Alexandria, Louisiana, July 1, 2024 – Local attorney, Thomas D. Davenport Jr. has lodged a formal complaint against the City of Alexandria’s Utility Department, alleging fraudulent billing practices that have led to wrongful disconnections of residential utility services. The complaint has been sent to the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General, Louisiana Office of Inspector General and Alexandria City Council for investigation.
In a detailed letter dated July 1, 2024, addressed to the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General, Louisiana Office of Inspector General, and Alexandria City Council, Mr. Davenport outlines the grievances stemming from the Utility Department’s failure to create and send utility bills for April, May, and June. Despite the absence of these bills, the City has proceeded to disconnect utilities for non-payment, a practice Mr. Davenport claims is both deceptive and illegal.
Mr. Davenport, a long-time resident of Alexandria for over 20 years, asserts that he has always paid his utility bills promptly. He states that without receiving a bill, he cannot be expected to pay one. The attorney’s letter includes a record of a telephone conversation with a representative of the Utility Department named Erica, who claimed an outstanding amount that differed significantly from what the automated system indicated. This discrepancy, combined with the failure to issue bills, has raised suspicions of intentional wrongdoing.
The complaint highlights a specific incident on June 27, 2024, when an unmarked truck entered Mr. Davenport’s property, disconnected his electricity without prior notice, and left without explanation. Follow-up inquiries revealed no record of the disconnection notice or the bills supposedly issued for April, May, and June, further supporting Mr. Davenport’s allegations of fraudulent activities.
Mr. Davenport’s letter also includes evidence from the City’s online account system, which shows that the last bill was generated on March 22, 2024, which was paid, contradicting the claims made by Erica. Despite her assertions, no bills for subsequent months were available, indicating a failure in the billing process.
The complaint accuses the Utility Department of creating non-existent bills and fabricating disconnection notices to unjustly collect fees and late charges from unsuspecting residents. This practice, Mr. Davenport argues, constitutes a serious abuse of power and a violation of public trust.
Mr. Davenport is calling for a thorough investigation into these practices, urging the Louisiana State Police, , Louisiana Attorney General, Louisiana Office of Inspector General, and Alexandria City Council to examine the extent of the fraudulent activities and hold the responsible parties accountable. He emphasizes that this issue affects many residents in Alexandria, not just himself, and demands justice for all those who have been wrongfully disconnected or overcharged.
The City of Alexandria and its Utility Department have yet to respond to these allegations. As the investigation unfolds, residents are keenly watching for developments that could impact the integrity of their local government and utility services.
For further information or inquiries, Mr. Davenport has made himself available to discuss the details of his complaint and provide additional documentation as needed. He is also willing to discuss all similar experiences suffered by others in the City.
Contact: Thomas D. Davenport Jr. 602 Murray Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301 Email: tdavenportjr@davenportfirm.com Phone: (318) 445-9696 (W)
