CFO appointment delayed as Shreveport Council sparks financial improprieties investigation

The Shreveport Council decided to postpone the confirmation of Kasey Brown to the permanent position of Chief Financial Officer Tuesday afternoon, just hours after being asked to do so in an open letter written by a former employee who alleges Brown has requested him to violate accounting laws.

Councilman Grayson Boucher suggested the vote to confirm Brown be postponed, and he received unanimous support from the other five present council members.

Brown currently serves as interim CFO.

The former City of Shreveport controller announced Monday at a press conference plans to sue the City for age and race discrimination, and said he suspects the nominated Chief Financial Officer has violated the law.

S. Ben Hebert claims he was fired by Brown just days after refusing to participate in financial transactions he believes are in violation of state law, and “shortly after” he made complaints of discrimination in relation to not receiving a promotion he wanted.

Hebert believes he was more qualified for the position than Brown and only passed over for the appointment because of his age and race.

More: Former Shreveport controller accuses mayor's CFO nominee of racial discrimination, violation of law

Kendrick Dante writes for the USA Today Network and is a government watchdog reporter in Shreveport, Louisiana. He enjoys cooking, concerts, and content. Email him at kdbrown1@gannett.com or connect on Twitter @kendrickdante.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: CFO appointment delayed as Shreveport Council sparks investigation