In a one-on-one interview with television reporter Scott Simmons, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown vowed to fight his conviction in the Cascade Insurance case. “I never dreamed, in my wildest dreams, that it was a setup,” Brown told the reporter. “Obviously the [FBI] agent knew everything he wanted to know before he walked in the door. He wasn’t looking for information.”
Brown was convicted two weeks ago on seven counts of lying to federal investigators. Also indicted were former Gov. Edwin Edwards and Shreveport attorney Ronald Weems, who were charged with conspiring to arrange a sweetheart bankruptcy deal for Cascade Insurance Co. and its owner, Dallas businessman David Disiere. Edwards and Weems were acquitted of all charges.
The conviction requires Brown step down—without pay—from his official duties as commissioner, but allows his administration to remain in place pending an appeal. He is the third Louisiana insurance commissioner in a row convicted of felony charges. First Assistant Deputy Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley will assume the daily operations of the department during Brown’s appeal.
If the conviction is overturned, Brown will be reinstated as commissioner and receive back pay. If his appeal fails, a new administration will be put in place.
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