A St. John the Baptist Parish official is facing accusations of perjury after failing to disclose critical information in a lawsuit related to a controversial grain export facility being proposed along the Mississippi River. The legal battle has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of public officials in Louisiana’s heavily industrialized “Cancer Alley” region.
Allegations of Perjury and Misleading Court Filings
St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard has been accused of committing perjury during a deposition, where she denied knowing that her mother-in-law could financially benefit from the rezoning plans for a proposed 222-acre grain terminal. According to court records, Hotard also claimed there were no communications between her and her mother-in-law regarding the terminal, despite evidence showing that numerous text messages existed.
The text messages, disclosed during the ongoing lawsuit filed by prominent climate activist Joy Banner, suggest that Hotard and her mother-in-law, Darla Gaudet, discussed the grain terminal and nearby property owned by Gaudet’s marine transport company. These revelations contradict Hotard’s sworn statements made under oath during the legal proceedings.
Background of the Lawsuit and Community Opposition
The lawsuit is part of a larger conflict over a proposed $800 million grain export terminal near the Banner sisters’ property. The sisters, who co-founded the Descendants Project—a group focused on historic preservation and racial justice—have led the fight against the terminal, which would be built near historically significant sites in their predominantly Black community.
The terminal, which would be located within 300 feet of the Banner sisters’ property, has been a source of contention as environmental activists argue it will contribute to the growing pollution concerns in “Cancer Alley,” an industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Violations
In the legal filings, Banner claims that Hotard had a conflict of interest in approving the rezoning for the grain terminal, pointing out that her mother-in-law’s company stood to benefit financially from the development. The allegations of conflict of interest led to a complaint filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics.
Banner’s lawsuit also touches on an incident at a November 2023 parish council meeting, where she claims she was threatened with arrest and barred from speaking during public comment after raising concerns about Hotard’s involvement with the rezoning plans. Banner has alleged that her First Amendment rights were violated in the process.
Legal and Political Ramifications
Hotard and her attorney have yet to respond to the latest allegations of perjury, and the legal dispute is set to continue. The case is scheduled for trial early next year, where the accusations of perjury and the controversial rezoning will be further examined. Meanwhile, the Banner sisters continue their efforts to protect their community from the proposed grain terminal’s environmental and cultural impacts.
As the case unfolds, it highlights broader concerns over the balance between economic development and environmental justice in Louisiana, particularly in the industrialized regions that have long faced environmental degradation.
