Perjury Allegations Rock Louisiana Grain Terminal Lawsuit

Federal court filings have alleged that a high-ranking official in Louisiana committed perjury in a lawsuit tied to a controversial grain terminal project. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the legal and political landscape of the state, raising questions about the integrity of the judicial process and the potential consequences for the official involved.

The lawsuit in question centers around a proposed grain terminal project in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The project, spearheaded by Greenfield Louisiana LLC, has faced significant opposition from environmental advocates and local residents, who argue that the terminal's construction would have adverse effects on the area's historic sites and cultural heritage. The project required rezoning the area for industrial use, a process that was handled by St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard.

Hotard is the official accused of committing perjury in the lawsuit. According to court filings, Hotard initially claimed that no communications existed between her and her mother-in-law, Darla Gaudet, regarding the grain terminal project. However, text messages later revealed showed Hotard and Gaudet discussing the project, rezoning, and property valuation repeatedly. Additionally, the texts included insults and violent language directed at Joy Banner, co-founder of The Descendants Project, an organization opposed to the grain terminal project.

The text messages contradict Hotard's sworn statements regarding her knowledge of Gaudet's property and the grain terminal project. In her deposition, Hotard claimed, "I don’t know about their business or what land they purchase or don’t purchase." However, the text messages demonstrate that Hotard was indeed aware of Gaudet's property and the project, directly contradicting her earlier statements.

The allegations of perjury have serious implications for Hotard and the ongoing lawsuit. Banner's attorneys, Dave Lanser and William Most, have asked a federal judge to sanction Hotard, award Banner attorney's fees, and order Hotard to appear for another deposition. Neither Hotard nor her attorney, Ike Spears, responded to requests for comment.

The lawsuit was filed late last year after Banner was prevented from giving public comment at a St. John Parish Council meeting. Banner had filed a state ethics complaint against Hotard over her role in moving the industrial rezoning forward, which she said was a conflict of interest because of Gaudet's potential financial interest. Banner alleges that she was not allowed to speak at the council meeting and was threatened with prosecution if she continued to try to comment, violating her First Amendment rights.

The grain terminal project has been a contentious issue in St. John the Baptist Parish, with opponents arguing that the project would have a negative impact on the area's historic sites and cultural heritage. The project was ultimately abandoned by Greenfield Louisiana LLC in December 2024, citing repeated delays and goal-post moving by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The allegations of perjury in the grain terminal lawsuit have raised concerns about the integrity of the judicial process and the potential consequences for Hotard. As the legal and political landscape in Louisiana continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the ongoing lawsuit and the future of development projects in the state.