The article highlights the pervasive issue of police sexual misconduct in Louisiana, particularly in Jefferson Parish. Victims face significant barriers to reporting, including intimidation by law enforcement. Motion to Quash LLC advocates for civil remedies under the Prison Rape Elimination Act to ensure justice for victims and calls for legislative action.
Justice for Victims of Police Misconduct By: Tracie Burke | Motion to Quash LLC | November 18, 2020
Justice for Victims of Police Misconduct describes the seal of secrecy of sexual misconduct by police officers. It hinders the control of police sexual violence in Louisiana. This issue also affects achieving police accountability.
As more efforts to handle sexual abuse by law enforcement in Louisiana are revealed, victims are still seeking justice. They suffered police sexual violence, specifically in Jefferson Parish.
Evidence of Police Sexual Misconduct
Motion to Quash LLC obtained evidence of police sexual misconduct across Louisiana. Sheriff Joe Lopinto and District Attorney Paul Connick improperly investigated reports of police sexual violence. This violence occurred and continues to occur by law enforcement and employees of Jefferson Parish. “Some high ranking members in law enforcement across Louisiana are using hidden cameras during intercourse without the person’s knowledge. They do this sometimes while on duty. Then the officers share the videos with others,” according to disclosures obtained by Motion to Quash LLC.
“Survivors of police sexual violence are unique in their situation. They must report the assault to the same people who committed it. That’s the main reason some don’t report it,” one victim told Motion to Quash LLC.
The Sheriff and the DA are reluctant to take reports or complaints of police sexual violence. They often try to dissuade victims from making them. Sometimes, they wrongly categorize reports of abuse to diminish their severity and impact.
If that fails, Sheriff Lopinto and District Attorney Paul Connick take further action. During elections, they actively pursue a victim’s silence. They use direct threats and intimidation.
One victim in Jefferson Parish told Motion to Quash LLC about her experience. She was “given the run around” by internal affairs officers. They intimidated and discouraged her from making the report. Instead, they gave her a battered women’s brochure. They told her to call the hot line on the brochure for support.
Justice for Victims of Police Misconduct
One of the perpetrators was recently convicted of second degree rape. He is in jail awaiting trial for first degree rape. These rapes would have been prevented if Jefferson Parish had honored victims requests for charges.
Motion to Quash LLC takes action against police sexual violence. They help victims in Jefferson Parish file lawsuits. But, there are no civil provisions yet for the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Urge congress this session to pass a bill that allows civil provisions under PREA. Now is the time for action. We urge Congress to pass an amendment that provides a civil remedy. This remedy is for victims of Police Sexual Violence in Louisiana.
Justice for Victims of Police Misconduct Legal Action
Here is a copy of the civil lawsuit. Warning, this graphic content is distressing for victims of sexual assault.
“In October 2020, defendant [name redacted] was an employee of the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office. The defendant sexually harassed the plaintiff via text message. Without warning or provocation, the defendant transmitted unsolicited photos of his own genitalia to the plaintiff. This hostile act by the defendant caused the plaintiff extreme emotional distress,” the lawsuit alleges
Petition for Court Martial under the section 10 U.S. Code § 920c – Art. 120c. Other sexual misconduct
(2) Knowingly capturing images, videos, or recordings of another person’s private area without their consent is prohibited. This applies under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violators shall be punished as a court-martial shall direct.
The law says there is no consensual sex under the Prison Rape Elimination Act. This is due to the power imbalance. This situation clearly demands pressing and serious attention. We need to pass bills that promote civil provisions for victims of the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Justice for Victims of Police Misconduct- YOUR VOICE BE HEARD:
Advocate for Civil Provisions for the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Send a message to your Congress members. Ask them to take concrete action to offer civil remedies for PREA victims in Louisiana.
CONTACT YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE:
Use the Directory of House of Representatives to contact your House Representatives. Easily send a message using the contact information and forms provided through this link.
EMAIL OR SAMPLE LETTER FOR CONTACTING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Feel free to copy and paste the letter below into the message field of any contact form. You can also use it in the body of emails to your House Representatives. Enter the name of your representative at the start of the message. Sign your name at the end. Consider adding your own personal anecdote or observation to the messages you send.
