For Immediate Release – Sept. 23, 2007

Foti Sued for Wrongful Firing and Harassment

Two Separate Cases Allege Abusive Conduct

Attorney General Charles Foti is being sued by two separate legal professionals who accuse him of abusive conduct as it relates to his management of the office’s Gaming Control Division.

A fired administrative law judge in the Louisiana Gaming Control Division claims he was wrongfully fired for pointing out illegal activity. Former Administrative Law Judge Joseph Anzalone Jr. says his firing came after he complained that the Attorney General’s Office was trying to manipulate the legal process used to hear alleged violations of state gaming laws.

In a separate suit, a lawyer in the Attorney General’s Office has filed suit claiming she is a victim of harassment and discrimination after she participated in an investigation of alleged racial discrimination in the office’s Gaming Control Division. Jennifer Murray says she was relieved of all her supervisory duties and transferred to “a far less desirable position” because of her participation in the investigation.

Both lawsuits were filed in Baton Rouge state court this past week.

Anzalone’s suit says Foti “made it plain that he intended to exercise control over Hearing Office employees;” however, Anzalone says he would not bow to pressure to change rulings or to have his decisions controlled; and thus, he was ultimately fired from his position.

Murray’s suit says she had been interviewed by an Internal Affairs officials, and she gave testimony of “systematic disrespect and harassment of black females” in the workplace. Immediately after Murray began participating in the investigation, the harassment started, according to the suit.

“These latest lawsuits are further evidence of the fact that we must restore credibility and integrity to the Attorney General’s office,” said Buddy Caldwell.

Caldwell is currently serving in his 29^th year as District Attorney for the 6^th Judicial District, which represents East Carroll, Madison and Tensas parishes. He personally prosecutes all serious felony crimes in his district, and he has served as a special prosecutor for the state under various Louisiana Attorneys General. Over this time, he has a 99-percent conviction rate.

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** More details of both lawsuits can be found in The Advocate, Sept. 22, 2007 issue, Page 5B.