Community Accountability Network

Tag: Public Records

  • 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].

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Industrial Groundwork in Ouachita Parish?

    OPPJ — Public Records Review

    Over the past few weeks, I’ve been digging through Ouachita Parish public records. Looking at budgets, meeting minutes, audit reports, and capital outlay documents. I’m trying to better understand how parish tax dollars are being spent and what long-term plans may be underway.

    One pattern that stands out in the records is the parish’s repeated use of two categories: East Ouachita Economic Development Capital Outlay and West Ouachita Economic Development Capital Outlay. These funds appear throughout the financial documents and meeting minutes and are specifically tied to economic development spending.

    In plain terms, “capital outlay” usually refers to money used for large projects such as infrastructure, engineering work, planning, and development preparation. It is different from routine expenses like payroll or daily operations. Capital outlay funds are typically used when a government is investing in long-term projects.

    The documents show the parish approving funding connected to planning, engineering work, and infrastructure improvements under these economic development categories. While the records do not name a specific company or project, these types of expenditures are often associated with early-stage development planning.

    Another detail that appears consistently in the records is the geographic separation of spending between East Ouachita and West Ouachita. That type of distinction can sometimes indicate that development planning is being focused in particular areas of the parish rather than applied evenly everywhere.

    In many communities, the early phases of industrial or large-scale economic development follow a fairly predictable pattern:

    1. Engineering or feasibility studies are approved
    2. Infrastructure planning begins (roads, utilities, site preparation)
    3. Capital outlay funds are allocated
    4. Sites are prepared or certified for development
    5. A company announcement may happen later

    The documents reviewed so far appear to show activity that fits within the early stages of that process. However, the records themselves do not identify a specific industry, company, or project.

    Another interesting piece of the puzzle is that some of the investments appear tied to infrastructure and development planning that could support large projects requiring significant utilities, broadband access, or transportation access. Those types of investments are often made years before any official announcement is made.

    To be clear, this does not mean a specific industrial project or company has been confirmed. What the documents show is that the parish has been allocating funds and approving planning activity tied to economic development infrastructure.

    At this stage of the investigation, the goal is simply to understand what these funds are being used for and what long-term development plans may exist.

    I am still requesting types of documents that often provide more detail about whether a parish is preparing land for future industry or large employers.

    As always, I want to be clear that I am not an attorney and not claiming wrongdoing. My goal is simply to review public records and help make complex government documents easier for the community to understand.

    Public information helps everyone better understand how our local government is planning for the future. We deserve to be informed. As I look through the OPPJ meeting minutes, I haven’t found any public information on plans for industrial development but in my opinion, the financial records seem to indicate that is the direction they are heading. I wonder at what point a public announcement would be made?