Former state rep. files perjury complaint against Guillory

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A former Louisiana State Representative has filed a formal perjury complaint against Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory.

Don Bacque, the former State Representative for District 43 of Lafayette Parish, filed the complaint against Guillory Thursday with the Lafayette Police Department.

The complaint alleges that Guillory lied under oath about ongoing investigations during a hearing Oct. 4 in which Guillory was attempting to obtain an injunction against his mayor-president opponent, Monique Blanco Boulet. The injunction would have blocked Boulet from calling Guillory corrupt in campaign ads on television and other media.

The injunction was denied.

The complaint alleges that during his sworn testimony, Guillory was asked by Boulet’s attorney, Gary McGoffin, if he was “aware of any investigations of LCG” by multiple organizations, including the Army Corps of Engineers, FBI and Louisiana Legislative Auditor, to which Guillory responded with “no.”

News 10 has followed the story of audit investigation regarding several of Guillory’s drainage contracts since its approval by the parish council in September of 2022.

“We’re calling it an investigation so that we have a little more wiggle room to pursue a little more than just an audit if something comes up,” Nanette Cook said in September of 2022.

“I think this is a good thing when you can have the city council agreeing with my request to go ahead and audit and get these questions answered,” Guillory said in September of 2022. “So, I’m hopeful we can continue to work together. I expect more political theater but I’m hoping for the best.”

Bacque said he has also followed the process of the investigation, noting the Louisiana Legislative Auditors made the investigation known on January 17.

Bacque said he and Guillory were also both in attendance for a city and parish council meeting in May where the 29 findings from the investigation were discussed.

With all the information about the investigation, and records of Guillory’s questioning under oath, Bacque said law enforcement should have more than enough to pursue charges.

“He’s an attorney,” Bacque said. “He knows that lying under oath is a crime. But he did it anyway. And he must and should be held accountable. And the person that will hold him accountable is the district attorney, if he chooses to move this forward.”

Guillory responded to the allegations.

“The person that filed this complaint is a huge supporter of my opponent,” Guillory said. “But I’ll tell you this, every single allegation that has been made against me by Monique has been proven to be false. Monique thinks that the people don’t know what’s going on. But I know that they do. The people of Lafayette parish know better. The people of Lafayette parish will not fall for these Washington politics. And I defer to our people.”

Bacque officially filed his complaint Thursday afternoon.

“I’ve always believed this country is a country of laws,” Bacque said. “It is founded on the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law. When we neglect or disregard these fundamental laws, we risk the foundation of our society. Therefore, we must hold Mayor-President Josh Guillory and all elected officials to the same standards we are held to.”

The two candidates have consistently traded jabs at one another throughout their campaigns, and this complaint becomes the latest development in what has been an intense election. With a little more than a week left before the Nov. 18 runoff election, both Guillory and Boulet will looking to stick the landing next Saturday.