Attorney Says Political Activities of COA Violate Wide Range of State, Federal Laws

Baton Rouge attorney Chris Alexander unveiled findings of his investigation of the political activities of the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging. Alexander says he documented violations of state and federal campaign finance laws, the Louisiana Constitution’s prohibition on the use of public funds to support or oppose a candidate or proposition on the ballot, state criminal law, and IRS regulations for nonprofit organizations.
Alexander’s remarks were made at the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish meeting at Café Américain in Baton Rouge last week.
Alexander’s one hour report can be viewed in its entirety at Capital City News on Facebook.
Alexander’s report followed an investigative report on WBRZ-TV and the Capital City News. At the meeting, he presented new information, including an email from Corey Williams of the Council on Aging, which details how the agency’s pay for play scheme worked on endorsing candidates.
As a result of Alexander’s work, the Chamber adopted the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED that the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish calls on the District Attorney, Federal Elections Commission, state campaign finance office, and the IRS to look into the political activities of the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chamber EBR recommends that the tax election to benefit the Council on Aging be set aside. The Chamber EBR is a non-partisan organization composed of small business owners whose businesses are located in East Baton Rouge Parish.