always directly aware of every concern as it arises. He asked for the benefit of the doubt from the public while acknowledging the importance of transparency and communication.

    We discussed how grants, budgeting and fund allocation are often confusing for residents despite being public record. He shared that the city is actively working to simplify its website to make information more accessible and easier to understand.

    As an independent journalist, I was offered a line of communication with the mayor’s office to help clarify concerns more efficiently when questions arise. He expressed openness to transparency and a willingness to engage in ongoing dialogue, something that I believe is a great demonstration of dedication to transparency.

    The public can expect me to continue reporting on city matters as they arise — asking questions, seeking clarification, and sharing information as accurately and neutrally as possible.

    I would like to thank the Mayor for meeting with me and dedicating himself to further conversations and transparency. One thing we can all agree on is that we can’t all agree. But we can move forward together with progressive conversations, grounded in accountability and transparency.

    CAN Report Image

  • Shadows in State Care — Part 1

    The Oversight Series Begins

    Over the last few weeks, I have received multiple whistleblower complaints regarding Louisiana’s Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ), specifically involving conditions inside state-run youth facilities.

    The allegations include unsafe living conditions, staffing shortages, potential PREA compliance concerns, documentation irregularities, retaliation against employees who reported misconduct, sexual assault allegations, and questions about internal oversight and transparency. Some complaints also raise concerns about how incidents involving youth safety and facility operations were handled.

    I am currently reviewing documentation, interviewing sources, and requesting official responses. I will be releasing a series outlining the nature of these complaints, the policies involved, and the responses from leadership. My focus is transparency, accountability, and the welfare of youth in state custody.

    The identities of whistleblowers and victims will remain protected.

    If you have direct knowledge or documentation related to these facilities, you may contact me confidentially.

    Disclaimer: The matters described above are allegations made by whistleblowers and sources. They have not been adjudicated in court. All individuals and agencies mentioned are presumed to have acted lawfully unless proven otherwise. This reporting will present claims, documentation, and official responses as they are obtained.