Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1985-03-01

Duration: 00:54:41

Subjects: Edwards, Edwin W. | INDICTMENTS | Political corruption

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Ekings, Robyn Reporter
• Johnson, Ken Reporter
• Edwards, Edwin Speaker
• Volz, John Speaker
• Park, Tongsun Speaker
• Joseph, Cheney Interviewee
• Carleton, Mark Interviewee
• Forster, Gary Interviewee
• Kimball, Clyde Interviewee
• Heaton, Eddie, Jr, Interviewee
• Ackal, Bo Interviewee
• Moore, Henson Speaker
• Jenkins, Woody Interviewee

This special episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” from March 1, 1985, features in-depth coverage of the indictment of Governor Edwin Edwards by a federal grand jury on 51 counts of racketeering, mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Beth Courtney first presents highlights from a press conference by Governor Edwards responding to the charges. Next, Robyn Ekings reports on the charges, which allege that Governor Edwards profited from a hidden interest in a business seeking permits from the state to build hospitals and nursing homes. Her report includes highlights of a press conference given by United States Attorney John Volz. Ken Johnson then reports on the multiple controversies that followed Governor Edwards during his first two terms as governor, including Koreagate, an IRS probe into his gambling trips, and Brilab. Ekings then reports on the years between Governor Edwards’ second and third terms in office, including the federal investigation into the management of the Deferred Compensation Corporation of Louisiana (DCCL) and the 1983 gubernatorial election. Her report also touches on Governor Edwards’ decision, early in his third term, to withhold the approval of hospital and nursing home permits for 90 days with a few exempted applications, which led to the federal grand jury investigation. Beth Courtney then interviews Cheney Joseph, a former United States attorney and a criminal law professor at LSU, who discusses the legal procedures involved with a federal grand jury investigation and subsequent trial. Courtney also interviews Dr. Mark Carleton, a Louisiana history professor at LSU, who discusses the state’s reputation for political corruption. Next, Johnson reports on the reactions of state legislators and the Congressional delegation to the indictment, including interviews with State Representatives Gary Forster, Clyde Kimball, Eddie Heaton, Jr., and Bo Ackal, as well as highlights from a press conference given by Congressman Henson Moore. Johnson also reads statements by United States Senator J. Bennett Johnston and Congressman Bob Livingston. Johnson and Ekings then interview State Representative Woody Jenkins, who discusses the impact of the indictment on the legislature and the state’s reputation. Lastly, Courtney talks to Joseph and Dr. Carleton about their expectations for the media coverage of the indictment and trial.