Reader asks what racketeering means

I’ve noticed in the arrests listings lately a lot of people charged with racketeering. What exactly does that mean?

Cynthia Killingsworth, first assistant district attorney for Calcasieu Parish, said the definition of racketeering is set forth in Louisiana Revised Statute 15:1352. 

“Racketeering activity means the committing, attempting to commit or the conspiring to commit, or the soliciting, coercing or intimidating another person to commit any crime listed in the racketeering statute,” she said. 

The statute, Killingsworth said, can involve three things: 

1) Title 14 — general criminal law.

2) Title 40 — Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law.

3) Title 51 — Louisiana Securities Law.


School holidays

With Labor Day around the corner, I was wondering how does the School Board choose which holidays to allow the students days off?

Calcasieu Parish School Board Chief Academic Officer Tommy Campbell said the district school calendar is created each year by a committee of around 25 stakeholders made up of teachers, counselors, librarians, assistant principals, principals, district staff and parents.  

“They meet in January of each year to develop the calendar, which is then posted to our website for public review and comment,” he said. “The draft calendar is then presented to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee in late January and is then approved by the full board at their regularly scheduled meeting in February.”

Campbell said the goal of the Calendar Committee is to carve out at least 173 instructional days between the second week in August and Memorial Day the last week in May.  

“The holidays observed on the CPSB District Calendar are those that have traditionally been observed in Calcasieu Parish and other surrounding parishes,” he said. 


Mail complaints

How do I contact the Postmaster General about my mail service? I have mailed two letters containing money orders that have been lost. 

Megan J. Brennan is the 74th Postmaster General of the United States and the chief executive officer of the world’s largest postal organization, according to the United States Postal Service. 

She can be reached by email at Megan.J.Brennan@usps.gov or by mail at Megan J. Brennan, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW Room 4012, Washington, D.C. 20260-2200. 

The Postal Service does not offer a direct line to the postmaster general. Instead, they recommend you call 1-800-ASK-USPS to file a complaint.


The Informer answers questions from readers. It is written by Crystal Stevenson, American Press executive editor. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave a voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.

””racketeering

SportsPlus

Crime

10/23: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

34-year-old killed in Moss Bluff traffic accident

Crime

BREAKING: Third threat in 13 days at Moss Bluff Middle

Business

Imperial Pointe continuing to grow its footprint in SW La.

McNeese Sports

Know your foe: Nicholls

Business

Westlake approves resolution to join La. Municipal Gas Authority

Local News

Life after high school: Students meet face to face with college, military recruiters, local business owners

life

A Haunting on Sallier Street: Candlelight tour set for Oct. 26

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Can we survive today’s lies?

Crime

Second Moss Bluff Middle student charged with terrorizing this school year

Crime

10/22: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Win for Mossville: Sulphur Land Use Commission votes unanimously against de-annexation

life

SW La. sends hurricane relief supplies through ‘pack the plane’ event

McNeese Sports

Pair of Cowboys honored

McNeese Sports

Carter catching on

life

CPPJ Housing accepting Section 8 waiting list applications on Oct. 30

life

Flood mitigation project underway in Cameron

McNeese Sports

Playoff push must start now

Crime

10/21: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

City Council approves exception for Right to Life sign

Local News

Panel looking into Trump assassination attempt says Secret Service needs ‘fundamental reform’

Local News

Poll: Most voters think economy is poor, but split on who can fix it

Local News

Allen Parish School Board outlines new plan for well-rounded education

Football

Hobbs column: Best overall game for Tigers