The Problem with Brandon Shelvin - The Independent Weekly

On Monday, when City-Parish Councilman Brandon Shelvin failed to appear in court, 15th Judicial District Court Judge Glenn Everett issued a warrant for his arrest. Court documents confirm that on Jan. 21, Shelvin was personally served by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, official notification requiring him to show up in court at 10 a.m. and produce a slew of financial documents requested by Hancock Bank, an entity he owes about $9,000.

It was the clearest sign yet that Shelvin’s legal problems are finally catching up with him.

Those troubles belie what many in this community had viewed as a promising young public servant, in many ways just what Lafayette needed to begin to move forward after the divisive tenure of District 3 City-Parish Councilman Chris Williams came to an end, thanks to term limits. Elected at 30 years old in 2007, businessman Brandon Shelvin became the youngest person to serve on Lafayette’s consolidated council.

The challenges of council duties are often a hill to climb for any political neophyte. But for Shelvin, like his fellow council freshmen, his fiduciary duties are far from limited to traditional council district responsibilities. By virtue of his council seat, he automatically became one of five members of the board of directors of the Lafayette Public Utilities Authority, the regulating body charged with oversight of LUS, the city’s crown jewel — its prized electric, water and now fiber enterprise with a reported value well over $1 billion. A council member’s LPUA duties, viewed by many knowledgeable observers of parish government, easily demand business management and corporate oversight skills similar to almost any large business or publicly traded company. It is a daunting responsibility.

In the Oct. 20, 2007, primary for the Lafayette’s Council District 3 seat, voters sent Shelvin and another young black man named Shawn Wilson to the runoff. Like Shelvin, 38-year-old Wilson, confidential assistant and chief of staff to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, appeared to represent a new kind of energy — and believed District 3’s residents deserved better representation. Shelvin vs. Wilson was a win-win for voters.

Two of the losing candidates from the field of six, Shelton Cobb and Dale Brasseaux, the only white to run in a district with about 67 percent black voters, backed Shelvin. Shelvin also was supported by a faction of the black community that included influential KJCB radio. When the vote tallies were in on Nov. 17, the residents of District 3 had decided on Shelvin, giving him 57 percent of the vote.

Few people, if anyone, knew at the time that beneath the surface of Shelvin’s enthusiasm and big smile, financial troubles — and what now appear to be daunting legal problems — were brewing. The Independent Weekly’s investigation into Brandon Shelvin’s history in the Lafayette business world reveals deeply troubling questions about his judgment, ethics, truthfulness, and suitability for the public office he holds. An office he may never have even been legally qualified to seek.

You could say City-Parish Councilman Brandon Shelvin’s ascent hit a snag soon after his election victory. Among his initial orders of business was to settle a score with his landlord, Iqbal Merchant, by using his influence as a city-parish councilman to urge Lafayette Animal Control to investigate Merchant, accusing the local CPA of running an illegal exotic bird operation behind his home on Moss Street.

Court documents, however, reveal that it was Shelvin who may have had something to hide. A lease dispute between Shelvin and Merchant over an office space, in addition to a residential lease dispute between Merchant and Shelvin’s girlfriend, Justine Sampy, call into question whether Brandon Shelvin was ever even eligible to run in District 3. Lafayette’s city-parish charter requires that a candidate for the council live in the district for the seat he is seeking at least six months before qualifying for office. The charter further notes that should the legal domicile and/or actual residence of a council member change from the district from which he is elected, unless changed by reapportionment, “the office shall automatically become vacant.”

Shelvin qualified on Sept. 4, 2007, less than three months after purchasing a home at 301 Monarch Drive in District 3. According to state law, the deadline has long passed for anyone to contest whether Shelvin met the residency requirement for qualifying.

Though he has been well aware of The Independent Weekly’s investigation of his business and legal problems over the past couple of months, Shelvin denied repeated phone and e-mail requests for an interview.

The issue of Shelvin’s residency is raised and noted in a document obtained by The Independent Weekly from the Lafayette Housing Authority through a public records request, though a source close to the 2007 campaign says questions about his residency were rampant in the district during the campaign. Shelvin’s opponents never made a public issue of it.

On girlfriend Sampy’s application for Section 8 housing assistance, an LHA employee noted sometime in early to mid-2008 that Merchant reported to the office that Shelvin was living at the residence, 113 St. Bernadette Drive — which is in majority white District 2, not majority black District 3. That would have been months after his election.

Sampy began receiving financial assistance from LHA in 2003; since mid-2007 the housing authority was paying Merchant $728 a month for Sampy to live on St. Bernadette; the balance of the rent, $172, was being paid by Shelvin with a personal check, according to Merchant’s records. Merchant declined comment for this story but did open his files to us.

Sampy was also receiving $423 a month in food stamps and $636 a month in Supplemental Security Income, according to LHA’s files. No where in the LHA records did Sampy report that Shelvin also lived in the home.

In a timeline he created in July 2008, Merchant wrote that Shelvin was at the home “at all times and all hours, whenever I or a repair person went to 113 St. Bernadette Drive” from June 1, 2007, “until present.” If true, Shelvin did not meet the qualification of residency to run in District 3 and subsequently violated the charter by living outside of the district after being sworn into office. It does not matter that he owned a house in the district; it must be his legal domicile and/or actual residence, according to the city-parish charter.

When Sampy and Shelvin failed to pay the balance of the rent in June 2008, Merchant filed for eviction. Then, on July 10, Merchant filed to evict Shelvin after he fell behind on rent for a space at 3414 Moss St., which housed a company called the Pink Power Training Center. As an independent sales director for Mary Kay, Sampy sold her products out of the pink-painted office space, which also at one time served as Shelvin’s campaign headquarters. She later unsuccessfully launched a Pink Power Training Center downtown on Jefferson Street, selling Mary Kay products out of the retail location in violation of the cosmetics company’s policy. The company’s products are sold exclusively by independent contractors directly to the consumer, or through an independent contractor’s Web site, and at private parties.

