LaMont Cole seeks dismissal of bribery and money laundering indictment

LaMont Cole, a former Baton Rouge Metro Council member and current school superintendent, has filed a second motion requesting that his indictment be dismissed. His attorneys argue that the indictment, brought by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, lacks the necessary specificity regarding the alleged crimes.

Cole faces multiple charges, including two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, two counts of money laundering, and one count of malfeasance in office. The defense contends that the indictment fails to define specific unlawful conduct or identify the public official allegedly involved in the bribery conspiracy. They further argue that the document merely quotes statutes without alleging specific intent to influence a public official.

The indictment also names Terral “TJ” Jackson and Erica Jackson as defendants. Cole resigned from the Metro Council in August 2024 and was subsequently confirmed as a school superintendent.