(Reuters) - A New Orleans city attorney was arrested for possession of marijuana and suspended from his job after a joint tumbled from his pocket in front of police in court.
Jason Cantrell, 43, assistant city attorney, was issued a summons for simple possession of marijuana on Monday afternoon after a marijuana cigarette fell to the floor in Orleans Parish magistrate court, New Orleans Police spokesman Frank Robertson said.
"Jason Cantrell is suspended without pay pending further investigation," Ryan Berni, a spokesman for New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, said on Wednesday. "He was not acting in his capacity as assistant city attorney when the incident occurred."
Cantrell's wife, a candidate for New Orleans City Council, said on her official Facebook page:
"I am very angry, embarrassed, and disappointed to learn about my husband's bad decision and lack of judgment today. I absolutely do not condone his actions. He has resigned his position with the City Attorney’s Office, and he will accept the legal consequences as the judicial process takes its course.
I love my husband unconditionally and am very concerned for his health and wellbeing, and for that of our family. I hope that this incident will encourage Jason to seek the professional help he needs and ask that the public respect our privacy in this very personal family matter."
Cantrell, who submitted his resignation yesterday, began practicing law in Louisiana more than 16 years ago, according to Louisiana State Bar Association. He ran unsuccessfully for juvenile court judge in 2009. He has been with the city since 2009.
Jason Cantrell could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. LaToya Cantrell will remain in the race for city council.
Jason Cantrell, 43, assistant city attorney, was issued a summons for simple possession of marijuana on Monday afternoon after a marijuana cigarette fell to the floor in Orleans Parish magistrate court, New Orleans Police spokesman Frank Robertson said.
"Jason Cantrell is suspended without pay pending further investigation," Ryan Berni, a spokesman for New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, said on Wednesday. "He was not acting in his capacity as assistant city attorney when the incident occurred."
Cantrell's wife, a candidate for New Orleans City Council, said on her official Facebook page:
"I am very angry, embarrassed, and disappointed to learn about my husband's bad decision and lack of judgment today. I absolutely do not condone his actions. He has resigned his position with the City Attorney’s Office, and he will accept the legal consequences as the judicial process takes its course.
I love my husband unconditionally and am very concerned for his health and wellbeing, and for that of our family. I hope that this incident will encourage Jason to seek the professional help he needs and ask that the public respect our privacy in this very personal family matter."
Cantrell, who submitted his resignation yesterday, began practicing law in Louisiana more than 16 years ago, according to Louisiana State Bar Association. He ran unsuccessfully for juvenile court judge in 2009. He has been with the city since 2009.
Jason Cantrell could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. LaToya Cantrell will remain in the race for city council.
adapted from Reuters
