Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder Indicted for Alleged Theft of Ancient Cypress Board

Allegations of Felony Theft and Malfeasance

• 🏛️ Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of felony theft and malfeasance in office.
• 🌳 The indictment stems from allegations that Schexnayder stole an ancient cypress board, valued at over $25,000, from the Louisiana state Capitol.
• 📅 The alleged theft occurred over a decade ago, with the board reportedly taken from the Capitol to be displayed in his legislative office.

The Artifact and Its Value

• 🪵 The stolen artifact is described as a 20ft cypress board, cut from a tree that was 1,284 years old.
• 🖼️ This ancient board had been on display in the Louisiana State Capitol building for several decades.
• ⚖️ The felony theft charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison or a $50,000 fine.

Schexnayder's Defense and Official Response

• 🗣️ Schexnayder previously claimed he had permission to take the board, a statement rejected by other state officials.
• 🚫 Louisiana Attorney General Liz Morurel stated, "You don't get to keep state property. It doesn't belong to you."
• ❓ The spokesperson for the Attorney General's office confirmed that the cypress board has still not been recovered.

Political Context and Hypocrisy

• 🎭 The discussion highlights the perceived hypocrisy of politicians who campaign on being tough on crime while allegedly engaging in illegal activities themselves.
• ⚖️ The speaker notes a parallel situation in Alabama where leaders from all three branches of government were simultaneously incarcerated.
• 🧐 The indictment implies that Schexnayder was informed he did not have the right to keep the board at some point after taking it, a necessary element to prove intent for theft.