Bossier DA misses deadline for public records request in City Council investigation
He now has until noon Monday.
District Attorney Schuyler Marvin now has until noon Monday to respond to a public records request.
Marvin has unacknowledged a request for public records related to an investigation of five members of the Bossier City Council. The Public Records request, related to the city council's refusal to put a citizens' petition regarding term limits up for a vote, was sought by Wes Merriott of Sobo.live on Feb. 12.
Louisiana law requires a response to a public records request within five business days — at least providing an estimate of the time necessary to gather such information. Merriott says he has received no response within that deadline.
In a decision issued in mid-January, three Second Circuit Court of Appeal judges said the "Defendants' refusal to call an election may be construed as malfeasance in office."
The defendants and councilmembers referenced were David Montgomery, Don "Bubba" Williams, Jeffrey "Jeff" Darby, Jeff Free, and Vince Maggio.
On Feb. 11, when DA Marvin was asked if he would investigate the matter, he said, "I already have."
Merriott's request sought "copies of all documents, reports, dossiers, interviews, depositions, and other similar files generated or handled" concerning:
The Bossier City City Council's alleged mishandling of two certified petitions to amend the Bossier City Charter.
Any criminal conspiracy to impede the Bossier City Charter Review Commission by influencing members to absent themselves until the resignation of the Commission Chair.
Internal emails between District Attorney employees concerning any possible conflict of interest between the Bossier City City Council, the Bossier Parish DA's office, the Bossier City Assistant City Attorney and Bossier Parish ADA Richard Ray.
Internal emails between District Attorney employees concerning any possible conflict of interest between Bossier City Councilman David A. Montgomery Jr. and Bossier Parish ADA Dale Montgomery.
Email communication between the Attorney General's office (or any employee of same) and the Bossier Parish DA's office (or any employee).
Merriott requested a response by no later than noon Monday, February 24th, 2025, or the DA would face "immediate legal action."
