Edmonson Investigation Ends Without Action Taken

Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure.

A Legislative auditor’s report detailed a department funded “side trip” to Las Vegas for troopers, Edmonson living rent-free at the state police compound, and other violations.  Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton spoke with LRN about the decision.

“That investigation was based primarily on representations, or perhaps misrepresentations contained in the Legislative Auditor’s report.”

According to the report the long-time Superintendent was also having his vehicles repaired by state workers.

Edmonson left State Police two years ago after coming under fire for the audit’s findings. Sexton says any actions his client did take did not meet the threshold of an ethics violation.

“I can assure you that if there were any inconsequential events, they did not elevate to the level of a violation of the law that warranted any further inquiry.”

Current State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves agreed with the findings of the Auditor’s report two years ago when it was released.

Sexton says if his client had violated any ethics laws during his tenure, he’s confident that the Louisiana government or the feds would have pursued charges.

“Governmental agencies are typically aggressive in pursuing matters of this sort and the fact that the decision was made not to pursue them conclusively dispels any notion that there was any egregious misconduct.”

Edmondson served from 2008-2017.