2022-637 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Ethics Board Docket Nos. 2022-637 Page 6 of 9 As the Superintendent of the Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage DistrictNo.5, Mr. Hopkins was a public servant as defined by La. R.S. 42:1102(19). By virtue the marriage of his sister to George Truax, Sr., George Truax, Sr.was his brother-in-law and an immediate family member as defined by La. R.S. 42:1102(13). As a public servant for the Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage District No. 5, Mr. Hopkins was prohibited from taking part in making the recommendation to promote Mr.Truax to the position of Foreman with the Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage District No.5. Since the promotion granted Mr.Truax a raise,Mr.Truax had a substantial economic interest in his promotion. If this matter proceeded to a public hearing before the Ethics Adjudicatory Board, and the Ethics Adjudicatory Board found a violation of the Code of Governmental Ethics, the Ethics Adjudicatory Board could impose a fine of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Code. In this particular situation, it is the conclusion of the Board that the interest of the public would be served by, and the parties have agreed to resolving this matter amicably through the publication of this Consent Opinion with the imposition of a$500 civil penalty against James Hopkins. V[. ORDER: For the foregoing reasons: IT IS ORDERED that James Hopkins, in his capacity as the Superintendent of the Livingston Parish Drainage District No. 5, violated La. R.S. 42:1112B(1) by virtue of his participation in the recommendation to promote George Truax,Sr.,an employee of the Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage District and his brother-in-law,to the position of Foreman.