2005-124

March 11, 2005


The Honorable Robert J. Black
Judge, City Court of Bogalusa
P. O. Box 518
Bogalusa, LA 70429-0518

Re: Ethics Board Docket No. 2005-124

Dear Judge Black:

The Louisiana Board of Ethics, at its March 10, 2005 meeting, considered your request for an advisory opinion as to the propriety of the daughter of Ann Seal, the Clerk of Court for the City Court of Bogalusa, being employed on a part-time basis in the Criminal Division of the Clerk’s Office.

The Board concluded, and instructed me to inform you, that the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits the employment of Ms. Seal’s daughter in the Clerk’s Office. Section 1119A of the Code prohibits the employment of an agency head’s immediate family member within the agency head’s agency. As the Clerk of Court, Ms. Seal is an agency head of the Clerk’s Office, which includes the Criminal Division. Therefore, Ms. Seal’s daughter is prohibited from being employed in the Criminal Division.

The Board issues no opinion as to laws other than the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics. If you have any questions, please contact me at (800) 842-6630 or (225) 763-8777.

Sincerely,

LOUISIANA BOARD OF ETHICS



Kathleen M. Allen
For the Board

EB:KMA