Former JJIC director accused of neglecting duties, abusing office in detailed report by Inspector General

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Former Orleans Parish Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC) Director Kyshun Webster is under fire as the result of a detailed report released on Tuesday (Nov. 1) by the Inspector General’s Office.

In the report, Webster is accused of neglect of duty, misuse of city property, and abuse of office. He was the head of the juvenile center until he resigned in April.

“Every city employee has a job to do, and when they fail to do their job, it constitutes as neglect of duty,” says Inspector General Edward Michel. “At this point, it appears as though his lack of attendance impaired the ability of the facility to operate effectively.”

The report says Webster misused funds when he ordered his office to be soundproofed for more than $11,000. Webster reportedly told investigators he had a loud voice and confidential information was discussed in his office. However, Michel says Webster was rarely in the office.

“We collected the electronic access data from the JJIC from October of 2020 till November of 2021. Those records indicate that Dr. Webster was physically present at the facility 13 times in 12 months,” says Michel. “13 times in 12 months is not an effective and efficient way to lead, guide, and direct this very critical facility for the safety of all the citizens of New Orleans.”

The report continues, saying Webster may have used city-owned facilities and vehicles to house and transport his dog, and that he may have possibly tasked city employees to care for the dog while they were on duty and billed the JJIC.

If the accusations are true, it’s possible that Webster violated the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics, La R.S. 42:1116 - Abuse of Office, Paragraph (A), which states:

No public servant shall use the authority of his office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to provide himself, any other public servant, or other person with any thing of economic value. This Subsection shall not be construed to limit that authority authorized by law, statute, ordinance, or legislative rule in carrying out official duties.

The IG’s office also said they found Webster often bypassed the JJIC access card system and has recommended that all JJIC employees use the card system to follow security protocols.

Webster eventually took a leave of absence from the office in March, where he was making $143,000 a year, and then he resigned from the position in April.

“I will personally visit the JJIC to ensure that the recommendations I made are actually being followed through, and I will be there to make sure they understand the importance of the success of the facility going forward,” says Michel.

Full report findings can be viewed here and here.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.

Copyright 2022 WVUE. All rights reserved.