John Miller, Bribery Conspiracy, Louisiana 2012

LAFAYETTE, La. – In a shocking turn of events, St. Landry Parish School Board member John Miller, 72, of Opelousas, La., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Miller admitted that he and fellow St. Landry Parish School Board member Quincy Richard Sr., 51, of Opelousas, conspired to receive bribe money from school board superintendent candidate Joseph Cassimere in return for their support.

During July, August and September of 2012, Miller admitted that he and Richard had a number of private meetings with Cassimere where they negotiated price and payment from Cassimere in exchange for their favorable individual votes as school board members in support of Cassimere’s candidacy for superintendent.

The defendants met with Cassimere on Sept. 24, 2012 at the Quarters Restaurant in Opelousas and received $5,000 each in return for their votes. They made it clear that Cassimere had also secured their services, efforts, influence and due diligence to secure the votes of other members of the school board for Cassimere’s candidacy.

Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bribery.

The FBI-Alexandria Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.

United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley stated, “This is a positive first step for the School Board to move forward so they can take care of the educational work that needs to be addressed for the children and citizens of this community.”

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