Dear Member of Congress [Name]:
As your constituent
I am writing today to ask for your support of Civil Provisions for Victims of PREA. I am sure that every day you have a multitude of bills crossing your desk. Still, I ask you to pay specific attention to those related to law enforcement. These bills promote civil provisions for PREA victims in Louisiana.
There have been efforts to give remedies for victims of police sexual violence in criminal court. Yet, there are no provisions for victims of police sexual violence in civil court. Clearly, this situation demands pressing and serious attention, including passing bills promoting civil provisions for the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Now is the time for action. I respectfully urge you to pass an amendment offering a civil remedy for victims of Police Sexual Violence in Louisiana.
As an Advocate
I support Motion to Quash LLC, a non-partisan online publication. It is dedicated to advocating for civil remedies under PREA and raising awareness of the Prison Rape Elimination Act. I urge you to protect the integrity of PREA by supporting legislation on its behalf this session.
Remedies
I am eagerly waiting to hear from you. Please share the positive steps you are taking to advance civil remedies for victims of police sexual violence. This is crucial for both the immediate and long-term future.
Sincerely,
[Insert Your Name]
[District or State]
[Contact Information] (if you wish/want a reply)
Recognized by the NWC,Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate.Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .
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Tracie Burke | Motion to Quash LLC | October 23, 2020
2020 Candidate Integrity SCORECARD-Justice of the Peace-Jefferson Parish
Integrity is a top issue facing Jefferson Parish voters. Discover how Justice of the Peace candidates in Jefferson Parish score on integrity. Review their financial disclosures and campaign finance reports. Then ask the candidates to pledge to Join the Campaign for Judicial Integrity in Louisiana.
We based the integrity scores on these three principles:
1. Campaign Contributions Issued
2. Campaign Contributions Received
3. Financial Disclosure Statements.
Click below to view the SCORECARDS. You can download the complimentary spreadsheet. Candidate review folders are available upon request to: info@motiontoquash.org.
Candidates are graded based on the number of critical issues for anti-corruption. These issues are listed in the candidate scorecard and divided into three overarching principles. We believe all of these issues are crucial to unrigging our broken system.
We assigned a total possible score of 5 for each principle. For the sake of consistency, we treat individual issues equally. Calculating fewer of these critical issues gets candidates a higher score. Only when they score 15 for the whole package do they get 100 percent.
We compiled candidate information from their campaign websites, in interviews, or from public and private resources.
Campaigns are dynamic. We welcome your feedback—if you see a candidate’s position has changed, send us an email at info@motiontoquash.org with the new information.
Recognized by the NWC,Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate.Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .
Advertise with Motion to Quash LLC
Digital media provides measurable results. $500 can get you two banners in front of your target audience for an entire month. An effective advertising campaign will include placing ads across the Motion to Quash website using both branding and call-to-action messages. Click here to buy ads or use the QR code.
The Campaign for Judicial Integrity in Louisiana, led by Motion to Quash LLC, seeks to eliminate judicial corruption by prohibiting judges from accepting attorney contributions. The initiative aims to provide citizens with the tools to challenge corrupt judges, ensuring fair trials and restoring integrity to the judicial system. Citizens are encouraged to contact their legislators for support.
Have you ever been affected by a Judge’s decision in Louisiana? Did the decision affect you in such a way that you lost money? Were you left at risk of ongoing abuse? Or were you not allowed to visit your children? Chances are that you have. Did you feel the court was corrupt? The answer to that is probably yes. If so, Motion to Quash LLC has the solution. Join the Campaign for Judicial Integrity in Louisiana.
We want the public to get precise and understandable information. We aim to show what you can do to rid Louisiana of Judicial corruption.
Join the Campaign for Judicial Integrity in Louisiana to help us remedy those problems. Make the process right. Aid in ridding the Louisiana judiciary of bad and corrupt judges.
Harmful Effect of Money in Louisiana Government
Motion to Quash LLC takes action against government corruption and retribution in Louisiana. No one can get a fair trial if judges accept illegal payments from attorneys. Judges are also shielded by retroactive immunity from criminal prosecution.
