Parish Leader Faces Ethics Scrutiny Over Cruise‑Catering Deal

The Louisiana Board of Ethics has released a statement claiming that West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard broke rules by using his office to benefit a family restaurant. The claim centers on the Oyster Bar, a local eatery owned by Havard and his son Davis. Between September 2023 and May 2024, the family’s catering firm earned more than $250, 000 from American Cruise Lines. Only about $22, 000 of that money went to the parish itself through a docking lease agreement. Havard says he denied any misconduct and pushed back against the board, saying accepting a fine would mean admitting guilt. He also told reporters he would continue to fight the matter. The board’s report does not break down how much of the $250, 000 was food costs or what portion of the profit the Havards kept.Investigators found email exchanges between Davis and a cruise line executive that detailed a pricey “Cochon de Lait Experience” at the Oyster Bar. The proposed price was $115 per person for 35 guests, which would total over $400, 000 with the planned 100 dockings in 2025. Records show that Ferdinand Catering was registered as an LLC under Davis’s name just one day after a resident filed the complaint. During a council meeting in April 2025, Havard addressed rumors of corruption and mentioned his ongoing discussions with the ethics board. The board’s opinion was issued in early April, but Havard wasn’t formally notified until October, a delay that raised questions. The Ethics Adjudicatory Board will soon decide whether Havard faces censure, a fine up to $10, 000, or repayment of the full economic benefit plus extra penalties.