SPLC Files Ethics Complaint Agains Louisiana DAs

The Louisiana Board of Ethics is being urged to launch an investigation into four district attorneys regarding pre-trial diversion programs for those receiving traffic tickets.

The Southern Poverty Law Center claims that what had been considered a "second chance" opportunity has been transformed into a money-making "racket."

The complaint seeks to have millions of dollars paid in diversion fees refunded to motorists in a scheme the group labels as unethical and established to generate profits.

Joel Chaisson (St. Charles Parish) and Richard Ward (West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Pointe Coupee Parishes) are among those named in the complaint.