Collection:LPB

Genre: News, Public Affairs

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1983-05-20

Duration: 00:04:52

Subjects: Roemer, Charles, E., II, 1923-2012 | Brilab scandal | Edwards, Edwin W. | Henry, E. L. "Bubba" | Political ethics | Politics | Treen, David C., 1928-2009 | O'Keefe, Michael

Contributors:

• George, Beth Host
• Ekings, Robyn Reporter
• Edwards, Edwin Speaker
• Treen, Dave Speaker

This segment from the May 20, 1983, episode of “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Robyn Ekings’ report on the week’s legal allegations made against current and former state officials. Ekings first reports that former Commissioner of Administration Charles Roemer began serving his three year prison sentence for his role in the Brilab scandal. She also presents highlights from former Governor Edwin Edwards’ news conference, where he denies a report that he met with 1979 gubernatorial candidate Louis Lambert and FBI informant Joseph Hauser to arrange bribes in return for state insurance contracts as a part of the Brilab scandal. Ekings also reports that current Commissioner of Administration Bubba Henry was charged with violating the state’s ethics code for allegedly using his position to give state contracts to two of his political supporters from his 1979 gubernatorial campaign, former State Representative Harry Hollins and Ruston contractor Hollis Graham. Ekings then presents highlights from Governor Dave Treen’s press conference, where he expresses his support for Henry. Lastly, Ekings reports that a federal judge granted former Senate President Michael O’Keefe’s request to move his trial on federal bank fraud charges to a venue outside of Louisiana. Host: Beth George