State Rep Norton to Hold News Conference to Address Allegations

State Representative Barbara Norton is apparently under investigation over how she runs and manages the local African American History Parade. The Inquisitor is reporting the FBI and the Caddo Parish District Attorneys office are investigating Norton. This investigation allegedly focuses on the money she collects from folks to ride in the parade each year.

The City of Shreveport is the primary funding source for the parade. Questions have been raised about what Norton does with the money she collects. Norton does run a non profit called the African-American Celebration Corporation. But KEEL News has learned that organization is not
in good standing with the Secretary of State's Office for failing to file financial documents.

The Inquisitor reports the FBI is also in on the investigation into the financial dealings.

Here's is part of the Inquisitor Report:

FBI Special Agent Ryan Allen began an investigation into a non-profit organization organized by Rep. Norton in 2015. Those documents also reveal that the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office requested the Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office to review the case. There have been many concerns over the fact that Norton only makes about $16,000 per year as a state representative despite the fact that she drives a fairly new luxury Jaguar automobile.

KEEL News got in touch with Norton today and she tells us she is holding a news conference Thursday morning to address these allegations.

The Caddo District Attorneys Office sent us this statement:

 DA: Barbara Norton not under investigation

To clarify recent reports by several local news organizations, the Caddo Parish District Attorney's office states there are at this time no active or pending investigations into state Rep. Barbara Norton.

In an investigation that culminated in the summer of 2015, this office — under a previous interim administration — determined that allegations against Rep. Norton and the African-American Celebration Association warranted no action by the District Attorney. All investigative files were given to the FBI and the state attorney general and are no longer at this office. This was before District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. was elected and before he took office.

Norton previously announced her plan to run for State Senate against Gregory Tarver this fall.