New Records Spur Controversy Over Minden Settlement Payments
Public records recently obtained and reported by KVIA (via CNN Newsource) reveal that the City of Minden issued a combined $26,912 in payments this past June—despite having no formal city council approval or legal demand.
Mayor Nick Cox disclosed to state auditors in late July that these “voluntary” payments may have violated Louisiana law, raising concerns about the city’s financial procedures.
The Payments in Question
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$25,000 cash payment to a Texas couple, Shawanda Hall and Donald Benard, drawn discreetly from the city’s general fund via check.
- $1,912 paid to Midas (Abilene, Texas) on the city’s credit card, purportedly for the couple’s car repair.
The Background Incident
Records indicate the couple’s dispute stemmed from a traffic stop on January 3 in Minden. During the stop, officer Lt. Christopher Hammontree allegedly opened a stuffed animal—after sensing something inside—discovering and handling what turned out to be the cremated remains of Hall’s child. Hall subsequently filed a complaint, though no immediate action was taken at that time.
In May, Hammontree was moved to desk duty, and was subsequently placed on paid administrative leave following another incident. By June 13, city funds had been dispatched in settlement. On June 18, Hammontree was issued a misdemeanor summons for “simple criminal damage,” then fired on August 4.
Internal Handling & Legal Justification
Mayor Cox says he became aware of the payments only after returning from a family vacation in Montana and that neither the police chief nor the city attorney had sought his input on the matter.
City Attorney Jimbo Yocom asserts the actions were legally permitted under Minden’s pre-1974 charter, which allows certain settlements to occur pre-litigation without council approval. He claims Mayor Pro Tem Carlton “Buddy” Myles authorized up to $50,000 in settlement, which was negotiated to $25,000—with the car repair expense approved separately. All processing was done under Yocom’s direction and that of administrative staff.
Additional Reporting Insights
The Webster Parish Journal corroborates these details, noting:
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No demand letter or lawsuit prompted the settlement.
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The car repair expense lacks public explanation.
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A Minden detective’s June 11 travel to Abilene, just before the settlement, remains unexplained.
- On July 24, Mayor Cox self‑reported the matter to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, who is now reviewing the case.
The Road Ahead
The payments have sparked official scrutiny. The Minden City Council held a special session on July 22 and opted to table ratifying the payments pending further review.
City leadership—including Yocom, Cox, and administrative staff—express willingness to cooperate with the Legislative Auditor’s investigation and implement any recommended procedural reforms.
