The Shreveport City Jail is shown with its sign at 755 Hope Street in Shreveport, La. Photo: Emilee Calametti / The Center Square
By Darren Svan | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The Shreveport City Marshal maintains his practices are permissible despite an auditor’s report that found lodging expenses for members of his staff to attend an annual judicial conference in Florida may violate the Louisiana Constitution.
James Jefferson is the city marshal. He secured reelection this month to a six-year term after his challengers withdrew from the race.
The marshal’s office said in the 40-page audit that it does not intend to change its practice in response to the noncompliance allegation.
Jefferson’s defense is based on Louisiana Supreme Court guidance governing lodging expenses for judges who attend the same conference.
According to New Orleans-based Fox 8 reporting, a May 8 email from Judicial Administrator of the Louisiana Supreme Court Brian Wiggins reminded state judges that their lodging per diem is capped at $425 a night for the duration of the five-day conference.
Johnson’s office confirmed that a memo is circulated annually with a permissible lodging per diem: $425 in 2025.
Jefferson’s office spent approximately $412 per night for six nights for four employees to attend the Florida event, said Sabrina Smith, an accountant with the marshal’s office.
Spending nearly $10,000 for room accommodations is permissible based on guidance provided by the court, Jefferson’s office wrote in response.
Per diem travel expenses for Shreveport officials and employees, including the Mayor and City Council, are based on federal General Service Administration rates, which provide lodging at around $260 per night for Okaloosa and Walton counties in Florida, according to a city travel procedure document and federal regulations.
Jefferson’s office spent nearly 60% more on lodging for each deputy to occupy a two-bedroom accommodation.
A Louisiana Legislative Auditor report alleges potential improper spending for two consecutive years related to a section of the Constitution called “donation of public funds.” The audit said it remains unresolved.
“Lodging expenses of marshal and deputies appear to be in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the Louisiana Constitution,” the auditor’s report said.
That section says that the government cannot give or lend public money, property or things of value to any person or private group.
Last summer, the marshal's office paid $9,880 for its deputies to attend the “Nuts `N Bolts Conference” in Destin, the report said. The annual event draws judges, lawyers and administrators for instruction and updates about issues affecting the judicial system.
“A two-bedroom, two-bath suite was reserved for each of the employees. Any personal use of these accommodations appear to violate … the Louisiana Constitution,” the report said.
“We disagree with the finding,” Jefferson’s office said.
The marshal's office attends the annual Louisiana Judicial College Joint Summer School in Destin and the accommodations are reserved at the location of the conference and are based on the property's availability, Jefferson’s office wrote.
The marshal's office follows the guidance set forth by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The office will continue to follow the guidance of the court in reference to accommodations for this conference, they wrote.
The Louisiana Judicial College Joint Summer School and Nuts & Bolts Judicial Seminar are concurrently scheduled and many of the officials attend both events, according to local reporting.
The marshal’s 2025 financial statement reports $73,669 in “training and travel” expenditures.