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STATEMENT FROM THE NEW ORLEANS CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

Section: Community

STATEMENT FROM THE NEW ORLEANS CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

This afternoon Judge Rosemary Ledet heard arguments on the motion for a new trial in the matter of Zurik versus Nagin that was filed on behalf of Mayor Nagin, City Attorney Penya Moses-Fields, and the City of New Orleans. After more than a hour of arguments on several points of law, the court altered its judgment previously rendered in this matter.

More specifically, Judge Ledet recognized that several areas of authorized redactions from the Mayor's calendar were incomplete in her original judgment. In other words, the court decided to revisit the Mayor's calendar to make additional necessary deletions.

In addition, the Judge ruled that in spite of her earlier ruling, the Court did not, in fact, have jurisdiction over Ms. Ceeon Quiett, Director of Communications. Therefore all previous rulings regarding Ms. Quiett would be rescinded.

Further and most importantly, Judge Ledet recognized that it was an error to have ruled that City Attorney Penya Moses-Fields was the custodian of the emails and records at issue. As such, the Court ruled that Mrs. Moses-Fields is not liable and not responsible for monetary damages in either her official or individual capacity.

The City intends to appeal the few remaining issues in which the Court did not grant the City's requested relief.



Franz L. Zibilich Edward Washington
Associate City Attorney Deputy City Attorney



CONTACT:
James Ross, (504) 906-9123
jross@mayorofno.com
Lesley Eugene, (504) 416-7694
leugene@mayorofno.com

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