Politics & Government
The Shadowofa Scandal Royce Duplessisand New Orleans Ongoing Political Reckoning
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Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 10:43 GMT by NOLA.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The recent indictment of former New Orleans City Councilman Reverend Lawrence “Larry” Gray III has reopened old wounds and cast a long shadow over local politics, inextricably linking it to the ongoing saga surrounding former councilman and mayoral candidate, Royce Duplessis. While Gray's charges – wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion – stem from allegations of misuse of funds intended for a community development corporation, they are deeply intertwined with the earlier scandal that brought down Duplessis and several others in 2021. The case serves as a stark reminder of systemic issues within New Orleans’ political landscape and raises serious questions about accountability and oversight.
The initial unraveling began in late 2020 when investigative reports by WVUE-TV revealed questionable financial dealings involving Duplessis, then a rising star in the city's Democratic establishment. The investigation centered on funds from the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, intended for revitalization projects in underserved neighborhoods. Instead, these funds were allegedly diverted to shell companies and used for personal enrichment by Duplessis and his associates.
The fallout was swift and devastating. In 2021, federal agents raided Duplessis’ home and office, seizing records that would ultimately lead to charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. Several others were implicated in the scheme, including former Chief Administrative Officer Jonathan Brown, who pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with investigators. The scandal shook New Orleans to its core, eroding public trust in elected officials and prompting calls for reform.
The Gray indictment now adds another layer of complexity to this already tangled web. While Gray’s alleged crimes are distinct from Duplessis' scheme – involving the misappropriation of funds from a different organization, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans – the similarities are undeniable. Both men held positions of significant influence within the city and both stand accused of abusing their power for personal gain. The fact that Gray served on committees overseeing CDBG funding further fuels speculation about potential connections to the earlier Duplessis scandal.
The timing is particularly sensitive, as Gray was actively campaigning for a seat on the Orleans Parish School Board. His indictment has effectively ended his political aspirations and cast a pall over the upcoming elections. It also reignites concerns about the broader culture of corruption that allowed both men to operate with relative impunity for so long.
Several factors contributed to this environment. The CDBG program, designed to address poverty and inequality, is notoriously complex and often lacks robust oversight mechanisms. This creates opportunities for abuse, particularly when those responsible for administering the funds lack sufficient accountability. Furthermore, New Orleans’ history of political patronage and a deeply ingrained “good ol’ boy” network have fostered an atmosphere where ethical boundaries are blurred and wrongdoing can be easily concealed.
The District Attorney's office, under Sherrie Dawson-Bramble, faces immense pressure to thoroughly investigate both cases and hold all those involved accountable. The Gray indictment represents a significant step in that direction, but many believe it is only the beginning of a much larger reckoning. Residents are demanding more than just arrests; they want systemic reforms that will prevent similar abuses from happening again.
These potential reforms include strengthening oversight of CDBG funds, increasing transparency in government contracts, and implementing stricter ethics regulations for elected officials. Some advocates are also calling for independent audits of non-profit organizations receiving public funding, a measure designed to ensure accountability and prevent the diversion of resources. The Orleans Parish School Board election, now tainted by Gray’s indictment, presents an opportunity for voters to send a clear message that they expect integrity and ethical conduct from their elected representatives.
The Royce Duplessis scandal exposed deep-seated vulnerabilities within New Orleans' political system. The subsequent indictment of Larry Gray serves as a painful reminder that the fight against corruption is far from over. While legal proceedings will undoubtedly unfold, the true test lies in whether the city can learn from these experiences and implement meaningful reforms to restore public trust and ensure a more accountable and ethical government for all its citizens. The shadow of scandal may linger, but it also offers an opportunity – a chance to build a better, more transparent future for New Orleans.