By Tracie Burke | Motion to Quash LLC | August 14, 2019
The purpose of the Motion to Quash LLC Blacklist is to analyze the Jefferson Parish elected officials and candidates. The focus is on reports of unfair business practices, discrimination, and corruption. It also emphasizes key issues that can inform campaign contribution policy and guide further campaign laws. In particular, this report focuses on problems and issues in the matter of candidate for Jefferson Parish council, Marion Edwards.
Methodology
Motion to Quash LLC conducted a procedure that utilized observations of program operations. These operations were conducted by the OJP Court Clearinghouse and pertained to technical assistance project assignment number 154. This work was for the 24th Judicial Court. It included the organization of the treatment module and the provision of critical services by the drug court program. Motion to Quash also obtained information by querying the Louisiana Secretary of State Commercial Division. They accessed the Louisiana Ethics Board campaign finance portal and PACER. Additionally, they conducted a telephone interview with the Louisiana Ethics Board Executive Secretary.
Section A. Issues and Problems Implementing the Drug Court Program
1. Unrealistic Program Design
- Lacking too many critical areas needed for the for the delivery of sound services
- Unrealistic program design needed to be simplified to a more reasonable treatment design
- No grievance procedure
 2. Discrimination
- The ethnic gender diversity program of staff was not reflective of the community population
- More minorities and women needed to be recruited as clinicians to work this program
- Staff needed Cultural Competence training
3. Confidentiality Laws
- Staff needed comprehensive training in federal confidentiality regulations, 42 CFR.
The review of the treatment program of the 24th Judicial District intense program probation drug court Jefferson Parish Louisiana was prepared by the OJP Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project at American University, Washington, D.C.
Section B. Conflict of Interest- Director of Responsibility House Inc.
Responsibility House Incorporated RH is a private non-profit organization for substance abuse treatment.
- Marion Edwards was appointed Director of Responsibility House Inc.- a conflict of interest because clients were referred from the court/judicial system.
- No annual report for Responsibility House Inc. filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State
Section C.- Over 20 businesses not in good standing, revoked by the Louisiana Secretary of State
1. – This signifies a willful attempt to evade or defeat any tax imposed by Tax Titles and shall be guilty of a felony, an attempt to reduce tax liability by deceit subterfuge, or concealing information.
Section D- Bribes through Campaign Contributions
A. Several consultant groups, engineers, and construction companies do business with the Parish. Special interest groups are also involved. They have issued campaign contributions totaling $103,8000.
Section V- Excessive Civil Rights Complaints
Exceeding 20 complaints against Marion Edwards for Injunctive Relief and Damages brought under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983 in connection with but not limited to the following violations:
- 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1981 Equal Rights
- 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1985 Conspiracy to Interfere With Human Rights
- 42 U.S.C Sec. 1986 Action for Neglect to Prevent Conspiracy
Conclusion
Marion Edwards’ long standing financial ties to Jefferson Parish has unbalanced the scales of justice. After reviewing Marion Edwards’ practices, several problems and issues have been outlined. Motion to Quash LLC’s consideration is to ask that the Ethics Adjudicatory Board conduct a hearing on the foregoing charges. They should decide that Marion Edwards violated La. R.S. 42:111A(1)(a), La. R.S. 42:1111C(1)(a), and La. R.S. 42:111C(2)(b). The board should assess appropriate penalties. This assessment should follow the recommendation of the Louisiana Board of Ethics, which will be submitted at a hearing.
Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of motiontoquash.org. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org. Motion to Quash LLC successfully promoted legislation that supports the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. They also supported amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC 2019. NWC’s mission is to support whistleblowers. They also help prosecute other wrongdoing around the world.
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