Robert Pippen Jr.
August 10, 2017
COUNCIL LOOKING : AT RECREATION" CHANGES
August 11, 2017
The daughter of a veteran local jurist has bonded out of the Mississippi jail where she was held in connection with a drug distribution case.
But Judge Edward J. Gaidry said Wednesday that he did not post her bond, and that whatever path her case takes will have nothing to do with him or his station.
Jamie Ann Gaidry, 37, of Houma, was arrested Friday and booked into the Harrison County jail on a charge of felony methamphetamine distribution. Police said Her arrest was in conjunction with that of Jeff Anthony Gautreaux, 38, who had active warrants in Terrebonne Parish for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, as well as possession of diazepam, illegal proceeds from a drug transaction and monetary incident abuse. He remains at the Harrison County jail in Mississippi.
When he was located at the Imperial Palace casino and hotel in Biloxi, Gautreaux was allegedly in possession of multiple bags of methamphetamine, Gautreaux was found to be in possession of multiple bags of crystal methamphetamine and a firearm. He now faces charges in Mississippi for those offenses as well as possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Law enforcement officials in Louisiana said they were told money related to the drug operation may have been laundered through gambling activities at casinos in the Biloxi area, where an investigation continues.
Judge Gaidry served as a district judge in Terrebonne Parish before his election to the Louisiana 1st Circuit Court Appeal, which he left after reaching the mandatory retirement age for judges of 70 years. He currently sits full time on the bench of the 18th Judicial District Court in West Baton Rouge Parish, by special appointment of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He is filling a vacancy created by the suspension of District Judge Robin Free, who was removed by order of the Supreme Court due to a finding of judicial misconduct.
Judge Gaidry acknowledged that he is “heartbroken” over the matter involving his daughter, who did not contact him after her arrest nor her period of incarceration.
“As a parent I would wish to assist if help is needed for an addiction,” he said. “I have not heard from her, I have not spoken with her. I have not bonded her out nor will I bond her out. She is a grown woman.”
