Community Accountability Network

Tag: Police

  • 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.

  • OJJ Employee Arrested at Swanson Center

    OJJ Employee Arrested at Swanson Center

    Reginald Williams, 52, who had worked as a Juvenile Justice Specialist Supervisor with OJJ since 2020, was caught with six bags of THC gummies totaling 70 pieces hidden in his undergarments during a security check at the Swanson Center for Youth, according to investigators. He was arrested and taken to the Ouachita Correctional Center, and OJJ confirmed he was terminated from his position immediately following the arrest.

    CAN Report Image

  • Ouachita Parish Fire Department — Chief Robert Moore Interview

    In a sit-down interview, Robert Moore, Fire Chief of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department, said the department’s mission is simple: to serve the public and meet community needs.

    “We’re here to help,” Moore said. “I just don’t think people realize everything we do.”

    Many residents only interact with the fire department during emergencies, but Chief Moore says the department provides far more services than most people realize. He has served with the department for nearly 15 years and brings more than 35 years of public safety experience to the role.

    Ouachita Parish operates as one unified fire district, covering nearly the entire parish outside of Monroe and West Monroe. Unlike many areas in Louisiana that rely on small volunteer districts, Ouachita Parish runs as a coordinated system with 15 fire stations, with a 16th station planned along Highway 80 near Trapp Field, currently projected for 2028.

    While fire suppression is a core responsibility, about 80% of calls are medical. Many firefighters are paramedic-certified and provide advanced life support, often arriving before ambulance services. The department is also the only local agency with mechanical CPR devices on every frontline truck, allowing consistent chest compressions during cardiac arrest and transport — a critical factor in survival, especially in rural areas.

    Despite covering more than 600 square miles, the department holds a Class 3 fire rating, considered exceptional for a district of this size and one that can positively affect insurance rates. Moore says the department plans years in advance for major purchases like fire engines, ladder trucks, and stations, allowing them to operate without debt or bonds and stay within budget.

    The department also offers several free services many residents don’t know about, including free smoke alarm installation, fire safety education in schools, CPR and first responder medical training, fire protection reviews for new subdivisions, and assistance with gas or carbon monoxide concerns. If a request falls outside their jurisdiction, staff help connect residents with the appropriate agency.

    Ouachita Parish Fire Department maintains an Urban Search and Rescue team and is part of a regional response network activated through the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. Local firefighters have deployed to floods, hurricanes, and other disasters both in Louisiana and out of state. The department is also trained and equipped for high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, and water rescue, with all equipment and training maintained in-house.

    While life-threatening emergencies take priority, firefighters also respond to animal rescue calls when needed, including animals trapped in vehicles, trailers, or dangerous situations. In many cases, animal control or law enforcement requests assistance due to the specialized equipment required.

    The department employs approximately 190 personnel, including firefighters, dispatchers, training staff, and maintenance crews. On any given day, at least 46 firefighters are on duty, working 24-hour shifts. The department operates its own in-house fire academy, which lasts about a year and includes EMT certification and fire suppression training. The department is currently hiring and expects to bring on around 15 new firefighters this year.

    Those interested can learn more at:
    – ouachitafire.org
    – 318-325-1621
    – Facebook

  • Taking the Lock Off City Hall — Don Nance Interview

    (TLDR at end)

    Today I sat down to interview Mr. Nance at his local business in West Monroe. His message was clear: not just access to information, but access to leadership.

    Nance, who previously worked for the City of West Monroe for 13 years under prior leadership, says his decision to run is rooted in what he believes has been lost in recent years. He points to transparency, financial discipline, and an open relationship with the people as central concerns.

    And he framed it in a way that was hard to ignore.

    “When the current mayor ran, she talked about transparency and an open-door policy,” Nance said. “The first thing she did was put a lock on the elevator at City Hall so you can’t access the second floor.”

    His promise?

    “I will literally and figuratively take the lock off.”

    A Focus on Financial Reality

    Nance does not shy away from discussing the city’s finances. He repeatedly pointed to what he describes as a growing debt burden, citing approximately $42 million in debt, along with long-term bond payments tied to projects like the West Monroe Sports Complex.

    According to Nance, the issue is not whether amenities are nice to have. It is whether they are sustainable.

    He expressed concern about multiple city-owned event venues operating at a loss. His solution is not to abandon them, but to manage them differently.

    “If it’s going to survive without draining tax dollars,” he explained, “it has to be booked constantly. You can’t rely only on local youth leagues. You have to bring in outside events.”

    Rather than pointing fingers, Nance says his approach would be practical. He wants to run the city the way he runs his own businesses, with financial restraint, long-term planning, and clear priorities.

    “There’s a time to eat beans, and there’s a time to eat steak,” he said. “Right now, we need to be asking, does this make us safer? Does this fix our water? Does this improve our streets? If not, it moves down the list.”

    Clean Water: A Long-Term Commitment

    Water infrastructure is another major pillar of Nance’s campaign.

    He was careful not to promise overnight fixes. West Monroe’s water system pulls from multiple sources, which makes filtration upgrades complex and expensive.

