Baton Rouge schools chief Lamont Cole kept his job after a bribery indictment
On Aug. 5, 2026 a grand jury indicted East Baton Rouge Parish School System Superintendent Lamont Cole on counts of conspiracy to commit public bribery, money laundering and malfeasance in office, part of Attorney General Liz Murrill's probe into city-parish government. The alleged conduct dates from August 2022 to December 2024, when Cole served on the Baton Rouge Metro Council; he joined the school system in 2024. Erica and Terral Jackson were indicted alongside him. Cole denies the allegations and called the indictment a miscarriage of justice; he and a co-defendant later moved to quash it, arguing the AG lacked authority. School Board President Shashonnie Steward and Vice President Cliff Lewis said in personal statements that they stand behind him. No removal or suspension has been reported; Cole remains superintendent while the case is pending.
A grand jury formally charged Cole Wednesday with conspiracy to commit public bribery
We want to explicitly state that we stand firmly behind Mr. Cole as he navigates this matter.
Cole has denied taking a bribe or anything of value from the Jacksons.
Called the indictment "a miscarriage of justice" based on association rather than proof and said he would comply with legal requests.
No outcome recorded yet.