On Saturday, December 7, 2024, Nola reported that Jefferson Parish Judge Donald “Chick” Foret is facing allegations of judicial misconduct, which have contributed to a growing sense of isolation from his peers. Foret, who has served on the 24th Judicial District Court since 2021, expressed his concerns during a session with the Louisiana Judiciary Commission.
Foret, 71, who previously worked as a prosecutor and legal analyst, stated that his time on the bench has become increasingly challenging. He indicated that he has had to curb his use of profanity while serving in his judicial role, a change that he described as necessary due to a series of complaints regarding his behavior in court. He admitted that he has become distanced from his fellow judges, often avoiding meetings and discussions about court policies. “It’s better that I not be in the same room with them and confront them,” Foret remarked, emphasizing his feelings of being isolated.
The Judiciary Commission is currently deliberating whether to recommend disciplinary action to the Louisiana Supreme Court based on the complaints against Foret. These complaints include instances of outbursts during court proceedings and inappropriate remarks directed at colleagues. One notable incident involved Foret losing his temper and using foul language towards his criminal clerk during a trial. Additionally, he has been accused of failing to recuse himself from a civil case involving nursing home operator Bob Dean, where Foret had expressed personal bias.
During a bench conference, Foret reportedly referred to local attorney Jason Baer in derogatory terms, which led to an ad hoc judge permitting him to remain on the case. However, a state appeals court later ruled that he should be removed from it due to concerns regarding his impartiality.
Some members of the Judiciary Commission have suggested that Foret should have recused himself from the case involving Dean. In response, Foret defended his actions and expressed confidence in his ability to manage the case fairly. He acknowledged, however, that he was responsible for the controversies surrounding him, stating, “I did it to myself…I’m the one that put the land mine there and stepped on the land mine.”
Foret has attributed the complaints against him to his strong work ethic and his past as a lawyer, which he believes may have influenced his judicial conduct. A previous investigation by a hearing officer concluded that he had violated several judicial canons, raising questions about his suitability for the position.
Despite the allegations, Foret asserts that he has made efforts to amend his behavior over the past two years. He mentioned seeking advice from both a priest and a retired judge, Dennis Waldron, in an attempt to improve his conduct. When asked about his use of profanity, he stated, “I’m working real hard at it.”
Foret likened his experience with the commission to a significant injury faced by NFL quarterback Drew Brees early in his career, claiming that this situation has provided him with clarity about his life and actions. He expressed a belief that he is learning from his mistakes and striving for personal improvement.
However, some members of the commission expressed skepticism regarding Foret’s claims of progress. Judge Sharon Wilson questioned how the public could trust his impartiality after he had used offensive language in a professional setting. Orleans Parish Criminal District Judge Robin Pittman pointed out that Foret’s history of cursing is concerning, especially in light of her own clean record over 16 years of service.
Foret acknowledged that his personality, which he described as boastful, may have contributed to his strained relationships with other judges. He conveyed regret over an intervention from colleagues in 2022, noting that it resulted in a lack of support from his peers afterward.
As Foret approaches the end of his judicial career, he stated that he remains dedicated to fulfilling his responsibilities. He emphasized that although he no longer finds joy in his role, he continues to work diligently for the 60,000 residents who elected him. “It’s not fun anymore,” he concluded, reflecting on his current state of mind as a judge.
Source: Nola