Some time in the early afternoon hours of July 10, Merchant was reported to Lafayette Animal Control, which was compelled to look into the matter. That same day an Animal Control official left a note at Merchant’s north Lafayette home saying he was there “to discuss something” with him. A perplexed Merchant, who legally breeds exotic birds as a hobby, called Animal Control and was told Shelvin had reported him and instructed the agency to seize his birds. Merchant called City-Parish Councilman Don Bertrand and City-Parish President Joey Durel, who looked into the matter and discovered that Merchant’s operation was legitimate. Durel says he quickly realized what was going on.

“I called Animal Control and said, ‘Don’t y’all dare do anything about that,’” Durel recalls.

But Shelvin’s battle with his landlord and doubts about his residency now pale in comparison to the financial problems that began surfacing for the council member last year, much of which appears to be related to former his used car business on Evangeline Thruway. Court documents in both state and city court reveal that Shelvin, whose only job outside of his council work appears to be consulting work for Mello Joy Coffee and related entities owned by Lafayette businessman Wayne Elmore, has dug himself into a hole of debt.

Robley Broussard thinks he was taken for a ride by Brandon Shelvin. In late October 2008 Broussard purchased a 2007 Chevy Impala from Shelvin’s ThriftyWay Car Sales and paid Shelvin an additional $1,200 for a service warranty through an Atlanta-based company called EasyCare. “I had a problem, and I called the warranty people to find out if it was going to cover the water pump,” Broussard told The Independent Weekly in early February. “They told me I didn’t have no warranty. I said, ‘What do you mean? I paid $1,200 for an extended warranty.’ They said they didn’t have a copy of it, so I had to send a copy that I got from Brandon’s car lot. I faxed it to them, and the supervisor said it was rejected, that it was not active. They sent me a paper saying it was not active.”

When Broussard contacted Shelvin about the issue, the councilman paid him $600 and Broussard repaired the car. “He was supposed to give me the other $600, which I still today have never received,” an upset Broussard said several weeks ago. “He told me that he didn’t know what went wrong, that he was going to make it good, which he hasn’t made it good yet. It’s over a year, and I still don’t have my other $600.”

In October 2009, Broussard filed suit in Small Claims Court and was awarded the $600 plus interest. “They said he had to give me interest...cause it was a four-year loan, plus the court costs. They told him to pay in 15 days. He was supposed to pay by the 8th of last month [January], and he’s a whole month behind. The judge told him and he still didn’t pay me,” Broussard added. “I had to go back to court to file a judgment.”

Broussard said Shelvin told the judge he had been trying to contact him to pay him. “I told the judge, that’s a lie, he has not tried to pay. He knows where I work. I work for the city.” Broussard said Shelvin went personally to his office to close on the car. “He knew where I was. He sure came when I signed the papers [to finance the car and warranty]. To be honest I should have asked the judge for pain and suffering. It’s a lot of stress because it’s very aggravating; $1,200 might not be a lot to some people, but it’s my money.”

Broussard was unaware of anyone else who was having a similar problem with a warranty, but he was suspicious: “A lot of people have said if he did that to you, I’m sure he did that to somebody else,” Broussard said.

The warranty company, EasyCare, did not receive from Shelvin money he took from customers for extended warranties on approximately 20 vehicles purchased at Shelvin’s ThriftyWay Car Sales between July 2008 and February 2009, according to EasyCare’s records. Depending on factors like the vehicle’s make and model, mileage at time of purchase, term, coverage and deductible selected, the cost of the service contracts ranges from $700 to $1,800. For Broussard’s $1,200 warranty, $1,061 was supposed to be forwarded to EasyCare; the remaining $139 was to be Shelvin’s profit, according to the warranty company.

“I have been working with Brandon Shelvin and IberiaBank who is the lienholder on the majority of those contracts,” says Jan Larche, customer relations and training manager for Automobile Protection Corp., the parent company of EasyCare. “He’s in the process of making payment to us to resolve those issues,” adds Larche, noting she has been in contact with Shelvin and the bank for the past several months.

“He seems like an honorable man,” Larche continues. “He’s done everything in his power to fund these contracts. He’s working diligently to secure payment to send to us. He’s trying to take care of his responsibility.”

Up to this point at least, EasyCare is not pursuing any legal action against Shelvin or his former dealership, and neither the Louisiana Department of Insurance nor the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General, both of which investigate matters of this nature (a warranty is like an insurance policy), had any complaints on file last week.

Admirably, EasyCare, a company several local auto dealers say has an exceptional reputation in the business, will honor all warranties — without any guarantee it will ever be paid by Shelvin. “The customer comes first, and in this particular case we have taken care of our customers,” Larche says. Pressed several times about whether Shelvin had a plausible explanation for why the funds had not been paid to the company to activate the service contracts, the EasyCare representative could not answer the question — and, astonishingly, did not seem concerned. “You will have to get that information from them,” she says. “I cannot speak to Mr. Shelvin, as to what occurred. ... I don’t know what his financial situation was,” she continues. “I don’t think there was any malicious intent to start with. And this is speculation totally: He could have been a victim of circumstance of the economy or whatever took place.”

Larche says EasyCare will also honor any other warranties from ThriftyWay Car Sales customers who come forward and can provide supporting documentation showing payment in full to the dealership. “We will pursue reimbursement from Mr. Shelvin at that point,” she says.

Larche would not disclose how much Shelvin has since reimbursed her company for the 20 warranties. "I’m confident we’re going to get the rest of the money," she says.

[Editor’s Note: Minutes before this paper hit the press, we were advised by Larche via e-mail that Shelvin had made good on the contracts. "I wanted to let you know Mr. Shelvin has completed his commitment and fulfilled his obligations in funding the contracts for his customers," Larche wrote. In a follow-up phone call, Larche said EasyCare received a wire transfer from Shelvin Tuesday morning and was paid in full.]

Lawsuits by individuals and companies claiming Shelvin owes them money have piled up over the past year, several resulting in judgments that as of two weeks ago had not been paid or did not have notification of being paid in the court files. Several of the plaintiffs and their attorneys in these suits were contacted by The Independent Weekly for comment but declined to talk on the record.