A significant number of judges in Louisiana accept illegal payments from attorneys in the form of campaign contributions. Motion to Quash LLC is taking steps to pass legislation. The legislation prohibits any judge who receives attorney contributions from continuing to serve in the district where those attorneys practice.
What You Can Do to Rid the Louisiana Judiciary of Bad and Corrupt Judges
There is continuing fraud before the courts in Louisiana and the Louisiana judicial system is in a crisis. This is the underlying story. Judges have corrupted the Louisiana judicial system by receiving illegal contributions and payments to increase their own interests.
The Louisiana Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Superior Court Justices know many Louisiana judges are disqualified under law. First, the attorney gave them a criminal payment. The attorney then: (1) appears before them as a party; (2) appears as a witness; or (3) has an interest.
How to Disqualify Your Judge
Responsibility falls on citizens to reclaim our justice system. The method is for qualified litigants to file LA Code Crim Pro 987 based on fraud upon the court. Use the Motion to Set Aside Conviction and Dismiss Prosecution forms. Also, use the Rule to Show Cause and the Order of Dismissal forms. Here is a link to the forms provided by LSAC http://www.lasc.org/rules/City_Parish/Uniform_Forms_for_City_Parish_Courts.pdf
The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution of the United States (Article VI, Clause 2)
Federal laws offer an opportunity to reverse the judge’s ruling. This allows for working the case to reach its logical conclusion.
The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution establishes the Constitution as the “supreme Law of the Land.” This means that the Constitution holds the highest authority. Federal laws made according to it and treaties under its authority also constitute this supreme law. They thus take priority over any conflicting state laws.
Section 1346 of Title 18, United States Code
Section 1346 of Title 18, United States Code provides an intangible right to honest services. Federal prosecutors have applied the statute in cases of public corruption. They have also applied it in cases where private individuals breached a fiduciary duty to another.
Exercise Your Rights & Contact Your Legislators
Motion to Quash LLC is drafting legislation. We are sending it to every legislator. Our goal is to stop any judge from receiving payments from attorneys who practice in the same district. The next step for you, the voters, will be to exercise your rights to contact your legislators. They are your representatives and work for you. Urge them to get the amendment passed. Remember, these payments have affected every aspect of the court system, so now is the time for action.
“If you have been hurt by a judicial decision or by a corrupt judge and you want to do something about it, this is the only thing that you can do. Protesting in the street is not going to get you anywhere. Making music or noise is not going to get you anywhere. Exercising your right will get you somewhere.” – Dr. Richard Fine, Founder, Vote for Justice, Campaign for Judicial Integrity.
Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of motiontoquash.org. You can reach her at tracie@motiontoquash.org. Motion to Quash LLC successfully promoted legislation for 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 help in their efforts to expose corruption. They also help prosecute wrongdoing around the world.
Digital media provides measurable results. $500 can get you two banners in front of your target audience for an entire month. An effective advertising campaign includes placing ads across the Motion to Quash website using both branding and call-to-action messages. Click here to buy ads or use the QR code.
We are filing a lawsuit to remove a gag order. This will allow us to publish information about issues concerning Judicial reviews. It also involves corruption in Jefferson Parish. Please share our donation link and, if you can, donate. Our representation is pro bono and your donation helps cover the filing fee. Thank you for your support for journalism in the public interest.
Update: We just received a $50 donation from Rusty Autry, who is a candidate for Louisiana State Rep. The balance is $350. Thank you, Rusty!
A huge thank you to Daryl Lamouranne for your continued support.
Without people like you, Motion to Quash LLC would not manage to help seek justice for women in Louisiana.
Recognized by the NWC,Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate.Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .
Digital media provides measurable results. $500 can get you two banners in front of your target audience for an entire month. An effective advertising campaign will include placing ads across the Motion to Quash website using both branding and call-to-action messages. Click here to buy ads or use the QR code.
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 NWC,Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate.Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .
Advertise with Motion to Quash LLC
Digital media provides measurable results. $500 can get you two banners in front of your target audience for an entire month. An effective advertising campaign will include placing ads across the Motion to Quash website using both branding and call-to-action messages. Click here to buy ads or use the QR code.
