EBR School Board Backs Superintendent LaMont Cole After He Surrenders on Felony Charges
Cole turned himself in Thursday morning at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, one day after a grand jury returned a five-count indictment accusing him of conspiracy to commit public bribery, money laundering and malfeasance in office.
BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Parish School Board leaders reaffirmed their support for Superintendent LaMont Cole on Thursday after he voluntarily surrendered to authorities following his indictment in a sweeping public corruption investigation, signaling their intention to allow the legal process to unfold before taking action on his employment.
Cole turned himself in Thursday morning at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, one day after a grand jury returned a five-count indictment accusing him of conspiracy to commit public bribery, money laundering and malfeasance in office. He was booked, released after posting a $15,000 bond, and later appeared at the School Board's regularly scheduled meeting.
Despite the criminal charges, several School Board members made it clear they remain confident in Cole's leadership and emphasized that an indictment is not a conviction.
"Our superintendent deserves the same constitutional protections afforded to every American," board members said, noting that Cole is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. They added that the district's focus remains on educating nearly 40,000 students as the new school year begins.
The public show of support came as hundreds of employees, parents and community members watched one of the most significant political and legal developments to affect the school system in recent years.
Cole declined to answer questions from reporters as he entered the parish prison Thursday morning, saying only, "Respectfully, no comment."
In a statement released after the indictment, however, Cole strongly rejected the allegations, describing the case as a "miscarriage of justice."
"I've provided servant leadership to this community for decades," Cole said. "Today's actions are simply a miscarriage of justice based on association, not attestation. I have done nothing wrong and look forward to clearing my name through the judicial process."
The indictment stems from an investigation led by the Louisiana Attorney General's Office into an alleged bribery scheme involving public contracts and financial transactions dating from August 2022 through December 2024. Prosecutors allege Cole participated in two conspiracies involving public bribery and money laundering while serving in public office.
Court documents accuse Cole of accepting approximately $40,000 in bribes in exchange for using his public position to influence government actions. Prosecutors allege the money was funneled through financial transactions designed to conceal its source. Cole has denied all allegations.
The charges do not automatically remove Cole from office, and no vote has been scheduled to suspend or terminate his employment.
School Board officials have stressed that district operations will continue uninterrupted as students return to classrooms for the start of the academic year. Administrators said teachers, principals and support staff remain focused on instruction, transportation and ensuring a smooth opening of schools.
Cole has continued performing his duties as superintendent, including attending district events this week. During a recent employee convocation, he acknowledged facing one of the most difficult moments of his personal and professional life while encouraging educators to remain committed to serving students.
Legal experts note that the criminal proceedings could take months, or longer, before reaching trial. Until then, Cole remains superintendent while the case moves through the judicial system.
The Louisiana Attorney General's Office is continuing its broader public corruption investigation, and additional court hearings are expected in the coming weeks.
