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topicnews · October 12, 2024

The majority of Jefferson council members are calling for an investigation into the inspector general

The majority of Jefferson council members are calling for an investigation into the inspector general

JEFFERSON PARISH, La (WVUE) – The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General, a body dedicated to investigating the government, will likely soon be under investigation.

Five council members jointly filed a resolution that will pave the way for a future law firm to investigate “potential ethical violations and professional misconduct” by Inspector General Kim Chatelain and her office.

The support of the five council members on the seven-member council is almost a guarantee that the resolution will pass at the Oct. 16 council meeting.

Council members Marion Edwards, Byron Lee, Deano Bonano, Arita Bohannan and Hans Liljeberg listed a number of concerns they have about Chatelain’s actions and his relationship with At-Large Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken.

They question Chatelain’s authority to publish “public letters.” This came after Chatelain published a 35-page letter questioning the transparency and benefits of a $10.3 million taxpayer-funded deal to build a brewery.

Van Vrancken has publicly supported Chatelain’s work on the Brewpub letter. The resolution references their international trip together, which the two say took place as part of a Louisiana Bar event.

The resolution states that the duo was on a “public relations tour” related to the brewery project. Council members claim Chatelain’s role in public lobbying could be a breach of professional conduct rules.

The resolution also asks why Van Vrancken-related projects were not investigated.

Both Chatelain and Van Vrancken said their friendship played no role in the investigation.

Chatelain was defiant when asked about the proposal.

“If they think I will run and hide because of this decision, they have underestimated me. My commitment is unwavering, my steadfastness is unwavering,” she said.

Van Vrancken also opposed the resolution and said she would continue the fight against the project.

Bohannan said she believes Van Vrancken and Chatelain know better and was moved to speak out on the issue.

“We have nothing to gain from this. “This is just an embarrassment, but it is our responsibility to put an end to it,” she said.

This is a developing story. Stay with Fox 8 for a more in-depth look at the circumstances that led to the resolution.

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