St. Tammany Parish, located in metro New Orleans, boasts a reputation for wealth and affluence. The parish is one of the wealthiest in the state, with high incomes and beautiful neighborhoods. It also receives significant state funding for education. Despite these advantages, the public schools remain only average. The root of this paradox lies in the rampant public corruption that has plagued the parish for decades.
Convicted Officials in the Last 20 Years
Over the past 20 years, several elected officials in St. Tammany Parish have been convicted of serious charges, revealing a deep-seated culture of corruption. In fact, St. Tammany is the most corrupt parish in Louisiana.
- Jack Strain (Sheriff, 1996-2016): Strain’s fall from grace was dramatic. In 2020, he was convicted of federal bribery and kickback charges related to a work-release program. He received a ten-year federal prison sentence.
- Mike Lorino (Councilman, 2006-2018): Lorino embezzled public funds. In 2019, a court sentenced him to six years in prison and ordered him to pay restitution.
- Brenda Reine (School Board Member, 2010-2018): Reine fraudulently awarded contracts to companies she had a financial interest in. In 2019, she received a four-year prison sentence.
- Peter Galvan (Coroner, 2000-2013): Galvan conspired to commit theft of federal funds and embezzled public money for personal use. In 2014, a federal judge sentenced him to two years in federal prison.
- Walter Reed (District Attorney, 1985-2014): Reed misused campaign funds and public money. In 2016, he was convicted of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering, receiving a four-year prison sentence.
Officials Charged But Not Yet Tried
Several elected officials in St. Tammany Parish have been charged with serious offenses but have yet to go to trial.
- Patrick McMath (Parish Councilman): McMath faces charges of bribery and conspiracy related to a land development deal. His trial is set for later this year.
- Martha Evans (School Board Member): Evans is awaiting trial on charges of accepting kickbacks in exchange for awarding school contracts. Her trial date has not yet been set.
The Irony of Wealth Amid Corruption
St. Tammany Parish’s corruption is especially ironic given its status as one of Louisiana’s wealthiest parishes. The area boasts high incomes, expensive homes, and beautiful neighborhoods. Despite this affluence, the public school system remains only average, which is surprising given the substantial state funding it receives.
State Funding and Average Schools
St. Tammany Parish receives more state money for education than many other parishes in Louisiana. This funding is intended to ensure high-quality education for all students. However, the schools in the parish have struggled to rise above mediocrity. The corruption among school board members and other officials has diverted funds meant for educational improvements, resulting in a system that fails to meet its potential.
Impact on the Local Economy
The pervasive corruption in St. Tammany Parish extends beyond its impact on education. It also affects the local economy in several significant ways.
- Erosion of Public Trust: Corruption erodes trust in public institutions. Residents and businesses become skeptical about the fair use of public funds, leading to decreased civic engagement and investment.
- Misallocation of Resources: When funds are embezzled or misused, essential services and infrastructure projects suffer. This misallocation can hinder economic development and reduce the quality of life for residents.
- Increased Taxes: To compensate for the financial shortfalls caused by corruption, local governments may increase taxes. This can place an additional burden on residents and businesses, stifling economic growth.
- Stunted Business Growth: Corruption can create an uneven playing field, where only those who engage in unethical practices succeed. This environment discourages honest businesses from investing and expanding in the parish.
- Lower Property Values: The reputation of corruption and the resulting inefficiencies in public services can lead to lower property values. This affects homeowners’ wealth and the attractiveness of the parish as a place to live and work.
Related: Sheriff’s Shocking Resignation
St. Tammany Parish is a stark example of how corruption can undermine the benefits of wealth and state support. The convictions and charges against numerous elected officials over the past 20 years highlight a pervasive culture of corruption. This corruption has not only betrayed the public trust but also hindered the potential of the parish’s public schools and local economy. The irony of a wealthy parish with average schools and economic challenges due to corruption is a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in local government. Only by addressing these issues can St. Tammany Parish hope to fulfill its promise and provide the high-quality education and economic opportunities its residents deserve.
This article has been edited to remove incorrect information about Kevin Davis, Paul Hollis and Reed Falconer. We apologize for the mistake.
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu