Oliver Thomas

From New Orleans Wiki

Former Vice President of New Orleans City Council. Oliver Thomas resigned after pleading guilty to bribery and misprision of a felony on August 13th, 2007.

Phone: (504) 658-1070 Fax: (504) 658-1077 OMThomas@cityofno.com

• Sources: Federal probe nets councilman in parking lot payment scheme

[edit] Local Reactions to Bribery Confession

• Day 713: Oliver Thomas Indicted - Another Blow Of Two-Edged Sword?
• Another one bites the dust
• Is it asking too much for transparent government?
• What if Thomas hadn't been busted?
• Economic development requires parishes talking to one another

[edit] Court Documents

• Bill of Information
• Joseph Jourdain Factual Basis
• Oliver Thomas Factual Basis

[edit] Statement of August 13th, 2007

Oliver Thomas made the following statement at a press conference held at noon the day of his guilty plea.

Good afternoon, everyone.

First, to my family, then to my friends and colleagues and finally, to all of my fellow New Orleanians – I stand before you today humbled, disappointed in myself and seeking your forgiveness for what I’m about to say.

Approximately five years ago, I accepted an inappropriate gift from a local businessman intended to gain my influence as an elected official. It was wrong, and I accept full responsibility for this action and for using incredibly poor judgment. I acknowledge my guilt today and I stand prepared to pay the consequences for my mistake.

To my family – I have placed you in a very difficult position, one that you do no deserve. Please forgive me.

To my friends and colleagues who I have been with me through so much with, before Katrina, during Katrina and the rebuilding of this city– I’m sorry I didn’t live up to the faith you had placed in me and I apologize for that.

And finally, to the wonderful people of this city, people I call neighbors, people I call friends and fellow New Orleanians – I cannot begin to describe to you the disappointment and the anguish that I deal with internally day and night. You trusted me, and I have placed that trust in question. You have every right to be angry and suspicious. I am deeply sorry and I ask you for your forgiveness.

Because of this situation, and because I love this city so much and it deserves better, I’m immediately announcing my resignation today from the city council, effective immediately.

As I leave you, my greatest hope is that I won’t become a distraction to the thousands of lives, to the thousands of people trying to recover their lives, their families and their homes. I want nothing more than for New Orleans to return to her rightful place as the jewel of the South, the most beautiful, culturally vibrant and dynamic city in the world. I also hope that, in time, you can judge me by the totality of my works and not by just this moment.

All of you, please know that whatever happens to me, and wherever I may be, I will be praying for and working towards the rebuilding of this city. In spite of my current circumstances or what might befall me in the future, I will continue to work for the city I love. I have made peace with my God, and I continue to love my city and all of you.

I want to thank Clarence Roby. I want to thank my friends at the US attorney’s office. If not for their council and care, I don’t know I’d be standing here right now. So I want all of you to know this city needs to be a better place. This city needs to be cleaned up. I’m going to do my best to be a better person because of the mistakes that I have made.

Thank you.