JONESBORO, La., (KNOE 8 News) - The Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office has charged Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson with three counts of malfeasance in office, but the mayor maintains he did nothing wrong.
Jonesboro Mayor Leslie Thompson was arrested around 12:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon. He bonded out on a 15-thousand dollar bond shortly after, never incarcerated.
In an exclusive on-camera interview with KNOE, Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown says the arrest is the result of a two year investigation. The sheriffs probe began after the legislative auditors office began a compliance audit looking into the town. "When they finished their compliance audit, there were several things that were in disarray in the town and after talking with the legislative auditors office we decided to look at things ourselves," said Brown.
Thompson is charged with three counts of malfeasance, meaning he's accused of breaking the law while in a public office. Sheriff Brown declined to go into detail about the charges, but did say he has the support of the district attorney. "The D.A. and I see eye to eye on these charges and have been working together to put them together," said Brown.
Although the sheriff was tight lipped over charge details, Mayor Thompson tells us the charges involve allegations of paying retirement and insurance for unauthorized current or former workers and failing to disclose records in a timely manner to the legislative auditors. All of which Thompson denies telling KNOE, "These charges are unwarranted and we look forward to and are excited for our day in court to disprove the allegations," said Thompson.
Thompson's arraignment is set for March 5th.
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JONESBORO, La., (KNOE 8 News) - Controversial Mayor Leslie Thompson was arrested and charged with malfeasance in office today.
The mayor was taken into custody around Noon.
Bond was set at $15,000 and the mayor bonded out shortly after being arrested.
Reporter Victoria Shirley is in Jonesboro and will have more on this breaking story on KNOE 8 News this evening.
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Mayor Thompson booking sheet
