Louisiana's Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted by a New Orleans grand jury on criminal charges for allegedly intimidating local officials who opposed a state law eliminating the elected position of Orleans Parish criminal court clerk. The law, enacted at the urging of Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, targeted Calvin Duncan, a former wrongfully convicted individual who won the office with 68% of the vote.
Key Takeaways
Louisiana's Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted by a New Orleans grand jury on criminal charges for allegedly intimidating local officials who opposed a state law eliminating the elected position of Orleans Parish criminal court clerk. The law targeted Calvin Duncan, a former wrongfully convicted individual who won the office with 68% of the vote.
- Louisiana AG Liz Murrill indicted on 16 counts including intimidation and malfeasance
- Charges stem from dispute over elimination of Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position
- Republican Gov. Jeff Landry vows to pardon Murrill 'as fast as the law allows'
- Bond set at $400,000; Murrill plans to appeal to Louisiana Supreme Court
Source Claims Check
High Consensus| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indictment | Broad Agreement | Louisiana AG Liz Murrill indicted on criminal charges | |
| Charges | Broad Agreement | 16 counts including intimidation and malfeasance | |
| Bond | Broad Agreement | $400,000 bond set for Murrill | |
| Governor's Response | Broad Agreement | Landry promises pardon, calls system a 'circus' | |
| Murrill's Response | Broad Agreement | Murrill plans to appeal, calls indictment retaliatory |
According to multiple reports, Murrill warned eight New Orleans officials, including Mayor Helena Moreno and District Attorney Jason Williams, that they could face removal from their jobs for opposing the law. The indictment includes charges of intimidation and malfeasance in office. Bond for Murrill was set at $400,000.
Gov. Landry defended Murrill, calling the New Orleans criminal justice system 'a circus' and promising to pardon her as soon as possible. The Republican Attorneys General Association described the indictment as 'outrageous.' Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Laurie White, who is prosecuting the case, expressed confidence in a swift conviction.
The dispute centers on a law approved by legislators just days before Duncan was set to take office. Supporters of Duncan view the law as an attempt by conservative state leaders to override the will of voters in predominantly Black New Orleans. Murrill's critics see her actions as an effort to intimidate officials into accepting the controversial legislation.
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