Community Accountability Network

Category: Local Businesses

  • 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.

  • 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.