Her charges come just three weeks after the one-time head of the Narcotics Task Force pleaded guilty to the same offense. "These are two of the top individuals that I've ever had the pleasure of working with," Larpenter added, noting that the allegations came about in 2012 when he resumed office from former sheriff Vernon Bourgeois. Larpenter then sent a letter to Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera, notifying him that the payment from Bourgeois as the audit recommended had been made. Reality shows come and go for one reason or another, but the situation with A&E's Cajun Justice is a precedent nobody ever could have imagined. Reality shows come and go for one reason or another, but the situation with A&Es Cajun Justice is a precedent nobody ever could have imagined. An additional 6th cast member quit to support his fellow comrades. It'd be interesting to see what he would do with serious power. Alone among the houseguests, he actually seems to be learning how to play the game better as the weeks pass. Larpenter said he is leaving the question to higher powers as well. TV tweet of the day so far. Foret has done nothing wrong," he added. Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser! Just follow Duck Dynasty on Twitter, then wait for one of the affiliated accounts including Willie, Korie, Jase, Duck Commander and A&E to tweet #QUACK or see if you can spot #QUACK on air during the new episodes. When a vicious alligator attacks a family's dog, Deputy Melissa "Catfish" Quintal must call . . by | May 26, 2022 | picture of jay towers wife | billy unger age | May 26, 2022 | picture of jay towers wife | billy unger age The show follows Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois and his deputies as they fight crime in the swamps of Louisiana. cant believe its not coming back! Or at least it did until they got a new boss. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera handles the prosecution for Foret and Stewart's cases. As both. As part of the plea, Stewart must also pay $15,925 in mandatory restitution to the government. "Now we are monitoring everything and working with our financials to make sure we have new equipment, manpower and personnel," he added. Catfish and Gators. May 25 2022. places to go for your 16th birthday. Terrebonne Sheriff's Assistant Chief of Detectives Capt. The findings included an allegation that Bourgeois improperly drew vacation pay, Parish equipment was used without compensation by a company producing the reality show Cajun Justice and deputies were allegedly paid for working on the show while they also drew parish salaries. Former Terrebonne Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has squared away paying the $19,175 the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says he owes the parish for gas, unauthorized leave and other expenses when he left office in 2011. Whats more, not only did the new Sheriff pink slip to most of the cast, but as of July 1, he banned A&E producers from following anyone in his department. The show followed Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois (pictured) and his deputies as they patrolled the swamps of Louisiana until Bourgeois lost his position to Larpenter. [2], The show focuses on the experiences of the Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana Sheriff's Office. NAME: Louis Vernon Bourgeois, Jr. AGE . Jul 30, 2012 Category Reality TV. confirmed, "We are no longer participating in the A&E show.". But they're both not fried shrimp dressed, baby. The agency typically does not comment on investigations that do not pose an immediate threat to public safety, he noted. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. announced last week that Bourgeois paid the money. n Malfeasance, the term used when a public servant intentionally refuses or fails to perform required duties. All rights reserved. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Download the TMZ App on the Apple App Store, Download the TMZ App on the Google Play Store. The Terrabone Sheriffs Dept. Sheriff VERNON BOURGEOIS (Terrebonne Parish): Starting Friday at 6 a.m., we're going to allow people to do a look-and-leave program, that is, when people can come in to the area, assess their . TCA Elementary panel: Why a Big Apple Holmes and a woman Watson could work, TCA: Weeds series finale and whats in those smokin props, Tia Belle (a.k.a. Stewart, who worked as head of the Terrebonne Parish Narcotics Task Force until his resignation on April 11, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Vernon, was found dead from a . Dave Walker can be reached at [email protected] or 504.826.3429. Tracking staffers in Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois' office and the citizens they police, the series met with some negative reaction by viewers in the parish, at least as reflected in the pages and. Thats something we want to continue., Photo credit: Gabby Jimenez/LSU Manship School News Service, Task Force on State Recognition of Indian Tribes meeting failed to establish criteria for recognizing tribes in Louisiana. The reality of this reality TV situation is that A&E will lick its wounds, move on and find another show to fill the void. I can certainly understand where he is coming from, said Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis, who admitted his surprise at Bourgeois decision. The Terrabone Sheriff Dept. seems like most shows i enjoy get cancelled anymore. No charges have been filed against either employee, and neither have been investigated for similar disciplinary issues in the past, Terrebonne sheriff Jerry Larpenter said. Send Flowers. The other three alleged violations pertain to Baby Oil and about $350,000 worth of free renovations on a Savanne