In May 2009, the first lawsuit was filed in state district court against Shelvin and ThriftyWay Food Mart at Pinhook and Evangeline Thruway, which he appears to have owned for a short time after shutting down his used car lot. The suit was filed by Acadia Wholesale and Tobacco Co. (dba Church Point Wholesale), seeking $2,515 on an open account, plus attorneys’ fees and court costs. A judgment was rendered against him and ThriftyWay and recorded on Sept. 15. A day later, Whitney National Bank filed suit to collect $9,712, a loan Shelvin took out in May 2009 but soon after defaulted on. As part of the loan, Shelvin agreed to pay 20 percent of the principal balance if “handed to an attorney for collection proceedings,” according to the suit. On Jan. 29 of this year, a judgment for the principal, interest, late charges and 20 percent of the principal as attorneys’ fees and court costs was recorded in the Lafayette Parish Courthouse.

In October, Hancock Bank sued Shelvin in state district court for $8,319 he owes on a 2007 $10,000 preferred line of credit and the following month got a judgment against him. In December Castille Financial Services took him to court for $8,314 for a personal loan he didn’t repay. A preliminary judgment by default in favor of Castille was signed by the court on Jan. 15.

On Jan. 8, Shelvin’s slippery slope of deepening financial woes appeared headed for disaster when GMAC Mortgage LLC, which holds the first mortgage on his home at 301 Monarch Drive — the one he purchased in his district in June 2007 for $85,000 — sued him for defaulting on the loan in October. GMAC, apparently unable to collect payment for several months despite mailed notifications to Shelvin spelling out what would happen if he did not pay the mortgage, put the property up for sheriff’s sale.

Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret says he got a phone call from a panicked Shelvin. “Brandon called me and said it was a big misunderstanding from a closed bank account and that he had satisfied the lending company,” Perret recalls. Once the clerk of court was able to confirm that GMAC did not intend to move forward with the sale, Perret stopped the process on his end and returned GMAC’s check for court costs, which Shelvin eventually would have had to pay. Except that the matter involved a Lafayette city-parish councilman, this kind of phone call is not an unusual occurrence for the clerk’s office. “That does happen from time to time,” says Perret.

Shelvin placed a similar call to Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mike Neustrom, who says while the paperwork had already reached his office from GMAC, the wheels were not yet in motion on the sale of the home — so the sale was simply canceled. “It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary that we did to help him,” Neustrom says.

GMAC’s attorney, Wendy Brown of Dean Morris in Monroe, declined comment. “We can’t discuss anything with third parties,” Brown’s assistant told The Independent Weekly.

The suit was dismissed on Jan. 29; Brandon Shelvin is still living in his Monarch Drive home.

Hancock Bank, however, has not been satisfied and decided on Jan. 13 that Shelvin’s time was up. The bank filed a Judgment Debtor Examination Petition and request for production of documents, asking the court to require Shelvin to turn over all of his financial information, including his check stubs and W2s for the past two years, checking and savings account statements, and all of his assets — from automobiles down to jewelry and coins.

His failure to show up prompted Judge Everett to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. “It basically means they will go pick him up,” attorney Eric Neumann told The Independent in the courthouse hallway after leaving Everett’s courtroom. Neumann is representing Hancock Bank on behalf of McGlinchey Stafford law firm out of Baton Rouge. And while the warrant called for Shelvin to be booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center, giving Neumann an opportunity to question him there, Neustrom said early Monday afternoon that’s not likely to be the process.“Normally we don’t book people in civil matters. If we did we’d have to have five or 10 more jails.”

Neustrom says the department had gotten word to Shelvin and at press time was in the process of setting up a meeting between Shelvin and Neumann at the sheriff’s office. The sheriff says Shelvin is not getting any special treatment by not being arrested. “It’s a normal procedure we’re following.”

Robley Broussard is one of the lucky ones. On Feb. 19, about two weeks after his initial interview with The Independent Weekly, Broussard got his money from Shelvin.

In February 2009 the Lafayette Parish school bus driver, a single mother of two, purchased a 2005 Chevy Avalanche from Shelvin for $18,000, including tax, title and license fees. Shelvin wrote a check for $1,649 to the state Department of Public Safety to pay for Durham’s fees, but the check bounced, and on June 9 Durham was notified by the department that because the taxes and fees had not been paid her commercial driver’s license would be suspended.

“In order to clear that up, I had to clear up the tax, title and license and then pay the [$60] fee to reinstate my driver’s license,” Durham says. She also could not drive her bus for a week, losing out on about $200. On Sept. 28, Durham filed a small claims petition against Shelvin, asking for $4,500.

“In addition to that, within four months of purchasing the vehicle, the air conditioning went out, the heater went out, the speedometer went out,” Durham says. “I’m assuming these problems were already in the making.” By that time, the dealership had closed.

Durham says she tried repeatedly to contact Shelvin before filing suit and says he’d often say he was in a meeting and would call right back. “He said, ‘Drop something off at my [city-parish council] office, and I’ll get back with you.’ But there was no return [phone call].”

Durham hopes a judgment by the court will get her in line to collect. “I’m pretty sure his judgments are against the city-parish council check,” she says. “That’s the only check per se he is receiving, kind of like employment. If anything is to be garnished it will probably come out of that check, if he’s not already paying the maximum allowed by the state,” she says.

The state did garnish Shelvin’s salary, but not to satisfy any of the aforementioned civil judgments. In 2002 the state increased his child support to $608 a month, plus a 5 percent administrative fee, and issued an immediate Income Assignment Order. That means each month $638 comes out of his city-parish council pay to support his daughter from a prior relationship. That’s about 30 percent of his $25,480 annual council salary.

Durham, 28, will not give up until she gets her money. “Trust me, I’m trying,” she says. “It’s rough, but I’m trying.”

Growing up, Brandon Shelvin attended the Holy Family Catholic School, J.W. Faulk, St. Antoine Elementary and Lafayette Middle School. He graduated from Delcambre High School, and his council biography notes that he graduated with honors, in the top of his class. For two years, he majored in microbiology at LSU and then “went on to complete the J.M. & A School of Finance and Insurance,” according to the bio. The Independent Weekly was unable to find such a school online but did locate a Web site for the JM&A Group, a privately held company that helps retail auto dealers with insurance and finance products.

Meanwhile, the community waits and watches as important council duties resume next week. Shelvin, who represents the downtown area, is the chief liaison with bar owners over the levy that was instituted to provide a Lafayette police security detail Thursday through Saturday nights. He has proposed an ordinance to eliminate the levy.

The council is also studying the implications of a potential deconsolidation of city and parish governments, while demands for competent LPUA management oversight of our community’s billion dollar asset grow inexorably as LUS competes in the complex world of public utilities and fiber to the home. We are also facing a shrinking tax base, with the local economy continuing to contract.

Lafayette’s urgent need of wise, ethical council leadership has never been greater.

[Editor’s Note: In addition to our repeated requests to discuss our findings with him, Brandon Shelvin was also urged to speak to us by one of his fellow councilmen and a high-ranking city official he contacted to express his concerns about the story. That’s not to say Shelvin has not been in touch with us. After learning that an Independent Weekly editor, in reporting the story, had been talking to his neighbors, both at his former residence on St. Bernadette and at his current Monarch Drive home, Shelvin called The Independent on two occasions. He asked that his comments be off the record. We honored that. He did, however, have this to say to one of our editors in the last communication we had with him, without the stipulation that the comment be kept off the record: “When you mess with a man’s family, things can happen, bro.”]

...
written by kajunmetoo , July 26, 2010

Politics as usual. people in power using their positions to manipulate the system. 15th judicial district issues a warrant for not showing up for court. That person should be arrested. I would have been arrested,why not Shelvin. Then because of a dispute with his landlord he uses his political power with the city/parish gov. for an investigation of a legal bird opperation. Taxpayers are funding this. When his home goes into foreclosure,even Perret and Neustrom get envolved to help with political influences. Taxpayer funded. Taxpayers cant enjoy the same corruption in their favor. They just fund it for the politically privilged.

...
written by Care about District 3 , May 03, 2010

Brandon Shelvin is a lier and he has no class. He did not deserve to run or win in that district. He is a complete loser and a show-off. Brandon has lied for years and stolen from people for many. If I did what he did I would be under the jail. Brandon should step down now. GO AWAY Shelvin!!

...
written by Young Black Professional , March 30, 2010

I can't say that I'm surprised that all of this happened and came to light. I'm sure many would agree. What is shameful, is not Brandon's actions. Is that another young, black professional who wants to seek public office might not receive the same opportunity as Brandon because of his actions. It's time for him to step down and let someone else who does not have these distractions take the reigns of his community. It's time to do what right for his district and it's time to MOVE ON!

...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , March 15, 2010

WE HAVE NO ROOM SAID THE JAIL KEEPER !
AY, DO WE STILL HAVE A SHERIFF IN THIS CITY, TALK ABOUT A LOW PROFILE, OH, I SEE HE'S A TEAM PLAYER, HUMMMMMMMMM !

...
written by Concerned , March 15, 2010

Those commenting on what a great job shelvin is doing clearing do not know his district. Shelvin does not do a thing to help the working people of his district. He grandstands at the drop of a hat -but the emperor has no cloths. He would do everyone , including himself a great service by resigning from the council office and finding another line of work. Shame on those who praise this dispicable example of a public servant and ask yourself this question: Is this the kind of person you want you child to emulate?

...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , March 12, 2010

EVERYONE DOING THE "OSTRICH", WITH THEIR HAID IN THE SAND, "YOU JUST DON'T GET IT ! DO YOU ? BRANDON'S BACK-DOOR SPONSOR WAS NAMED EARLIER AND YOU PEEPS SIFTING THE PILE WITH NARY A CLUE,,,,,,,AY, ANYONE WITH AH STREET NAME LIKE "NORTHSIDIAN, CATCH MY DRIFT ? MAIS YEAH !

...
written by Concerned , March 10, 2010

Those who are making comments about what a great job Shelvin is doing has got to be blind in one eye and can't see out of the other. You want proof? Go down Madeline street and see the trash all along this street. If he lived in the district he would see this. He has done nothing but worked with the bars to get them a better deal and better police protection while drugs are prevalent throughout the district. Why does'nt he work hard to get drugs off of the streets instead of trying to save the bar owners money. After all, the bar owners created their own problem-we the citizens did not create the drug problem.

...
written by Leslie Turk , March 07, 2010

hawkeye, do you have any proof of your allegation?

...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , March 06, 2010

* Written by problem, """ Brandon does"nt have a problem--the Independent does,,,,,,,,,,,HA-HA, YEAH !
THE INDEPENDENT SURELY HAS A PROBLEM : THE PROBLEM BEING : THE INDEPENDENT needs to engage a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNT FIRM, to investigate the numerous SCAM $ BILK, charges made public by some, (not all, yet) fleeced peeps taken by """ BRANDON SHELVIN" this couillion, BRANDON SHELVEN is, """ ON A ROLL ".
*** AND FOR THE """ $$$$ MONEY.... ANTI-DUREL, PROPAGANDISTS BACKING BRANDON WITH FUNDS TO KEEP HIM AFLOAT, and PUPPETIZING BRANDON as their personal puppet, THAT HE MAY REMAIN A THORN IN DUREL"S SIDE,""" YOU DO BEST TO KEEP YA MONEY TO BUY VOTES IN THE NEXT ELECTION.......DUREL IS NOT MY FAVORITE POLITICIAN, " BUT ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HIS MISUSE OF HIS OFFICE,FACE HIM YOURSELF UP-FRONT, """ AND, DON"T SEND A MORALLY CRIPPLED COUILLION, STIGMATIZED WITH EVERY CRIMINAL HABIT, ever before seen in this area, to fight your fight...

...
written by Unpaid Terrorist , March 05, 2010

written by Bill Clinton "you sound like a good friend of B.S. (interesting and appropriate initials).

I noticed the irony too Bill. I bet B.S. has been having a B.M. since this article.

