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A routine visit to inspect public land records at the Lasalle Parish Courthouse turned into a tense confrontation when a sheriff's deputy physically reached for a journalist's camera equipment. The incident, captured entirely on video, raises serious questions about how Louisiana officials respond to basic government transparency efforts.
Journalists Ron Durbin and Daniel Warmas from Auditing Erie County had traveled to Vidalia, Louisiana, to examine historic land records dating back to 1910. What began as a pleasant interaction with courthouse staff quickly deteriorated when Parish Court Clerk Steve Andrews called law enforcement over concerns about photography of public documents.
The Deputy Who Saw Weapons Everywhere
The unnamed deputy's behavior immediately set an aggressive tone. Upon entering the courthouse, he spotted Durbin's camera gimbal and declared it could potentially be "used as a weapon." Despite Durbin's explanation that it was simply camera equipment, the deputy demanded he set it down.
The deputy refused to identify himself throughout the encounter, responding to questions about his name and position with evasive answers. When pressed about whether he worked for the sheriff's department, he deflected by asking if Durbin worked for "Astro World," referencing Durbin's vintage amusement park t-shirt.
A Law School Graduate Gets the Law Wrong
Parish Court Clerk Steve Andrews, who claimed to be a 2009 graduate of University of Tulsa law school, insisted that photographing public records was illegal. When challenged on the specifics, Andrews could not cite the relevant statute that would prohibit such photography.
The journalists had researched Louisiana public records law before their visit. They explained that while the parish could charge fees for copies or electronic transmission of records, the public maintains the right to inspect and photograph documents that are open for public viewing.
The Confrontation That Revealed Everything
The deputy's most concerning moment came when he physically approached Durbin from behind while he was examining the 1910 land records. "I don't like you behind me," Durbin said, stepping away. The deputy then made his move toward the camera equipment.
"Please don't arm yourself," the deputy said as he reached for the gimbal. The irony was unmistakable: a law enforcement officer claiming to fear a camera while being the only person in the room making physical advances toward another person's property.
Racing Against the Clock
As closing time approached, the deputy became increasingly agitated, repeatedly mentioning that the journalists would be trespassing once the building closed. "This guy's just itching," Durbin observed, noting the deputy's apparent eagerness for any excuse to escalate the situation.
The deputy confirmed he had already run the license plate of their vehicle, though the journalists had committed no violation of law. His behavior suggested someone hoping for a confrontation rather than a professional peace officer ensuring public safety.
The Questions That Remain Unanswered
The video ends with the journalists leaving the courthouse, but the deputy's identity remains unknown. His supervisor, the Lasalle Parish Sheriff, has not responded to requests for comment about the incident. The question lingers: if this is how officials behave when cameras are rolling, what happens when no one is watching?
Watch the full confrontation unfold and see for yourself whether Louisiana officials understand the public's right to government transparency.