Road building now used by a private contractor to house an inmate work-release program. The former assistant chief of detectives at the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office faces a federal charge of theft of government funds. It might be the understatement of the year to say that the new sheriff of Terrebonne Parrish is not a big fan of reality TV. It depicts our population as ignorant-voodoo practicing-illiterate fools. Potential criminal violations noted in the audit include: n Theft, which carries a penalty of fines and up to 10 years in prison depending on the value of the item or service. Oh, Adam. COVID vaccine associated with fewer heart problems, study says, Major industrial development underway tied to NASA in New Orleans East, Warm and humid Thursday before a cold front Friday. Under current state law, there is a maximum cap on annual parish sheriff salaries.. New Orleans-based FBI spokesman, Craig Betbeze, declined to comment Wednesday. He was criticized for taking $16,133 for unused leave and taking a $600 clothing allowance. My office will continue to follow your recommendations set forth in the audit of former Sheriff L. Vernon Bourgeois four years in office, as I outlined in my letter to you of July 11, 2013, Larpenters letter states. Huge difference. The shows first season so far has averaged about 1.5 million viewers an episode, Kadin said, facing strong competition early and late in its run against the NBA Playoffs and then the Summer Olympics. The federal grant allows deputies to conduct spot checks at local venues to catch juveniles who may be drinking illegally. Well folks, there's a new Sheriff in town and what that means for the cast of A&E's hit reality show "Cajun Justice" is they're NO LONGER ON A REALITY SHOW. Yes! State law also prohibits giving away public property or other things of value, such as inmate labor, to another person, association or corporation, public or private.. Federal prosecutors filed a bill of information April 5 alleging that Stewart stole over $1,000 in grant money from 2009 through 2012. The audit found the deputies were paid by both the Sheriff's Office and film company, possibly violating state law. Former Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois and current Sheriff Jerry Larpenter said they were not aware of these actions and did not authorize Stewart to approve his own overtime, according to the factual basis document. The question that remains is whether any further action will be taken. His rising through the ranks included jobs in the detective bureau, with the DARE program, as a command officer and in human resource activities. Its unclear whether a criminal investigation is occurring. At 52, Bourgeois has worked with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriffs Office since 1982. It claims that laws appear to have been broken, but no charges have been filed against Bourgeois, who left office in June 2012. Being on the top of a department there is a lot of weight on ones shoulders. Louisiana's legislative auditor believes former Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois may have violated state law. Brad Grundmeyer interviews retired Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois of Terrebonne Parish about the 24th Annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. Um, can you say game over? I think the new sheriff has his nose in the air and better watch out for a HARD RAIN STORM! The Sheriff's Office should spare no expense during evacuations, even if it means making separate trips to rescue people who previously refused help. Example video title will go here for this video. At 52, Bourgeois has worked with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office since 1982. The audit, conducted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, says Bourgeois took vacation pay he wasnt entitled to, used Sheriffs Office resources for personal gain and oversaw other infractions. Late last summer, a Louisiana sheriff decided to use a long-dormant, unconstitutional criminal libel law to track down an online critic and search his home.Not that anyone had really been using . Foret, Stewart and Bourgeois could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The audits also found that Terrebonne sheriff's deputies worked about 53 hours filming reenactments for the televisions series "Cajun Justice." Show your support. Vernon Bourgeois has been working as a Deputy Sheriff at Jefferson Parish for 8 years. A conviction could result in fines and up to five years in prison. You dont see a sheriff investigating another sheriff, Larpenter said. We have worked well together [and under his leadership] we have a very good working relationship with the sheriffs office, Duplantis said. State audits former Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois. All the articles in the local paper were very negative about the show, Kadin said. The Terrebonne Sheriff Dept. episode 2 21 min. Trust, AdamRichman 10:05am via Twitter for iPhone, @MikeScottTP I say it at the end of every episode: "THIS IS JUST MY CALL, GO OUT AND FIND YOUR OWN #BESTSANDWICH. RELATED: 7 Questions With Willie Robertson of Duck Dynasty, And so it goes the latest Hollywood awards season news is out, the Critics Choice Movie Awards Nominations are in for the 20th annual show, and there are some interesting selections. what happened to sheriff vernon bourgeois. Tulane's Ian Terry indulged in some diplomacy-slash-espionage in Wednesday's (Aug. 15) episode of "Big Brother," which caught the eye of ace recapper Darren Franich @ EW.com: I gotta say, watching Ian engage in serious espionage was a kick. Larpenter proceeded to fire two dozen staffers, many of which were featured prominently on the