...
written by we want accuracy , March 05, 2010

Solutions--
If he committed a crime, why wasn't he arrested? It seems that you are pre-judging the man based on an article you read in the Independent. I believe that same article stated that he has paid the warranty company for the policies that he "sold" to his customers. I believe he also paid of his small claims judgements as well so it looks like he's square with the house and has a clean slate, so why are we still talking about this?

...
written by Concerned , March 05, 2010

It does'nt take a lot of thougth to realize that if a person will break the law to run for office, he will break the law if elected. This guy is an accident waiting to happen, and his comment concerning "when you mess with a mans family, etc" points this out very clearly. The so called, "leaders" in our black community share a great deal of blame for his being elected because they knew he was not qualified and just gave a wink wink to the problem. He would have better served if someone had told him it was wrong to run in a district that you do not live in. It could have been a life changer.

...
written by Solutions , March 05, 2010

Hey we want accuracy,

The crime he commited was fraud by selling waurantees to care buyers without the intent of actually purchasing the extended coverage. If someone else was in cahoots with him, that would be called racketeering. Both of those are felonies! Does that answer your question?

...
written by Real Talk , March 05, 2010

If hypocrisy were a crime, I think that everyone on this post would be criminals. There is nothing that I hate more than "holier than thou" individuals who are quick to pass judgement against people's "personal" matters. I dont condone or advocate what he did but what cause and effect does that have on you or I? We all live in glass houses and if you're looking for the perfect public servant, you will not find one because the last one died 2,010 years ago. God Bless.

...
written by Blogger , March 05, 2010

I am a blogger...I will not give my name...I will not expose myself to anyone...I will not cast an opinion with my name attached to it for fear of retaliation...I am a coward...yet, I am very comfortable with shouting to all of the world, with a log in my eye, that someone is guilty as charged by Ms. Turk...

...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , March 05, 2010

""" WHEN YOU MESS WITH A MAN'S FAMILY, THINGS CAN HAPPEN, BRO "]
THIS BRO, CAN TAKE HIS SET OF JACK'S RUBBER BALLS, AND GO PLAY WITH THE GIRLS..................

...
written by Poor ol taxpayer , March 05, 2010

The man is a crook plain and simple!
My tax dollars and your's are going to
support this man and his shack up girlfriend to live.
How can you people think this is ok?
Or on you on welfare also????

...
written by Bill Clinton , March 05, 2010

The Ind did their job quite well. Now, lets see what the proper authorities do.

...
written by we want accuracy , March 04, 2010

Hey Solutions-- all of Mr. Shelvin's issues are Civil matters--if there was any criminal activity I'm sure he would have been arrested by now. Learn the difference before you make comments. If you assault your landlord because he demanded his rent, that's a CRIME and you can be arrested, however, if you don't pay your rent, its a CIVIL matter and you can be sued. So, again i ask--what CRIME did he commit, when was he arrested and when did he post bond? If the fraud that you claim he commited was of a criminal nature, trust me, we'd be reading about it in the local arrests--not the Ind.

...
written by Bill Clinton , March 04, 2010

Mr. Lafayettenative, you sound like a good freind of B.S. (interesting and appropriate initials). Why don't you lend him some money?

...
written by Solutions , March 04, 2010

Hey, "we want accuracy,"

To answer you question about what crime he committed, I am pretty sure it is called fraud. This guy is a theif and a liar. Run him out of town on a rail!

...
written by northside lifer , March 04, 2010

To: LALA, Whatajoke? & we want accuracy -
He committed no crime? What do you call renting an office space so that your girlfriend can run a business out of, when he knew full well that she was receiving Section 8 housing and other assistance. I'm not sure how much income she could legally have in order to qualify for Section 8, food stamps and SSI, but it seems to me that being a district director of Mary Kay, out of an office suite and through a web site, she might be a little over the limit?

If B.S. was paying Merchant for the difference in the rent of the house (no crime here) and paying rent for the office space (no crime here either), then he knew what she was doing with the office (Mary Kay business) and THAT is a crime!

He aided his girlfriend in deception to receive aid that she was not entitled to. And that is your money and mine that they are stealing!

Also, should Merchant have let them both stay rent free out of the goodness of his heart?
That's why you sign a lease, so the landlord has a legal right to evict for non-payment of rent.

...
written by Equality for All , March 04, 2010

People reading Independent Article should not get too emotional, after dissecting the facts the following occurred:
(1)Shelvin's New Baby Maama started Mary Kay Business in Office Suite rented by Shelvin
(2) Shelvin's New Baby Maama had Lafayette Housing pay the Landlord rent by lieing on the application and not mentioning income from Mary Kay where she is a district Director.
(3) All the time Shelvin aware of the crime with public asistance $$$'s is going on, did nothing but moved in with Baby Maama where he had a new baby
(4) Used council office to harass landlord who filed for his eviction for non payment of rent
Still to some people this is permissible behavior & conduct.

...
written by EnemyWithBenefits , March 04, 2010

>“When you mess with a man’s family, things can happen, bro.”<

If I said this to someone within the supplied context, I could be arrested for extortion.

...
written by Martin Heidegger , March 04, 2010

Good job Turk. One the strengths of a democracy is a free press.

...
written by Holeinthedonut8 , March 04, 2010

I been poor and I've been not poor, poor is tough but it doesn't mean you don't do right. Brandon may have messed up his money and that's life, Brandon messed up the mess up and that's bad. He did wrong.

...
written by Onehappeninbro , March 04, 2010

Great job Ms.Turk.Kudos.

...
written by lafayette native , March 04, 2010

To Friend of Joey: I was not excusing anything B.S. may or may not have done, I'm simply saying that while everyone is ready to throw the book at this man and sit in judgment, they need to remember that we have overlooked things in others, including Mr. Durel. You may be a FRIEND OF JOEY but Mr. Shelvin deserves to have friends too who believe in him and will give him a chance to clear his name once all of this firestorm calms down. If he can't, he can't...but he deserves a chance just like every other human being on the planet (especially in The United States of America).
His girlfriend, family and employer should have never been put in such an awkward situation. They didn't run for public office.

...
written by Dana D. , March 04, 2010

Such a great expose! It's articles presented like this that put The Independent above other publications of its kind in Acadiana.

