New Orleans Sheriff found in contempt of court

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Sheriff Susan Hutson now faces even more challenges after being found in contempt of court.

This ruling comes after Judge Flemings-Davillier accused Hutson of ignoring a June 18th court order to transport inmates to magistrate court on weekends and holidays.

The Sheriff’s Chief of Staff John Williams defended the sheriff, saying the court made the wrong decision.

“We’re obviously disappointed in the decision of the en banc criminal court. We do not agree with the decision,” Williams said.

Hutson’s primary argument was the lack of deputies available on weekends and holidays.
She says 12 deputies would be needed to do the job

The court claims the sheriff only needs half that many; Williams disagrees.

“There are fiscal resource questions that we have brought to the city council continuously and we will continue to work with the city council to address them,” Williams said.

On top of not having the money for deputies, Williams argued that court hearings on weekends should not be required.

“Orleans parish is the only parish in the state of Louisiana that has defendants that are brought in court on Saturdays,” Williams said.

The court disagreed and sheriff Hutson will be sentenced for contempt of court on Aug. 4, but she may decide to appeal.

“I’ll meet with sheriff Hutson, and determine what our next steps will be,” Williams said.

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