| Advisory Opinion request from Vermilion Parish Sheriff Michael Couvillon regarding the use of campaign funds to pay legal fees. |
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In Docket No. 2014-762, the Board determined that a house located at 16529 West La. Hwy. 3335 in Abbeville was seized by the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office on November 18, 2013, as part of on-going foreclosure proceedings. On February 5, 2014, Bart Bellaire, on behalf of Vermilion Parish Sheriff Michael "Mike" Couvillon, submitted a bid of $58,000, which was the only bid on the property. The property was transferred to Sheriff Couvillon the same day. On July 16, 2015, the Board charged Sheriff Mike Couvillon with a violation of La. R.S. 42:1112A and 1113A in connection with his purchase of the property at the Sheriff's sale. On December 16, 2016, Sheriff Couvillon signed a Consent Order stating that he did not contest the violations of the Ethics Code. The Board found a violation of Sections 1112A and 1113A and assessed Sheriff Couvillon a civil penalty of $2,500. Sheriff Couvillon incurred legal fees in connection with his defense of the Ethics charges.
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La. R.S. 18:1505.2(I) provides:
(1) On and after January 1, 1991, contributions received by a candidate or a political committee may be expended for any lawful purpose, but such funds shall not be used, loaned, or pledged by any person for any personal use unrelated to a political campaign, the holding of a public office or party position … However, the use of campaign funds of a candidate or his principal or subsidiary committees to reimburse a candidate for expenses related to his political campaign or his holding of a public office or party position shall not be considered personal use by the candidate.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
David Bordelon |
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