PS - Hey Chad! :)

...
written by we want accuracy , March 04, 2010

"In a timeline he created in July 2008, Merchant wrote that Shelvin was at the home “at all times and all hours, whenever I or a repair person went to 113 St. Bernadette Drive” from June 1, 2007, “until present.”"

That's an interesting---how often and at what time and hour do you have to visit a residence to 'determine' that someone lives there? What reason would a landlord have to spend that much time at a rental property? If the maintenance guy was there that often (and at all hours?), that would make me think that Mr. Merchant's property was in serious disrepair. He didn't seem to have a problem accepting the $172.00 check from Mr. Shelvin every month though!

In reference to the birds: “I called Animal Control and said, ‘Don’t y’all dare do anything about that,’” Durel recalls..... sounds like its okay for Joey to throw around his title to get things done but its not okay for Brandon Shelvin to. Anyone can file a complaint with Animal Control and they are supposed to investigate and form their own determination, however, it seems that if Joey steps in, they do what he says without proper investigation. Maybe Mr. Merchant was breeding these birds and selling them to Durel's Pet Shop for a really good price? Maybe Mr. Durel's pet shop sells Mr. Merchant alot of bird seeds? Maybe Mr. Merchant is a regular buyer of the birds in Mr. Durel's pet shop? Maybe Mr. Shelvin didn't live at 113 Bernadette Dr. in 2007 and maybe just because he has financial problems in his personal life, they won't spill over into his professional life. Oh, and maybe, just maybe the Ind will hire qualified journalists that report on relevant issues. This is a personal attack on Brandon Shelvin---what crime did he commit and what made him worthy of all this attention? Sounds like he's doing a great job on the council and that's all I care about. Everyone goes thru financial hardships from time to time and based on your article, Brandon Shelvin is working hard to mend fences and own up to his debts.

...
written by Also , March 04, 2010

The IND did air any information that wasn't already public record. You can't call an article a smear campaign when it deals with facts and interviews. Shelvin was given several opportunities to dispute everything, but chose to only speak off the record.

If Shelvin wants privacy, then he should get out of the public spotlight.

...
written by Friend of Joey , March 04, 2010

Lafayette Native, how did you find a way to interject Mr. Durel into this is astonishing. He has never bankrupted any business he owned, not any. As to the private road that you say he paid for, isn't that how it is supposed to be paid for? Or might you prefer that it have been paid for with taxes? It would appear to many here that you simply are attempting to deflect from the real situation here which is Mr. Shelvin who doesn't make good on his committments and has no problem with allowing someone else to be left holding the bag. He has cheated many people (his customers that trusted him), and you seem to be OK with this. Lie, cheat and steal, as long as you are from district 3 it is evidently ok. How tragic for this district. Maybe he represents the thinking of the district, and if that is what we want that is what we will have. Deplorable.

...
written by CJH , March 04, 2010

I have known Brandon for twenty years and I can tell the people of his district and the Independent Weekly, he is very sincere about helping the people in his district. I remember when he told me he was thinking about running for the seat the spark in his eyes the way he talked about how these people were hurting for true represenatation, what he wanted to do. Brandon has done alot for those people, can anyone say otherwise; NO so his work as a councilperson should not be in play. He owns a house in his district, his girlfriend has a home of her own,hell I get my mail in two different towns. As for the money matters, as you can see a counsel member don't make all that much to work for you people 24/7 anyway. And like the representative from Easy Care stated, "he could have been a victim of the economy"! I believe one circumstance lead to a bigger one and he just dug himself a deeper hole. Yes he could have did like a lot of people and just filed bankrupcy and let all of us pay his debts, but no he did what he could with what he had. Before you judge him, know him! Keep your head up Brandon!

...
written by Lou Rom on KVOL , March 04, 2010

To radio fan -- you must have listened to my show for, oh, about 15 seconds. Contrary to your take, I clearly stated that while the facts of the Ind's article were accurate, the writer's assumptions were off-base. While I often take on politicians, I also take on our local media. I am, in fact, the only voice in Acadiana watching the Watchdog. You can check it out on my website, www.theromreport.com

...
written by Huh? , March 04, 2010

If you get behind on your personal home mortgage payments, you call the lender and work things out. You do not wait to be sued, let the matter go to judgment and then ignore the notice (not a memo)that the Sheriff served you to appear in court with your personal financial records cause you still haven't worked things out with your creditor.

The questions raised by this article are appropriate. The answers can only come from Mr. Shelvin but he decided not to clear the air. That's one of the reasons for state ethics laws. The public does have a right to know the basics of who pays our public servants. Every elected official knows that public disclosure to be one of the obligations of their office.

So now we have three big questions. #1 Is Mr. Shelvin legally qualified to continue representing District 3. #2 Is he financing his personal life through his public office. #3 Did he attempt to use his public office to avenge a personal matter.

Mr. Shelvin?

...
written by Morrow , March 04, 2010

Thank you, Independrnt, for doing the hard work, investigating, and for having the courage to print the difficult and the ugly truth. A man is only as good as his word, and many men have forgotten that. A man can only take his good name to his grave, and many have forgotten than. All the "excuses" and all who would excuse dishonest and shameful behavior, do not diminish those facts. Many men have faced hard times, lack of work, financial difficulty and not stolen the public's money or trust. Many men should think about having to look in the eyes of their offspring knowing they are bring shame on them. Oh, you can lie to them too, but the truth WILL tell.

...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , March 04, 2010

""" WHEN YOU MESS WITH A MAN'S FAMILY, THINGS CAN HAPPEN, BRO."
" BY THE POWER INVESTED UNTO ME BY " THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF ENFAMOUS NOTORIOUS GENTLEMANS CLUB ON THIS DAY, (3-3-2010)....
I DUB BRANDON SHELVIN A NTH. DEGREE COUILLION...............

...
written by Super Defender , March 04, 2010

"Sampy was also receiving $423 a month in food stamps and $636 a month in Supplemental Security Income, according to LHA’s files"

Ms. Sampy is a private citizen and there should be no way the above personal financial information should be considered public record. Just because someone gets public assistance does not mean its public information, especially if this information belongs to a private citizen. LHA had a duty to protect this woman's privacy. If I were her I would file a complaint wth HUD.

