By Pat Culverhouse
A letter from Minden City Attorney Jimbo Yocom to Louisiana Legislative Auditor Michael Waguespack attempts to clarify why the city issued a $25,000 check to a Texas couple and paid another $1,912.57 to repair their vehicle.
In the letter dated July 29 and obtained through Louisiana Public Records laws requests made by the Webster Parish Journal, Yocom says the two payments were paid “…in connection with the settlement of potential claims against the city…”
Yocom claims in the letter that the affected individuals, Shawanda Hall and Donald Benard, sought compensation and threatened litigation stemming from an incident where a Minden police officer allegedly damaged personal property during a January, 2025, traffic stop.
What is not explained in the letter is why the payments were made to Hall and Bernard without any document indicating the City received a formal demand letter from either complainant or an attorney acting on their behalf.
Yocom says his letter is intended to “…clarify the legal basis for those actions, describe the steps taken and to ensure the City’s ongoing commitment to financial transparency and legal compliance.”
In explaining the background and circumstances, Yocom says he was notified (by unnamed persons) of potential litigation and consulted with Minden Mayor Pro Tempore Carlton “Buddy” Myles. Myles was consulted because Mayor Nick Cox and his family were on vacation out of state.
“It was my legal opinion that, under the City’s special legislative charter and relevant ordinances, the Mayor (or in his absence, the Mayor Pro Tempore with legal counsel) has authority to resolve such claims prior to litigation,” Yocom wrote.
Myles, acting under Yocom’s opinion, authorized a settlement of up to $50,000. “I negotiated a settlement for $25,000, and the associated payments including a car repair in the amount of $1,912.57 were issued accordingly,” he said in the letter.
While explaining the legal authority and compliance to the legislative auditor, Yocom writes, “Furthermore, at all times, City Staff including the City Clerk (Melaney Langford) and Assistant City Clerk (Elizabeth Campbell) acted under the express direction of legal counsel and the Mayor Pro Tempore, in good faith reliance…”
Neither Mayor Cox nor members of the city council reportedly were consulted prior to the payment. Likewise, no explanation was given for the urgency of the settlement other than the threat of pending litigation.
After Cox returned from vacation, Yocom said the matter was disclosed to the city council. A request for a resolution approving the payments was tabled unanimously during a special council meeting even though the check had already been delivered and a receipt and release had been signed.
Names on the release include Yocom, Chief of Police Jared McIver, Langford, Campbell and the complainants, Hall and Benard.
Yocom’s letter ends with his assurance that the Legislative Auditor’s review is welcomed, and the city “…stands ready to implement any corrective recommendations.”
Cox self-reported the expenditures to the Legislative Auditor’s office in an email dated Thursday, July 24.
In the email to Waguespack, the Mayor said the City became aware of “a possible improper authorization or handling of public funds related to two payments made in connection with the settlement of potential claims of liability, without a lawsuit having been filed.”
Neither payment was preceded by a demand letter, lawsuit or formal City Council approval, Cox said in his email. He also said the matter has been “…clarified through internal discussion with the City Attorney (Yocom), Police Chief (Jared McIver), City Council and members of staff.”
In return correspondence, the Legislative Auditor’s office agreed to further investigate the issue.
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