Former Prosecutor Indicted for Bribery Conspiracy Defended as ‘Honorable Man’
In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the legal community, former Assistant District Attorney Gary Haynes of Lafayette, Louisiana, has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a kickback scheme. The accusations against Haynes include directing defendants in a pretrial intervention program to take classes from a co-conspirator’s company in exchange for kickbacks. These serious charges have prompted Haynes’ lawyer to come to his defense, portraying him as an “honorable man” who will fight these false allegations with all his might.
The Allegations Against Haynes
Haynes, a 66-year-old former prosecutor, is facing charges of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, using his cellphone to aid bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a scheme where he directed defendants to take classes from a company run by a co-conspirator in exchange for kickbacks. The U.S. Department of Justice, along with various news outlets, have reported on the details of the indictment, painting a troubling picture of Haynes’ conduct during his time as an assistant district attorney.
Defense of Haynes as an ‘Honorable Man’
Despite the serious nature of the charges against him, Haynes’ lawyer, Todd S. Clemons, has staunchly defended his client’s character. Clemons has described Haynes as an “honorable man of integrity” who is both “good and hardworking.” In a statement to the media, Clemons emphasized that the indictment against Haynes tells a “false story” and is a “falsehood created by weak and less-than-honorable men pressured into cooperating with the Department of Justice.” Clemons has vowed that Haynes will stand tall and fight these false allegations until he is exonerated by a jury of his peers.
Haynes’ Role in the Pretrial Intervention Program
During his time as an assistant district attorney in the 15th Judicial District in Louisiana, Haynes oversaw the pretrial intervention program, which provided an alternative to criminal prosecution for certain defendants. Participants in the program had the opportunity to have their criminal charges dismissed upon completion of classes offered by companies associated with Haynes’ co-conspirators. The indictment alleges that Haynes directed defendants to take these classes in exchange for kickbacks, ultimately leading to the dismissal of their charges through his influence.
Co-Conspirators and Alleged Kickback Scheme
Haynes’ alleged co-conspirators in the kickback scheme include Leonard Franques and Dusty Guidry, both of whom have pleaded guilty to charges related to bribery and conspiracy. Franques, who operated a company that provided classes to program participants, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in January 2024. Guidry, a contract employee with authority over the diversion program, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
The indictment outlines a meeting in January 2022 where Haynes, Guidry, and Franques allegedly discussed methods to conceal the kickbacks received from program participants. Options reportedly included purchasing a vehicle for Haynes or writing checks to a company reactivated by Haynes called M.D. at Law. Additionally, Haynes is accused of directing a co-conspirator to destroy and conceal records related to the scheme, further complicating the investigation into his alleged misconduct.
Potential Consequences for Haynes
If convicted on all charges, Haynes could face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison. The severity of the allegations against him underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on his legal career and personal reputation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be closely watching to see how the case against Haynes progresses and whether he will be able to refute the allegations brought against him.
In Conclusion
The indictment of former Assistant District Attorney Gary Haynes for his alleged involvement in a bribery conspiracy has raised serious questions about ethics and integrity within the criminal justice system. While Haynes’ lawyer maintains his client’s innocence and portrays him as an “honorable man,” the evidence presented in the indictment paints a troubling picture of corruption and misconduct. As the legal process moves forward, the truth behind these allegations will hopefully come to light, allowing for justice to be served and accountability to be upheld in the pursuit of a fair and transparent legal system.