Reporter Files Criminal Complaint Against School Superintendent
News Star (excerpt)

The News-Star reporter Barbara Leader has filed a criminal complaint against Monroe City Schools Superintendent James Dupree.

The complaint alleges Dupree, as custodian of records for the Monroe City School System, over the course of five months, has repeatedly violated Louisiana public records law by denying the public timely access to public records.

Fourth Judicial District Attorney Jerry Jones said he has requested Louisiana State Police investigate the complaint. He said he would base further action on "the substance of the investigation."

The News-Star in October submitted a written request for three specific items on one public records request. Two items were provided within the hour, but the remaining item, employee files of Cassandra Shelling, was not. On Oct. 7, Dupree wrote a response saying that the district had complied with the request.

The newspaper, which is litigating the matter, won its case in 4th Judicial District Court. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing the case at the school system's request.