    “It’s not a day-one solution,” he said. “If it was easy, it would already be fixed.”

    However, he believes the city should aggressively pursue available federal infrastructure funding that is specifically earmarked for water improvements.

    His stance is simple. If grant money exists for clean water, it should be pursued just as aggressively as funds for other projects.

    Public Safety and Protecting Children

    Nance also emphasized safety, particularly when it comes to theft and school security.

    He described personal experiences with property theft and advocates for increased night patrols in neighborhoods. One of his strongest positions was clear.

    He wants a police officer in every school within city limits.

    “We can make cuts in other areas,” he said. “But what’s more important than our children?”

    Beyond policing, Nance talked about building unity across pastors, coaches, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and community members to mentor young people before problems begin.

    “This isn’t about national political debates,” he said. “It’s about running a city. It’s about unity.”

    Supporting First Responders

    Another issue he raised was employee benefits for police officers and firefighters.

    Nance believes it is unacceptable for first responders to risk their lives while struggling to afford family health insurance.

    “If someone is willing to protect this city, we should protect them,” he said.

    He indicated he would prioritize reviewing and strengthening those benefits if elected.

    Involving the Citizens in Decision-Making

    Perhaps the most consistent message of the conversation was inclusion.

    Nance repeatedly emphasized that major city decisions should not happen in isolation.

    “When the council meets and we’re deciding what to spend money on, I want citizens involved,” he said. “They know their neighborhoods. They know their problems.”

    He described canvassing neighborhoods personally and hearing directly from residents who felt unheard.

    He says transparency is not just about publishing numbers. It is about accessibility. It is about answering the phone. It is about meeting face to face. It is about removing barriers, both physical and symbolic.

    A Commitment to Accountability

    At the close of our conversation, I asked Nance directly whether he would commit to transparency and accountability with me as an independent journalist, even if criticism arises.

    His response was immediate.

    “100 percent yes.”

    Whether voters agree with every position or not, Nance’s campaign message is clear. Restore financial discipline. Prioritize core services. Strengthen public safety. And perhaps most notably, give the citizens a key to City Hall.

    In his words, it is time to take the lock off.

    TLDR: Taking the Lock Off City Hall

    Don Nance says he’s running for mayor of West Monroe to restore transparency, financial discipline, and public access to leadership. He believes the city is carrying significant debt and wants to prioritize core services like clean water, safer streets, and stronger support for police, fire, and schools before funding additional projects.

    He supports pursuing federal funding to address long-term water infrastructure issues, increasing neighborhood patrols, placing officers in every school, and reviewing benefits for first responders.

    Most importantly, he says he wants citizens directly involved in decision-making and promises to be accessible and accountable. In his words, he plans to “literally and figuratively take the lock off” City Hall.

  • Delhi Officer Arrested on Drug Charges

    Delhi Officer Arrested on Drug Charges

    Update: Hall is associated with the Delhi PD

    Derrick Hall, who is allegedly a police officer in Delhi, has been arrested by LSPO for drug charges, obscenity, and no insurance. I have received several tips that he works for the police department but at this time, I have not received a response to officially confirm. Some tipsters also say that he has other criminal offenses from the past. I have found a few of those charges and I’m working to confirm that they are linked to the same individual. This story is ongoing.

    CAN Report Image
    CAN Report Image

  • Questions Raised After Arrest of a Substitute Teacher

    Questions Raised After Arrest of a Substitute Teacher

    A substitute teacher at Carver Elementary School was arrested and charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, according to public arrest records. The charge is an allegation, and the case is pending in court.

    The incident is alleged to have occurred on February 4, 2026. A family of one affected student says they were not notified immediately and only learned of the situation after their child disclosed it at home. To protect the child, no identifying information is being released, including gender or grade level.

    One family member briefly made a public post out of concern that other children may have been involved or exposed, noting that multiple students were present in the classroom at the time. The post was later removed after the family became worried that public discussion could further harm or identify the child. The child shared graphic details with their families about the occurrence — and how one child stated they felt trapped under the desk while the act was performed. The family says their intent was never public exposure, but to raise concern that some children may be afraid to speak up, especially if parents were never informed or asked to talk with their children.

    Shortly after that post, the school issued a brief public statement acknowledging that an allegation had been reported and referred to law enforcement, stating that the matter was under investigation and that no further comments could be made at that time. According to the family, that statement is the primary communication they have received.

    According to the family, they attempted to file a police report themselves but say they were unable to do so initially because they were not provided with key information, including the name of the substitute teacher involved. The family says they requested this information from the school and were denied access at the time, leaving them unable to complete a report without identifying details. They are now seeking clarity on why that information was not made available to them sooner and whether this aligns with district policy when parents are attempting to report alleged criminal conduct involving their child.

    One family reports the child is now experiencing severe anxiety and trauma-related symptoms and says no counseling or support services have been offered unless the family requested it. They are asking why parents of children who were present were not notified directly, whether additional students may have been affected, and what protocols exist to support children in situations involving alleged sexual misconduct.

