WLP NEWS - June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: LaToia Williams-Simon
June 12, 2023 Williamlaw.lbwd@gmail.com
WILLIAMS LAW PRACTICE SETTLES LAWSUIT WITH
PONCHATOULA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Williams Law Practice, LLC, a full-service law firm which prides itself on fearless and zealous advocacy, announced today that they have reached a settlement with the Ponchatoula Police Department, City of Ponchatoula, Chief of Police Bry Layrisson and Lt. Collin Lee in the Wrongful Termination and Defamation of Captain Melvin McGary.
In December of 2022, Chief Bry Layrisson and the Ponchatoula Police Department wrongfully terminated Captain Melvin McGary after he faithfully served the department with an infraction-free record for more than twenty-three (23) years. Williams Law Practice, LLC opines that the apparent basis for the termination was retaliation. In October of 2022, Captain Melvin McGary testified under oath and contested the truthfulness of Lt. Collin Lee’s testimony at a Probation and Parole Hearing. Lt. Lee, who is the former step-son of Chief Bry Layrisson, advised that he “felt betrayed” by Captain McGary’s testimony. Shortly thereafter, Chief Layrisson contacted the Louisiana State Police and requested that Captain Melvin McGary be investigated. Louisiana State Police completed the investigation and found no evidence of a criminal violation. According to the Louisiana State Police report, an officer advised Chief Layrisson that there was no criminal violation on October 26, 2022. Chief Layrisson also provided supplemental information to the Louisiana State Police against Captain McGary in an apparent attempt to further the investigation. However, the Louisiana State Police again found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, advised Chief Layrisson and closed out their case on November 18, 2022. Despite this, Chief Bry Layrisson and the Ponchatoula Police Department terminated Captain McGary on December 1, 2022 and published a disparaging article about the termination via ActionNews17. Williams Law Practice, LLC opines that the apparent motivation for the publication was to defame Captain McGary’s character and smear his reputation.
Throughout their representation of Captain Melvin McGary, Williams Law Practice, LLC reports that they have discovered apparent long-standing racial prejudices amongst high-ranking officers which permeated in a hostile work environment, favoritism, and constitutional violations.
Subsequent to a lawsuit filed by Williams Law Practice, LLC, the Ponchatoula Police Department, City of Ponchatoula, Chief of Police Bry Layrisson and Lt. Collin Lee agreed to settle the matter. As part of the settlement, Captain Melvin McGary was reinstated to his position as Captain with the Ponchatoula Police Department and paid all outstanding backpay, raises and benefits. Despite his reinstatement, Williams Law Practice, LLC reports that Captain Melvin McGary did not desire to return to the department given the actions taken by the Chief of Police. He has since retired and is receiving his full retirement benefits. Additionally, to settle the matter of the Defamation lawsuit, Defendants agreed to pay to Captain Melvin McGary a substantial monetary settlement.
“Though no amount of money can restore the harm done to Captain McGary, we feel strongly that the work we’ve done to uncover the truth and reinstate Captain McGary was necessary and just” said LaToia Williams-Simon of Williams Law Practice, LLC. “We will fight for what’s right,” said Vanessa Williams, founder of Williams Law Practice, LLC. “We’re thankful we were able to help him.”
Vanessa Williams, Esq.
LaToia Williams-Simon, Esq.
Justin Simon, Esq.
Amber Allen
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