Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 13-516
 
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RE:
Advisory opinion regarding whether Shane Romero, son of Iberia Parish President Errol Romero, may represent a former member of the Iberia Parish Council in litigation with the Parish Council.
Facts:
Errol "Romo" Romero, was elected Iberia Parish President and assumed his official duties on January 11, 2012. Thereafter, in February 2012, he hired Holly Leleux-Thubron as an employee of Iberia Parish Government. In September of 2012, the Iberia Parish Council, through its members, voted and adopted a resolution to defund Mrs. Leleux-Thubron's position. In essence, the Iberia Parish Council, terminated Mrs. Leleux-Thubron's employment with Iberia Parish Government.
On March 11, 2013, Mrs. Thubron-Leleux hired attorney, R. Michael Moity, Jr., to represent her in a federal wrongful termination claim/lawsuit against the Iberia Parish Council, individually and in their official capacity.

Currently, Shane Romero rents office space from Mr. Moity. As a tenant, he pays Mr. Moity monthly rent. Mr. Moity and Mr. Romero maintain separate telephone and facsimile lines. Mr. Moity and Mr. Romero have separate letter head, websites and email accounts. Mr. Moity has requested Mr. Romero's assistance in his representation of Mrs. Leleux-Thubron against the Iberia Parish Council and those named members. This will include legal advice and counsel to Mrs. Leleux-Thubron, enrolling as counsel, conducting discovery through written requests and depositions, and making appearances and advancing arguments on behalf of Mrs. Leleux-Thubron in judicial proceedings. Errol Romero is not a party to the lawsuit.

Law:
Section 1113 of the Code prohibits the immediate family of a public servant from entering into a transaction that is under the supervision of the agency of the public servant.


Recommendations:
Defer consideration of this matter.

Assigned Attorney: Aneatra Boykin
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2013-516- Advisory Opinion Request