Bridge Crossing for Graduates
April 30, 2018
Councilman death threat under investigation
May 2, 2018
The fate of whether Lafourche Councilman James Bourgeois can continue to do his job, will be decided Thursday in court, in Thibodaux.
A Lafourche deputy served Bourgeois with a restraining order just before the council’s special meeting on Monday, which stated in part that he could not be in the same room with Lafourche Councilman Jerry Lafont. As soon as he was read the order, a deputy removed him before the meeting began.
Bourgeois is accused of making life threatening statements to LaFont, while shouting expletives and pumping his fists. The anger is presumed to be over an issue between the two, which occurred during the meeting.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office is still investigating the incident,
Sheriff PIO Brennan Matherne said.
Lafourche Councilmen, Jerry Jones and Corey Perilloux, said they witnessed the entire incident.
Jones said he has been a Lafourche Councilman for 24 years and he doesn’t believe anything
has ever happened like this, “in the history of Lafourche.”
Additionally, Jones pointed out that according to the Lafourche Parish Home Rule Charter, if a councilman is absent three consecutive meetings, he can be removed.
But Lafourche Council Chairman Luci Sposito said, “the charter reads that he can’t be removed without cause, so I guess we’re going to wait to see how the judge rules.”
Also, Sposito said she does know the contents of the restraining order, “However, I don’t believe I am allowed to comment on it in public.”
“This is such a bad situation,” she said.
Councilman Corey Perrilloux also said he could not comment until after the judge makes a decision.
“However, if you can’t appear at the meetings to represent the folks who elected you, then what do you think should happen?” Perrilloux asked.
Bourgeois could not be reached for comment. His voicemail was full, and he did not return any texts asking for comment.
LaFont also could not be reached for comment.
Councilman Daniel Lorraine however, said the incident was started by Lafont who provoked Bourgeois during the council meeting.
“That’s all I’m going to say. I was outside Monday after the meeting, and did not see Mr. Bourgeois approach Mr. Lafont, however, I did my best to calm Mr. Bourgeois down,” he said.
“Now we will wait to see what the judge has to say, but personally, I don’t feel Mr. Bourgeois should resign.”
