Why Louisiana AG Liz Murrill Was Indicted In New Orleans

The legal battle between some state leaders and the city of New Orleans reaches a new level. WDSU reports Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has been indicted by an Orleans Parish Grand Jury. This case is focused on letters Murrill sent to some elected officials in New Orleans. Some claim those letters were threatening.

But this legal fight has Governor Jeff Landry pretty unhappy. He posted this message on Social Media:

KEEL News reached out to Murrill and she told us she has not been formally told about the indictment:

"I have not - they locked the press out of the courtroom (apparently handcuffed two of them), and also refused to allow my lawyers in."

Murrill ads "apparently I’ve been indicted on 16 counts and a $400,000 bond set - much higher than they set for armed robbers, murderers, and drug dealers. The judge & special prosecutor both have conflicts of interest, and the grand jury was leaking confidential information. The whole thing raises serious questions about corruption in the Orleans Parish criminal justice system. It an appalling weaponization of the system and it absolutely lowers public confidence in the system overall. Sad."

The TV station reports the Grand Jury heard allegations Murrill sent threatening letters to elected officials in Orleans Parish, including Mayor Helena Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams, and five city council members.

Judge Leon Roche appointed former Orleans Parish Judge Laurie White as special prosecutor in this case.

This dispute revolves around legislation passed which merges Orleans Parish criminal and civil courts. In response, Orleans Parish officials appointed Judge Calvin Johnson as interim clerk and called for a special election.

Get our free mobile app

After this action, Murrill reportedly sent letters to the Mayor and others warning that their actions could result in the mayor, district attorney, and council members losing their positions.

Murrill says she has not been notified that she is a target in this probe.

You can click here to see Murrill's response to this report of a possible indictment.

"All I have are hearsay reports, because I haven't," Murrill said.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno issued a video statement, calling the letter a threat. She urged Murrill to let the matter play out in court and stressed she would not be intimidated.