Two Monroe City Council Members Facing Federal Charges
By: Meagan Fitzgerald
Updated: June 24, 2010
For over 14 years Author Gilmore and Robert "Red" Stevens have served on Monroe's city council. A city spokesperson says both men have been instrumental in spurring city wide economic development and developing the city's 12 million dollar surplus. But, now their reputation hangs in the balance.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley said, "We are here to announce the federal grand jury in Shreveport returned an indictment charging two individuals, Robert Stevens and Author Gilmore who are city council of the city of Monroe Louisiana with taking bribes from individuals and organizations that had business before the council."
Finley says those bribes amount to more than 7 thousand dollars combined for both men and land was accepted by Gilmore.
Councilman Jay Marx has served with both men for the past 6 years.
Marx said, "I'm certainly shocked, distraught over it, but an indictment doesn't mean guilty."
However, the government appears very confident in its findings.
Finley said, "But, I want to make it clear that the acts alleged in indictment are a pervasive patterns in violation of their duties to the citizens of Monroe."
"This is the indictment by the U.S. district court for both Steven's and Gilmore. Officials say if these men are found guilty on both charges, they face 40 years in prison and a half million dollar fine."
While Monroe city officials say they've known about the investigation for months. The city's attorney says it doesn't make the announcement any easier.
Nanci Summersgil said, "We have not talked to either one of them and we are very saddened by this turn of events."
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley said, "We are here to announce the federal grand jury in Shreveport returned an indictment charging two individuals, Robert Stevens and Author Gilmore who are city council of the city of Monroe Louisiana with taking bribes from individuals and organizations that had business before the council."
Finley says those bribes amount to more than 7 thousand dollars combined for both men and land was accepted by Gilmore.
Councilman Jay Marx has served with both men for the past 6 years.
Marx said, "I'm certainly shocked, distraught over it, but an indictment doesn't mean guilty."
However, the government appears very confident in its findings.
Finley said, "But, I want to make it clear that the acts alleged in indictment are a pervasive patterns in violation of their duties to the citizens of Monroe."
"This is the indictment by the U.S. district court for both Steven's and Gilmore. Officials say if these men are found guilty on both charges, they face 40 years in prison and a half million dollar fine."
While Monroe city officials say they've known about the investigation for months. The city's attorney says it doesn't make the announcement any easier.
Nanci Summersgil said, "We have not talked to either one of them and we are very saddened by this turn of events."
