NEW ORLEANS — The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office wasted no time in issuing a detailed statement from Sheriff Susan Hutson in response to a report from the Office of the Inspector General regarding the alleged overpayment of deputies during the 2023 Carnival season.
Deputies were reportedly overpaid an estimated $260,000, according to an audit by the city’s OIG.
Hutson condemned the report as being misogynistic and inaccurate.
"Since receiving the disheartening news about the IG’s misogynistic view of women leaders, I have tried my best to get all information regarding an investigation by the New Orleans Ethics Review Board, but it has been shielded from the public and myself," stated Hutson. "The IG’s comments, as well as the failure to address complaints about them, make it doubtful that any report produced by the OIG's office is based on the integrity and impartiality needed of the OIG's oversight."
However, the sheriff conceded that the $21,407 in “holiday pay” was a mistake, responding that “this problem occurred as a result of a glitch in our payroll system.” The sheriff noted that “we took remedial measures for Mardi Gras 2024 to assure that this type of error would not happen and will never happen again.”
Hutson and her office largely agreed with the other OIG findings and wrote that most problems have been corrected.
In a follow-up, the OIG released a statement in response to Sheriff Hutson, saying:
"The OIG holds women in high regard and has appointed women to five of the seven leadership roles in the office. Any allegation to the contrary is inaccurate and not supported by facts. The OIG will continue to be relentless in its identification and mitigation of fraud, waste, and abuse, and will not be deterred by baseless allegations."
The official statement from the OPSO reads in full:
"Today, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) reaffirms our commitment to the ongoing improvements within our agency, guided by transparency and accountability. We have reviewed the findings presented in the Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. In our official response to the OIG report titled "Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Off Duty Details and Mardi Gras Pay Audit,” we addressed key findings with detailed context, underscoring the progress OPSO has made in recent years to improve our systems and tools to support staff efficiency. While we respect the role of oversight, we are also committed to ensuring that all reports accurately reflect the operational complexities and improvements within our agency.
Assertions Regarding Mardi Gras Payments
We welcome constructive dialogue that supports our continuous path forward toward achieving a just and constitutional environment for everyone we serve. However, the OIG’s assertion that OPSO overpaid deputies for overtime worked during the 2023 Mardi Gras season is an inaccurate legal interpretation and a gross mischaracterization that ignores pertinent facts and misapplies federal regulations. Furthermore, OPSO’s outside counsel received an informal opinion from the U.S. Department of Labor, which indicated the way our deputies were compensated for their extended service during Mardi Gras was consistent with all state and federal laws.
Findings Regarding Off-Duty Detail Operations
Many of the recommendations regarding OPSO’s off duty detail operations are in the process of being implemented. The detail department has minimal staffing (1 deputy & 1 administrative assistant), outdated administrative processes and policy, and lacks the technology needed for efficient management and tracking. OPSO is actively working to modernize and strengthen the off-duty detail department through strategic technological, structural, and staffing improvements.
- OPSO is in the contracting phase with a technology company to implement a web-based system that will automate about 80% of tasks related to off-duty detail operations scheduled to go live by January 2025.
- OPSO is restructuring the off-duty detail department by assigning a Deputy Chief to lead and provide oversight.
- An ongoing audit of all policies and forms related to off-duty details is underway to improve clarity, compliance, and efficiency.
- The recently established inspections division within the Compliance and Accountability Bureau (CAB) will oversee adherence to administrative protocols and policies specific to off-duty details.
Questions Regarding Inspector General’s Integrity & Professionalism
We believe it is essential to address not only the report's findings but also the broader context in which it was produced. It is apparent that the OIG’s pursuit of oversight has become overshadowed by a personal and unprofessional agenda by the Inspector General himself. I have received reports from a confidential source of documented instances in which the Inspector General has made vile, vulgar, and offensive comments about myself and other women leaders in New Orleans in the presence of OIG staff and other agencies.
I encourage all New Orleanians to read these reports with scrutiny, focusing on the language used, to come to your own conclusion of whether these are objective constructive criticisms of my administration or biased motive-driven attempts to disparage a woman in leadership. I implore you to scrutinize not only my administration but all New Orleans agencies especially when they are tainted with leadership that engages in misogynistic, offensive and reprehensible statements about women and specifically women in leadership.
OPSO Remains Committed to our Mission
Our commitment to upholding the values of justice, equality, and respect remains steadfast. OPSO will continue to strive for reform and transparency, despite attempts by some to undermine this mission. We urge the community to see beyond the noise of biased agendas and recognize the work being done daily to ensure OPSO is a model of constitutional and humane operations. Sheriff Hutson stands firm in her commitment to the people of Orleans Parish and will not be deterred by those who seek to hinder progress."
OIG's full response to Sheriff Hutson's statement:
"The ERB has fully investigated a confidential complaint regarding the OIG, and the ERB has unanimously dismissed all of the allegations with no adverse findings against the OIG or the Inspector General. Please refer to the following ERB press release:
OIG reports are based on facts and produced and disseminated under strict GAO standards. In fact, the Sheriff agreed with five of the six findings in the OIG’s Off-Duty Details and Mardi Gras Pay Audit Report. The public can view how the OIG continues to protect taxpayer-generated money at nolaoig.gov.
The OIG holds women in high regard and has appointed women to five of the seven leadership roles in the office. Any allegation to the contrary is inaccurate and not supported by facts. The OIG will continue to be relentless in its identification and mitigation of fraud, waste, and abuse, and will not be deterred by baseless allegations
OPSO receives $55 million annually from the City, and it is the OIG’s obligation to ensure that City funds are utilized efficiently. The citizens of New Orleans deserve to have their tax dollars protected and safeguarded."
[WATCH] IG report says Sheriff Hutson overpaid deputies who worked Carnival security last year
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