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Fenton, Louisiana makes up 92.5 percent of its revenue from fines and forfeitures according to a new report. The average across the nation is just 1.7 percent. It appears to be that high due to a number of unique factors including a mayor that also gets to play judge in the village of just 226 residents. During one year it took in $1.3 million which is on par with the third-largest city in the state.

That city is Shreveport with an estimated 187,000 residents. How did such a small village, literally too small to be called a town, manage to make that much in traffic citations and forfeitures? For one thing, it leverages something called a Mayor’s Court, something that doesn’t exist in 48 other states. Under the system, the mayor, who incidentally doesn’t hold any sort of law degree, is allowed to be the judge and the jury and can appoint his own prosecutor.

This presents what many believe is a clear conflict of interest as the mayor is responsible for the village’s finances. In his role as judge and jury, he can and does heavily influence the revenue of Fenton. Now, people are questioning whether or not the convictions, fines, and sentences that he’s handing down are in accordance with the law or not.

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ProPublica uncovered many instances where authorities noted a “bad attitude” with a citizen during a traffic stop. In many of those cases, it says that officers and village employees specifically noted not to “fix” or “help” people based on that attitude. “Refused phone number, driver was very disrespectful no help.” said one with a fine of $305. “Very bad attitude. Do not fix.” read another including a fine of $490.

In other cases, it appears that simply knowing the right people could get you out of a ticket in Fenton. “Dismissed per Chief Alfred,” said one record of a dismissed case. The Chief of Police in Fenton confirmed to ProPublica that he does indeed write “dismiss” on some paperwork but that ultimately he doesn’t have that authority.

After all of the pressure put on the Fenton government by this investigation, the board of aldermen held a meeting. The topic of conversation hovered around hiring a new judge but the consensus was somewhat predictable. “I think we should put it off because I think this court is fair,” said Eddie Alfred Jr. the mayor, and judge of Fenton, Louisiana. Maybe avoid it next time you’re traveling in the area. 

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