we saw that...

It is the opinion of the Board that Wes Hebron violated Section 1112B of the Code of Governmental Ethics by participating and voting to initiate an investigation into the water line running to his brother’s property, voting to whether to accept or reject payment from his brother, and voting on the acceptance of the water line which serviced his brother’s property. Section 1112B prohibits a public servant from participating in any matter in which his immediate family member has a substantial economic interest. Roy Hebron clearly had a substantial economic interest in a water line which was run to his property and which appears to have only benefitted him. Therefore, Wes Hebron was prohibited from participating in such matters when they came before his board for consideration.

The Board is authorized to impose civil penalties pursuant to LSA-R.S. 42: 1153 and LSA-R.S. 42: 1155 upon finding that a violation of the Code has occurred. In this particular situation, given the facts outlined above, it is the conclusion of the Board that the interest of the public would be served by the imposition of a civil penalty of $1,000, all of which is suspended based on his future compliance with the Code of Governmental Ethics.

the Board finds as a matter of fact and as a conclusion of law that Wes Hebron violated Section 1112B of the Code of Governmental Ethics by participating and voting to initiate an investigation into the water line running to his brother’s property, voting to whether to accept or reject payment from his brother, and voting on the acceptance of the water line which serviced his brother’s property.