Source: Robert Rhoden, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune Former North Shore District Attorney Walter Reed was paid $52,000 over six years by a law firm representing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Commission even though Reed did no work for the agency, according to a report released Monday (April 10) by the Louisiana inspector general's office. The Becknell Law Firm of Metairie reportedly paid 30% and later 20% of what they billed the Causeway. The arrangement reportedly grew out of a lunch meeting during which Becknell was told, "If you want this job, you need to talk to Walter," the report said.
Reed's attorney said the billings were reviewed by the FBI, disclosed on Reed's ethics forms, and taxes were paid on the money. The Causeway Commission fired the Becknell Law Firm in 2014 after Becknell admitted paying Reed. Becknell told bridge General Manager Carlton Dufrechou and then-Commission Chairman Michael Lorino, "This is the way it was always done," the report said.
The report has been forwarded to the Jefferson Parish district attorney's office, U.S. attorney's office and the Louisiana attorney general's office criminal division.
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