A Livingston parish man facing numerous child sexual abuse charges has been released on bond, and some are up in arms over it. One is Baton Rouge state Senator Regina Barrow, who chairs the Select Committee on Women and Children. She finds it troubling that John Mack, who’s been awaiting trial on the charges for over a year, was released this week on a $250-thousand bond.
Cut 3 (08) “…that’s happening.”
Mack’s family is very well-connected in Livingston Parish and southern Louisiana. Barrow worries that may affect how closely he is monitored while awaiting trial.
Colonel Lamar Davis expressed concern to lawmakers over troopers who are choosing to retire much sooner than they did in the past. Davis says in order to prevent staff shortages – continuous training is needed to attract new candidates.
Troopers in Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi are paid nearly twice the salary of Louisiana troopers. There are currently under 900 troopers in Louisiana.
97 percent of teachers and 98 percent of staff say the pay is too low according to a recent study by The Louisiana Federation of Teachers. LFT Spokesperson Heather Cushman says many teachers work a second job to stay afloat.
Louisiana teachers have not been at the Southern regional average since 2007 resulting in more than 1,200 vacant teaching positions across the state.
Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says the LSU basketball family is saddened by Sims’ unexpected death….
Cut 9 (07) “…heard about Wayne.”
Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.