Embattled New Orleans District Attorney Eddie Jordan announced his resignation Wednesday, quelling months of unrest in his department.
Jordan had been under fire for multiple issues ranging from the appearance that his office had not fully prosecuted suspects to the $3.7 million debt stemming from a judgment against the District Attorney's office for racial discrimination.
"I am glad that he resigned and I am hoping that this will be a chance for the office to make a new name for itself," second-year law student Alex Chenault said.
Democratic Congressman William Jefferson, who himself is embroiled in a bribery scandal, defended Jordan.
"I deeply regret that District Attorney Eddie Jordan was unable to complete his term in office successfully," Jefferson said in a written statement. "As the first African-American district attorney, Mr. Jordan was overwhelmingly supported by the African- American community."
An Oct. 21 ruling by a federal appeals court paved the way for the possible seizure of the office's assets to pay off its multi-million dollar debt.
Jordan requested that the city or state bail his office out. However, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said he was unwilling to provide money in his 2008 budget. State officials took a similar stance.
"I think that it's kind of messed up that the city and state aren't supporting the office," Chenault said. "The District Attorney's office plays a pivotal roll in the city's safety. I can't believe that they would let the situation get to where the office was almost shut down."
Jordan's senior staff suggested that if that happened, they would quit en masse to effectively close the District Attorney's office.
"What type of lawyer fired 55 white people and then wonders why there was a wrongful termination suit?" recent-Tulane graduate Dan Jatres said. "His office was incompetent. Just look at the wrongful termination suit and the fact that he can't seem to convict murderers or protect and find witnesses."
Jefferson defended the firings that Jordan made, suggesting that it was well established practice for district attorneys to hire new staff members and let others go when they take office.
"It is unfortunate that in this case, Mr. Jordan's effort to follow this well-established practice ended with the appearance that he was discriminating against a segment of the population. I did not believe then, and I do not believe now that this was ever his intention," Jefferson said.
2008 Woodie Awards
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