Louisiana Attorney News Archive (Page 21)

During this year's vibrant Carnival festivities in New Orleans, a spirited group led by activist Magali Ortiz took to the streets to voice their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ahead of the Legion of Mars parade. Clad in olive green, the volunteers circulated lime-green signs bearing messages like “NOLA Melts ICE,” rallying the community to express their discontent amid rising immigration tensions.

The event became a notable platform for political expression, following recent changes in the New Orleans Police Department's policies regarding federal immigration detainers, which were mandated by Mayor Helena Moreno. As chants of “No ICE in the Big Easy!” echoed through the streets, locals eagerly joined in, demonstrating their dissent against federal immigration enforcement in a city celebrated for its rich culture.

This demonstration was not merely a protest; it was a rallying cry for New Orleans’ immigrant and Latino communities. It reinforced their determination to keep ICE out of the city’s festive traditions, highlighting the intersection of business, civil litigation, and immigration amidst the backdrop of Carnival celebrations.

Two tragic car accidents in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, have led to the deaths of Kenneth McMillan, 52, and Wayne Mayet, 61. Louisiana State Police are currently investigating these incidents.

The first accident involved McMillan, whose Toyota was in a head-on collision with a Chevrolet on U.S. Highway 90 after veering off the road. The second accident occurred on Louisiana Highway 1, where Mayet was cycling and was struck by a Ford after failing to yield at Bayou Vista Drive.

In light of these events, personal injury law experts and local criminal defense attorneys are advising the affected families to explore their legal options. As investigations unfold, Lafourche Parish is facing the repercussions of these accidents, prompting community leaders to advocate for enhanced road safety measures.

Don Lemon, the well-known journalist and former CNN anchor, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Minnesota over charges related to a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul. This development adds to his ongoing legal challenges tied to allegations of civil wrongdoing.

Federal authorities have accused Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort of unlawfully disrupting a church service and intimidating attendees during an anti-ICE demonstration that occurred on January 18. Legal expert Joseph H. Thompson, a former federal prosecutor, is representing Lemon in this serious case, which includes conspiracy to infringe upon constitutional rights and potential violations of the FACE Act.

Lemon maintains that he was simply performing his journalistic duties at the protest, which has garnered significant attention in New Orleans and surrounding areas. This unfolding situation raises important questions about free expression and how criminal defense is intertwined with media activities.

Federal prosecutors in New Orleans have decided to drop serious charges against two Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. This decision comes after new evidence emerged that challenges the initial claims made by immigration authorities.

The case was centered around an incident that occurred on January 14, during a traffic stop involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Conflicting witness accounts raised doubts about the alleged assaults on a federal agent, prompting prosecutors to reassess the situation.

Local attorneys Frederick Goetz and Robin Wolpert represented Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, arguing that both men, who have no prior violent criminal records, were simply trying to escape an unjust situation with law enforcement. Their defense highlights ongoing concerns about federal agents' use of lethal force in immigration enforcement cases.

The decision to dismiss the charges underscores larger issues within civil litigation and criminal defense related to immigration law in the New Orleans area.

Governor Jeff Landy recently joined local St. Tammany Parish officials in Covington to celebrate the successful expansion of the I-90 Collins Bridge. This project is a significant step forward in infrastructure development and improving regional connectivity.

Years of strategic planning have culminated in this expansion, which enhances transit within the community and supports local business and corporate ventures throughout southeastern Louisiana.

As this celebration takes place, officials are also gearing up for new construction initiatives on Highway 1062 and Highway 36. These projects aim to stimulate economic growth and advance real estate law in the area.

Elected leaders highlighted the role of civil litigation in protecting local interests as these initiatives progress. This milestone not only reflects a commitment to infrastructure but also supports both residential and commercial growth in and around New Orleans.

In a bold step to safeguard immigrant rights, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has signed an executive order that prohibits local law enforcement from entering into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements.

Mayor Moreno highlighted that the primary mission of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is to ensure public safety, not to enforce immigration laws. She stated, “NOPD will never ask for anyone’s immigration status.” This executive order goes further by ensuring that no public official is allowed to participate in documents related to these immigration enforcement agreements.

This move aligns with similar efforts in at least eight other states, showcasing New Orleans' dedication to protecting civil liberties. By focusing on building community trust and ensuring safety, Moreno’s administration seeks to support both residents and local businesses without putting anyone’s immigration status at risk.

Antoine Massey, an inmate who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, has been sentenced to a total of 60 years for kidnapping and second-degree rape of his former partner. A St. Tammany Parish jury delivered a unanimous verdict in December 2025, following a trial that revealed the disturbing details of Massey’s violent assault and the abduction of the victim between Slidell and New Orleans.

The local District Attorney’s office underscored the importance of justice in domestic violence cases, noting that Massey also faced charges for battery and violating a protective order. The victim's brave decision to seek help in New Orleans played a crucial role in ensuring Massey’s conviction, allowing him to face the consequences of his criminal actions.

Legal experts highlight how cases like this are vital in enhancing civil litigation related to family law and strengthening domestic violence protections in the community.

The New Orleans Police Department has charged two women in connection with serious allegations of child abuse linked to an incident at Arthur Ashe School. Detectives from the Special Victims Division report that three assistant teachers are accused of locking a non-verbal autistic child in a closet, which led to a panic attack.

After being informed of the misconduct, school authorities acted quickly to remove the educators involved. Monette Marie Angelain, 52, has surrendered to the police; however, 37-year-old Jenea Cionne Gordon and 47-year-old Patrice Denise Ancar are still at large.

As this case develops, it raises significant concerns regarding civil litigation related to child safety in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of accountability in schools. The ongoing investigation also brings to light broader issues related to employment practices within educational institutions.

An 18-year-old man, Keldric Harry, has been convicted by a Washington Parish jury for his role in a tragic shooting at Bogalusa High School near New Orleans. The incident occurred during a basketball game in January 2024.

District Attorney Collin Sims announced that Harry was found guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder, with co-defendant Hakheim Young also implicated in the case. Witnesses testified that Harry used an automatic weapon to target victims following a minor property dispute.

Sims emphasized the serious legal repercussions for those involved, highlighting the community’s commitment to justice. He also pointed out the vital role of civil litigation in addressing violent crimes in the area.

Sentencing for Harry is set for April 20 and will be a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against such acts in the New Orleans region.