On Monday, March 17, 2025, Nola.com reported that Jefferson Parish Judge Donald “Chick” Foret is recommended to face disciplinary action by the Louisiana Judiciary Commission. The commission has advised the Louisiana Supreme Court to issue a public censure due to Foret’s inappropriate conduct and language during judicial proceedings.
The commission’s recommendation follows an investigation into Foret’s behavior, which reportedly included instances of biased language and emotional outbursts. The judge, who previously worked as a TV news legal analyst before being elected to the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna in 2020, allegedly violated eight judicial canons within his first year on the bench.
Specific accusations against Foret include an incident where he reportedly lost his temper and swore at his criminal clerk during a trial. Additionally, he is accused of failing to recuse himself in a civil case involving nursing home owner Bob Dean, where he expressed bias regarding the handling of evacuations during Hurricane Ida. During a bench conference in this case, Foret allegedly referred to attorney Jason Baer in derogatory terms, describing him as a “piece of s**t.” While an ad hoc judge ruled that Foret could remain on the case, a state appeals court later determined otherwise.
Another incident highlighted by the commission involved Foret allegedly instructing a lawyer to tell another attorney to “go f**k himself” if he did not improve a client’s settlement offer during negotiations.
In response to the complaints, Foret attributed his behavior to an intense work ethic and a tendency to use strong language, claiming that he mistakenly approached his judicial duties with a lawyer’s mentality.
During testimony in December, Foret stated that he has made efforts to amend his behavior over the past two years, seeking guidance from both a priest and retired judge Dennis Waldron. He acknowledged his past mistakes but emphasized his commitment to improving as a judge.
Despite Foret’s assertions, the commission found “clear and convincing” evidence of multiple ethical violations. It noted a consistent pattern of inappropriate demeanor and comments indicating bias, along with Foret’s failure to recuse himself when he questioned his impartiality.
Foret’s attorney, Gus Fritchie, released a statement affirming that the commission recognized Foret as a dedicated and passionate judge who is well-prepared and strives to do right by those in his courtroom. The statement also highlighted that the commission found no evidence suggesting Foret exploited his judicial position for personal gain, attributing his conduct to frustration stemming from unmet personal standards.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has yet to schedule a hearing regarding the commission’s findings. A public censure, as recommended, represents one of the less severe forms of disciplinary action available to the court, which can range up to removal from office.
The last time the court suspended a judge was in the previous year when it issued a three-month suspension to Judge Vercell Fiffie of St. John the Baptist Parish for failing to comply with court orders and neglecting to sign warrants.
Source: Nola.com