People go out of business, these things happen and there is usally a trail of unhappy people as a result. This doesn't mean their incapable idiots or should be thrown in jail.

I seem to remember a former parish president having his day in bankruptcy court, yet there was no front page story about it. Why this guy? Also, why did the author find it nessassary to mention that dist. 2 is majority white? What's the implication here?

This whole article was nothing more than a smear campaign against Mr. Shelvin, Yellow Journalism at its worst.

...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , March 04, 2010

""" WHAT IS EVERYONE'S PROBLEM ?
YOU WANT TO PUT TO THE CURB THE BEST QUALIFIED POLITICIAN SINCE UNCLE EDDIE ?
HELL, SHELVIN BILKED, AND MADDOFFED ALL THOSE PEOPLE, CLOSED ONE BUSINESS, AFTER TAKING AS MANY PEOPLE FOR A RIDE, AS HE COULD POSSIBLY GET AWAY WITH AND MOVIN ON UNSCATHED, AND AGAIN CLOSING ANOTHER CAR LOT BUSINESS AFTER STEALING 20-30 PEOPLES, WARRANTY PREMIUMS, HELL THIS COUILLION IS A MASTER THIEF, THE BEST, AND THE SLICKEST, SLICKER THAN AN OWLS DROPPINGS........

...
written by problem? , March 04, 2010

Brandon doesn't have a problem--the Independent does. Can we get the other council member's financial information too?

...
written by keepyourheadupbk , March 04, 2010

So when is The Independent and KATC going to examine the financial records of the rest of the elected officials in Lafayette? It would also be interesting to hear what their landlords had to say about them when they were in their 20's. While you guys are at it, lets see what kind of benefits their "baby mama's" have received in the past. I think its so sad that the media would waste time writing an article that has no relevance to the job he does. I don't remember reading any complaints about his performance in his elected office. I think Brandon's doing an excellent job as a councilman and that's all he is accountable to Lafayette for. His personal and financial issues are his and have absolutely nothing to do with his job. If the Independent or KATC has any proof that he is mishandling the public's dollars, I wish that they would publish it--until then, speculation about his personal and financial issues should not be used to predict what he may or may not do with public funds. Keep up the good work Brandon and hold your head up high---you are doing what we elected you to do and doing it in a great way. We all have financial problems from time to time and the Independent clearly states in their article that you are taking care of yours. Don't let these haters shut you down as you soar to the top and make this city a better place for all of us to live!

...
written by lafayette native , March 04, 2010

This article is very sad. Do you know why? Because it is nothing more than a smear campaign trying to ruin a person. Let me say this...if B.S. has financial troubles and he needs to deal with them, then yes, he should be held accountable just like everyone else....that's the way the world works; however, I am so ashamed that Ms. Turk chose to bring his girlfriend, her employment, and his employer into the picture...it seems like nothing more than a witch hunt and an attempt to ruin someone's career.
Let's think back for just a moment...the City of Lafayette elected a pet shop boy named Joey Durel who bankrupted several businesses, including durels pet store, Arby's, etc. However, nothing was ever written by the Independent about that AND the other little "situations" and "agreements" and "wink, wink, nod, nods" Mr. Durel has been involved in, including funding of a private road to Mr. Durel's house in River Ranch, and so many good ole' boy deals. How about the fact that Don Bertrand did not live in his district when he ran? Hmmmmmmmm...did they check into that? Do we really need to go down the list of every councilmen and open the closet doors because I assure you they would not like that.
Being held accountable is one thing, but blatant abuse of journalism is another. BTW, did you all know that Joey Durel is very close friends with the owner of The Ind? Now, let's see if censorship is a part of their job as well.

...
written by talk radio fan , March 04, 2010

More IND taking on black people, and turning away comparable crooks right here at home -- in River Ranch, where Joey and the Ind's owners live. Even Lou Rom on KVOL was on the hunt today, attacking Brandon. Independent radio, independnet newspaper? what?

...
written by Pierce , March 03, 2010

I really do not see the point of this article other than as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of B.S. From what I have read, the only real issue written within the article that should be addressed is the residency issue. Was he a legal resident of the district at the time of filing for office? Does he reside in the District now? These two questions are the only official issues that affect the people of District 3 and also the Consolidated Government as a whole.
As no one has raised these issues in the campaign for office, I wonder what would be the fallout now if in fact he did not live in the district at the time of qualification. Does he get removed from office? Its my personal opinion that these questions are the true "problems with Brandon Shelvin" and deserve an answer. Im disappointed in the article that so much time was spent on matters that really have no point other than to paint Mr. Shelvin in a bad light before the public. A more balanced article would look into the good that Mr. Shelvin has done for his constituents and list those to show a fair and balanced article by the Ind. This would have had a greater effect than to paint a bais picture that shouts loud, but is saying little.

...
written by Shawl of Iran , March 03, 2010

"written by Whatajoke? , I have a great idea! Lets dig deep into everyone's personal finances and trials and tribulations."

Sounds good to me. Theind needs something to write about.

...
written by Whatajoke? , March 03, 2010

I have a great idea! Lets dig deep into everyone's personal finances and trials and tribulations. Then make master list of all that everyone in Lafayette owes. Then print it and see where all of lafayette stands. This is amazing I must say. Brandon has done nothinig wrong but fall on tough times and this is how we choose to view him. I didn't see where it said in the description for city parish councilmen "be able to pay all of your bills or you're finished" It's a part of life, I've defaulted on a loan, missed payments by accidents or when money is tight, but in the end it will all get taken care of. I've lost 2 consecutive jobs due to this economy and downsizing, which has further put me in a hole, but I will see my way through. Hold your head up and keep doing the job the PEOPLE have elected you to do. You are doing a great job!!!