    Because the school has publicly stated that no further comment is available, they are not currently providing additional statements. This remains an ongoing story. I am working closely with the family privately to advocate for them while prioritizing the child’s safety and well-being, and I will share updates as information can be responsibly confirmed.

    TLDR:
    A substitute teacher was arrested and charged with indecent behavior with juveniles. A family says they were not promptly notified, fears other children may have been affected, and worries some may be afraid to speak up because parents were not informed. The school issued a brief statement and says no further comment is available. This is an ongoing investigation.

    CAN Report Image
    CAN Report Image

  • What’s Going On Between the Judges and OPPJ — Part 2

    Deep Dive into OPPJ

    Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney. This is just my understanding based on public documents.

    • All of the sitting judges in the 4th Judicial District Court are listed as plaintiffs in a separate lawsuit against the Ouachita Parish Police Jury (OPPJ).
    • Because of that lawsuit, they stepped aside (recused themselves) from the Frost Tower case to avoid any appearance of conflict.
    • Court revenue from fines and fees has gone down in recent years.
    • The judges asked OPPJ for more funding to help cover expenses.
    • OPPJ increased funding for the judges from about $118,000 in 2022 to $525,000 in 2023.
    • Budget documents also show the Parish’s General Fund is under increasing financial pressure.

    To better understand the financial side, I’ve submitted a public records request asking for:
    – Payments made to outside lawyers (2023 to now)
    – Contracts and invoices for those legal services
    – Budget line items for legal expenses

    This isn’t about picking sides. It’s about understanding what’s happening and how taxpayer dollars are being used.

    I’ll continue sharing updates as documents come in — and I’ll stick to what can be proven.

  • Frost Tower LLC vs. OPPJ — Part 1

    Ouachita Parish Police Jury Deep Dive

    Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. This is simply my understanding of the court filings based on the public record.

    A company called Frost Tower, LLC has filed a lawsuit against the Ouachita Parish Police Jury (OPPJ) challenging the Parish’s subdivision regulations, specifically Chapter 21.5 of the parish ordinances.

    According to the petition, Frost Tower owns about 68 acres and wants to subdivide it into residential lots. The company is asking the court to declare that the Police Jury does not have the authority to enforce these subdivision rules as applied to them, and to stop the Parish from enforcing those rules on this development.

    The Police Jury responded in December by filing what are called “exceptions” and defenses. In simple terms, they are arguing that:
    – If someone is challenging the constitutionality of an ordinance, certain procedural steps must be followed
    – The Louisiana Attorney General must be properly served
    – The case may have been filed using the wrong type of court procedure

    They also deny the allegations and ask that the case be dismissed.

    One unusual development: all of the sitting judges of the Fourth Judicial District Court have recused themselves from the case. According to the recusal order, the judges are currently involved in separate litigation that includes the Police Jury, and they stepped aside to avoid any appearance of bias. That means a different judge will have to be assigned to handle this case.

    At this point, the case appears to be focused heavily on procedural issues before the court even reaches the larger constitutional question.

    Again, I am not offering legal advice. I am simply summarizing what is reflected in the filings. I will continue to follow the case as it develops.

  • The Crooked Smile of Leadership

    Ouachita Parish Leadership Under Scrutiny

    First things first:
    This is Part One of a series examining leadership and public trust in Ouachita Parish. Its purpose is not retaliation, but transparency. I am calling on local government leaders to review these concerns, evaluate Shane Smiley’s continued fitness to serve, and take appropriate action — including removal from the Ouachita Parish Police Jury if warranted.

    If meaningful action is taken to restore public trust, this series does not need to continue. If it is not, future posts will focus on documented patterns, community impact, verified claims I have uncovered, and mechanisms for accountability. The goal is simple: leadership that reflects the standards, presence, and integrity Ouachita Parish residents expect — especially in moments when the community needs it most.

    When video footage surfaced last year showing Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Shane Smiley speaking harshly and using profanity toward young female employees at his Monroe restaurant, Catahoula’s, it sparked widespread concern. Smiley apologized publicly but refused to resign, maintaining that the incident did not warrant removal from office.

    Since then, discussions and unverified rumors have circulated about workplace culture and his personal life, adding to growing public discomfort with his leadership. Multiple residents have expressed disappointment in his absence during the recent winter storm, citing a lack of visible leadership and communication during a critical time.

    During my recent investigations into Shane Smiley, I have uncovered information suggesting that his actions were not isolated and may continue to occur behind closed doors. While he remains active in official parish business, many residents feel accountability has not been fully addressed.

    Although this article primarily focuses on events from the past year, the concerns are ongoing. Sources have raised strong claims that, in my opinion, make Smiley unfit for his role as a publicly elected official.

    Citizens have noticed their inability to publicly comment on the government page representing the Police Jury and have turned to me for help. For now, I am posting limited (and already publicly circulating) information as a reminder that the public has not forgotten. In fact, they are more frustrated than ever. Echoes of citizens who feel their voices are censored and ignored sound locally, a troubling public perception considering the past issues.

    I am calling on local government leaders to review these concerns, evaluate Shane Smiley’s continued fitness to serve, and take appropriate and immediate action to remove him from his position as Police Juror.