A Port Allen worker on leave while election allegations were investigated, the report said

PORT ALLEN, La. (WAFB) – A Port Allen city employee is on administrative leave after allegations surfaced that he promised financial support as a way to get a candidate to drop out of the race for a city council seat, The Advocate newspaper reported . .

Outgoing council member Clerice “Clo” Lacy claims planning and zoning employee Walter Braud, III, offered to help her in her re-election bid. But, Lacy claims, he wanted her to talk a candidate for District 4 council seat, Shelton Berry, out of the race in exchange for his support.

The allegations first came to light when Lacy appeared on a podcast Berry hosted. Lacy played a recorded phone call she says was between her and Braud.

The recording begins as the person talking to Lacy says he’s going to “play politics.” The other person then asks Lacy for a favor in exchange for financial support and support to re-elect her.

“I will be behind you 1000% and I have money that I will put behind you and get you re-elected if you do one thing for me,” says the other person.

“Tell Shelton Berry to get out of the race for District 4 before Friday,” the recording continues.

“I’m not going to do that. I’m not Shelton Berry’s manager,” Lacy replies.

Lacy describes the situation as a “direct bribe”.

The Advocate reported that Port Allen Mayor Richard Lee III told community members Wednesday night that Braud will remain on administrative leave while the allegations are investigated.

The Secretary of State’s office has a policy that prevents employees from commenting on the status of investigations or confirming whether an investigation has actually been launched.

Mayor Lee and Braud could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday. Lacey also was not immediately available for comment.

Berry was later dropped from the race for District 4 after his opponent challenged his candidacy in court. Lacy also lost his race.

Click here to report a typo. Please include the title.

Click here to subscribe to our daily WAFB 9 news digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your inbox. of e-mail.