District Attorney Hillar Moore joins the show to discuss the findings of a recent legislative auditor’s report, which highlighted a looming financial crisis in his office. The report confirmed long-standing warnings that the DA’s office is on the brink of operating at a deficit, which is unconstitutional for a public office. Without additional funding, the office is projected to be $1.3 million in deficit by year’s end. Moore emphasized that while short-term fixes may help balance the budget temporarily, a long-term solution is urgently needed.
The DA’s office has historically relied on a complex and inefficient funding system, involving reimbursements from the city-parish. Moore explained that the local governing authority is constitutionally required to fund all “reasonable and necessary” expenses of the DA’s office, but defining those terms has been contentious. Staffing is a major concern—while Jefferson Parish has around 90 assistant DAs, East Baton Rouge has only 50, despite handling significantly more violent crime.
Budget cuts could severely impact community-based crime prevention programs and victim assistance services, which make up about 15% of the budget. These programs are vital for supporting victims and encouraging cooperation in prosecutions. Moore stressed that cutting these services would harm public safety.
He also addressed the possibility of proposing a new tax to fund the office, but noted that past efforts failed due to voter fatigue and competing ballot issues. Instead, he advocates for a more equitable funding model where all cities within the parish contribute fairly, not just Baton Rouge. Moore concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with local leaders to find a sustainable solution that prioritizes public safety.