GRANT PARISH, La. (4/4/2025) – The Director of Grant Parish Library arrested this week is now at the center of growing legal and political controversy, with her attorney publicly speaking out.
Deidre Fuqua, 40, of Alexandria and Director of the Grant Parish Library System, was arrested following an investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office. She faces the following charges:
- Computer Tampering
- Three counts of Filing or Maintaining False Public Records
- Three counts of Injuring Public Records
- Public Payroll Fraud
- Two counts of Malfeasance in Office
Shortly after her arrest, the Grant Parish Police Jury held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, April 2. During the meeting, after entering Executive Session, the Police Jury fired the entire Library Board.
They then appointed themselves as the new board and named Sissy Pace as Interim Director of Grant Parish Libraries. Critics note that this position requires a Master’s Degree in Library Science, raising concerns over qualifications and compliance with state standards.
Fuqua’s Attorney Speaks Out
Attorney Mr. Cicardo, representing Deidre Fuqua, was present at the meeting but not allowed to speak after it entered executive session. In a statement, Cicardo expressed serious concern:
“This appears to be a breakdown in transparency and due process. These actions impact not only my client’s rights, but the future of public access to libraries in Grant Parish.”
A Grant Parish Police Jury meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Grant Parish Courthouse.
As the Director of Grant Parish Library arrested story continues to unfold, the public is demanding answers not just about the charges, but also about how public institutions are being managed.