series. The interesting aspect of reality TV is how it is perceived by the people who appear in the programs. Some of his fuel charges, according to the audit, were on trips to see the Saints play in Dallas and Atlanta, and four LSU football games, including the 2011 Cotton Bowl. Many lawmen might have considered their own TV show a sweet perk to a new job, but not this badge-wielding cop. But indications are that the aircrafts use was obtained through proper channels with payments made for same. At worst, "Cajun Justice" exploits some of the most unflattering stereotypes outsiders might associate with south Louisiana, a place where, A&E says in defining the show's title, local Cajuns take the law into their own hands. "Why would I even think about it?". The audit was released in July. Auditors also say Bourgeois cashed out unused "accumulated" leave and received a clothing allowance causing his salary to exceed the statutory maximum in Louisiana, which could be a violation of. Former Terrebonne Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has squared away paying the $19,175 the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says he owes the parish for gas, unauthorized leave and other expenses when he left office in 2011. The Terrebonne Sheriffs Department has been fairly quiet on Larpenters decision, but it did tell TMZ and other media outlets that they are no longer participating in the show. Fortunately for A&E, it already had enough footage to finish out the first and what we are presuming to be last season. Both of these items caused his salary to exceed the state limit. Chad's brother, 36-year-old Shawn Wildt of Mt. Point taken. Allegedly Raced UGA Assistant Before Fatal Crash, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. She seems like she is outspoken enough to warrant at least 15 minutes of fame. Fortunately for producers, they had already shot enough footage to finish out Season 1 but there will be no NEW episodes featuring members of Larpenter's team. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. My commitment has been and always will be to make our parish a safe place to live and raise our children and grandchildren.. i loved the show! with Kelly and Michael host) the awards will air LIVE on A&E on Jan. 15th at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. Bourgeois said he wishes to make no comment on either audit. Bourgeois did not give any indication as to what he intends to do after the first of the year when his term comes to an end. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Coffee shop conversation on Bourgeois announcement was one of both surprise and support of the popular sheriffs decision. Tracking staffers in Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois' office and the citizens they police, the series met with some negative reaction by viewers in the parish, at least as reflected in the pages and on the website of the Houma Courier, which polled readers and solicited mini-reviews via Facebook. Current Sheriff Jerry Larpenter, who held the office for decades, left in 2009 to wage a failed bid for parish president. Along with the guilty plea, Stewart is barred from working in law enforcement and, as a felon, cannot legally possess a firearm. It perpetuates the negative opinions of southeast Louisiana held by others through the degrading personifications of both our people and our lifestyle. Season 1 will finish as planned; beyond that, its unclear. Most participants assume they will be made out to be celebrities, but that is not always as positive as it seems. n Unauthorized use of a moveable, in this case the Sheriffs Office cars that were taken to sporting events in Louisiana and elsewhere. Cajun Justice is an American reality television series on A&E. By Author Free Britney at Foret is scheduled for an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in New Orleans on July 7 at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Roby. Following a month-long investigation, the state Attorney General's office did not find any evidence of criminal wrongdoing with regards to Foret and Stewart, Larpenter said. Follow him at twitter.com/davewalkertp. As Twitter discussed Wednesday's "Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America" finale Thursday morning: @AdamRichman picked a sandwich with BROCCOLI on it over Domilise's shrimp po-boy last night on "Best Sandwich"?! He was reelected sheriff in 2012. Louisiana's legislative auditor believes former Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois may have violated state law. Whether any further accountability will be required of Bourgeois, who made the payment under protest, remains to be seen. The allegations centered on activities that occurred during the Bourgeois administration. For various reasons, officials with the Sheriffs Office and Terrebonne District Attorneys Office say they wont get involved in any criminal investigation. Such service has come with a price, Bourgeois said. Bourgeois was the subject of an audit that accused him of a variety of legal and ethical violations, including using Sheriff's Office cars to go to sporting events around the state and elsewhere, and using on-duty deputies to film a TV show called "Cajun Justice." In fact, if A&E were to compile its 10 Most Wanted, chances are Jerry Larpenter would be at the top of its list. Larpenter declined the offer. what happened to sheriff vernon bourgeois. that is until a new Sheriff took over (after filming wrapped). Bourgeois has not been charged with any wrongdoing. A recent audit focuses on Bourgeois' salary, benefits and travel expenses during his four years as sheriff, from 2008 until last year. 2023 www.houmatoday.com. 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