...
written by LALA , March 03, 2010

Is anyone taking the time to stop and really think about what is going on here. Homes across the antion are being foreclosed on. Businesses are failing left and right. People are being put out into the cold. This elected official did not committ a crime. He didn't murder anyone. He wasn't caught with drugs. He didn't break any laws that would constitute this onslaught. His biggest problem may be financial woes and maybe I missed the memo, but isn't that happening all across the nation. According to the article he may owe (even if this is actually fact) a little under $130,000. Wow! thats what I owe on my home as we speak let alone cars and credit cars. We live in an economy where we have to borrow to get the things we want and need. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth to where they don't have to borrow money to purchase a home or start a business. And unless anyone isn't paying attention, people nationwide are having problems paying these debts. So whats the big issue. When economy turned bad, people don't have money to buy things, so businesses suffer. And obviously his did. If you have a business such as his where you depend on people spending thousands of dollars that they all of sudden can do without, then you probably won't have a business for very long. Then you close you your business but you still have bills to pay and their starts the vicious cycle that we as americans have become all to accustomed to. If I lose my job then my bills won't get paid either, but i'm pretty sure my picture won't appear on news articles and reports. Don't let others crucify this man. He has done nothing wrong, only right by trying to help his district. I don't know him personally, but I have seen this type of propaganda before, and something of this nature can do damage if you just believe in what you read or see. How much of all of this is even true? Honestly, Lafayette, his personal life is excatly what it is, personal. And although we make think its our business its not. How many skeletons in your personal closet ( that is none of anybody's business) would come out if someone went on a hunt for it. Well I gotta go, gotta go make out my checks to pay on my debt, don't want my neighbors and all of lafayette to know how much money I owe and the debts I have (The same debt that everyone in lafayette is facing ) Wouldn't want that to become public record and cause my family undue heartache and stress.

...
written by Acitizen , March 03, 2010

Now, really. Just becuase everyone is reading this article does not make everything in it true. All of those things published may or may not be true so lets not rush to judgement. Shelvin has worked hard for his district going places where cameras don't follow to help many with their issues and problems. If it isn't clear that the powers that be are out to get him then I don't know what to think. The entire nations is facing economic problems. And with so many epople unable to pay their bills, why is it so hard to believe that thrifty man is invincible from this onslaught of a nation that is under economic fire. You keep your head up Brandon. Personal economic issues does not stop or halt a person from doing their job (that you have done outstandingly). If it was for that then Bill Clinton would not be viewed as a great president that he is had we just looked at his personal setbacks with Monica. Everyone falls on hardtimes and now isn't the time to start casting stones. He'll get his personal setbacks in order as everyone does, and the only difference between he and others is the fact that his business is being published when others are not. Lafayette should be concerned with how well he is getting his job done and leave his personal life alone. And according to what I see and know, he has always fought for his district; all the while, opposing those entities that don't benefit the people that elected him.

...
written by How shameful , March 03, 2010

What a disgrace to our district. Don't want him near my money bro. Why Bellard vote with this dispicable person all the time? Maybe they should all go.

...
written by Jillian Johnson , March 03, 2010

I live in this man's district and have had occasion to meet him a few times. He's a politician, not a person. He shows his face for photo ops at community meetings, and clearly has no regard or respect for other people, least of all the people in his district, who continue to fight an uphill battle against drug activity and worse in a city that has essentially turned their back on this area, rather than seeing this diverse community as a viable asset to the downtown area.

We deserve better.

...
written by plainjane , March 03, 2010

http://www.ethics.state.la.us/...erver.aspx

...
written by phideaux , March 03, 2010

typical ignorant idiot. he needs to go. The citizens of this city can't have people like this making decisions that will affect us all.

...
written by Shelvin tarnishes council , March 03, 2010

Where did he get the money to pay when his mortgage was in arrears? Heard he was on the payroll of the bars and that's why he wants to remove the bar levy. Who is checking his financial statements?

...
written by Shelvin Recall , March 03, 2010

Just to recap:

Other than his public service for the council he doesn't have a job.

When he had a used car business he defrauded his customers and embezzled money intended for extended warranties.

He lives outside of his district.

He didn't live inside his district for enough time to run in the first place.

He doesn't take care of his oldest child so his wages have to be garnished.

He is living with the baby mama of his other kids but hasn't married her.

They both collect money from the government and neither have jobs.

He threatened his landlord and the newspaper for doing their jobs.

He lied on his resume.

I am disgusted that this kind of person is representing the citizens of this city and the businesses of downtown. Who is starting the recall petition to get a qualified real leader in place that can be trusted to behave in an ethical manner.

Why hasn't he been arrested yet?

...
written by Walter Pierce, Managing Editor , March 03, 2010

queenbee, click on "publications" on the black bar at the top of the main page. That will bring you to the Blue Toad versions of our products.

...
written by What a clown , March 03, 2010

Nice - I was getting worried that my generation was not as corrupt or inept as that of my parents.

No more worries...

...
written by queenbee , March 03, 2010

Question:
How can I access the Blue Toad?

...
written by What did they say? , March 03, 2010

Larche sounds even dumber than Shelvin. What is it with Wayne Elmore hiring this caliber of person?

...
written by Morrow , March 03, 2010

a thief is a thief is a thief.... this thieving animal stole from HARD working individuals.... he's been living outside his district, so he's steeling from the public, taxpayers, and the government.... I am sick to hear the insurance companies and our lilly-livered state government agency lacks the ballocks to challenge his thievery legally. This man BELONGS BEHIND BARS. There is nothing decent or moral about his actions. And we're trusting him to have a say in how this local government is run??? Does he want de-consolidation so he can get his hands on more money???? Anything he made good on was to try to keep his criminal activities a secret. And yet he has the audacity - do you think he know what that word means? - to threaten anyone who reports his thievery... He misjudges his district if he thinks they are too busy or don't care what he does. They are decent, hardworking, God worshiping and he has misused them.

...
written by OMG , March 03, 2010

He's done. I have tried so hard to believe in who we elected, but it is obvious he has minipulated THE SYSTEM to make it work for himself and his girlfriend. I do not want Mr. Shelvin anywhere near my city budget! Maybe he can be in charge of Angola's city budget!

...
written by queenbee , March 03, 2010

“When you mess with a man’s family, things can happen, bro.”]

Like what, sir? You mind expounding on that? There's NO way this man should be called a public servant. What a joke!