Lafayette, LA: Local judges put fish tanks, gun permit, handmade robes on expense accounts

Local judges spent nearly $900,000 in public funds in five years for such expenses as fish tanks, handmade judicial robes, a concealed gun permit and conferences at the beach.

A review of judicial expense accounts by The Daily Advertiser found local judges charged to eat, drive, dress, travel and decorate their offices between 2008 and 2012 — and even to hang their portraits on the courthouse walls.

During the five-year period, the expenses were paid to 14 judges who filled the 13 seats in the 15th Judicial District, which includes Lafayette, Acadia and Vermilion parishes.

In addition to their annual base salary of more than $136,000, each judge spent anywhere from about $7,000 to $15,000 a year on expenses, according to The Daily Advertiser’s review of public records. The expenses were largely paid from the 15th Judicial District expense fund, which, according to state law, is sustained through civil and criminal court fees and controlled by the local judges themselves.

In addition to submitting bills for Internet access, bottled water, postage, dues, subscriptions and office supplies, the judges also received more than $276,500 to lease automobiles from 2008 to 2012.

Most of the judges received $20,000 or more to lease their cars, except Judge Jules Edwards, who only billed for $7,590.

Read more:  http://www.theadvertiser.com/