SUMMARY: Assistant District Attorney Gary Haynes faces multiple federal felony charges related to a bribery scheme involving Lafayette’s pretrial diversion program. His defense argues Haynes was a victim, duped by co-conspirators Leonard Franques and Dusty Guidry, who pleaded guilty and cooperated with prosecutors. Haynes allegedly lost $219,000 investing in Franques’ business, blaming District Attorney Don Landry for appointing him and hiring Guidry. Landry testified he brought Haynes back to manage the program due to a case backlog but denied involvement in wrongdoing. Prosecutors allege Haynes conspired for bribes and obstruction, facing up to 65 years if convicted. The trial continues with Landry’s cross-examination.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Marshals Office, partnering with multiple local and federal agencies, conducted two operations from May to August targeting missing children and sexual offenders in New Orleans. The NO Saint and Sinners operation and Operation Fresh Start resulted in over 65 felony arrests, including 26 sex-based charges involving children, 15 sex offender registration violations, and seven child abuse warrants. Fifteen missing or endangered children were recovered. Notable arrests included suspects wanted for child pornography, trafficking, and violent crimes. The operations were supported by resources from the USMS Sex Offender Investigations Branch and involved collaboration with Crimestoppers and other law enforcement agencies to enforce justice and protect vulnerable victims.

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SUMMARY: Gary Haynes, longtime Lafayette Assistant District Attorney, faces federal trial Monday on bribery, kickback, money laundering, and obstruction charges linked to the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office pretrial intervention program. Indicted in September, Haynes allegedly steered participants to a vendor in exchange for bribes, including an $81,000 truck. Co-conspirators, all pleading guilty, are expected to testify against him. Evidence includes wiretaps and consensual recordings. Haynes remains on unpaid administrative leave amid scrutiny for rehiring him after a decade-old bribery scandal shuttered the office. The trial poses significant reputational and legal consequences, with Haynes facing up to 60 years if convicted.

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