Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

By Wondering
Published/Last Modified on Friday, November 6, 2009 5:19 AM CST

It is interesting that the Daily Iberian news article of November 5th in reference to a sexual harassment lawsuit against Iberia Parish Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Toby Hebert and Sheriff Louis Ackal has not been published on the Daily Iberian website.

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Comments

    no reason wrote on Nov 27, 2009 11:30 AM:

    " What no more posts from all the know it alls. I guess you all already know the law suit has fallen apart. Any body else what to make something up to blame the Sherrif for? We finally elected a decent man to run the dept, get over it. "

    To think about this too wrote on Nov 20, 2009 10:04 AM:

    " The only Deputy being questioned in this lawsuit is Toby Hebert. True, the three plaintiffs in this lawsuit are former employees. However, there were more than three female employees that complained to Sheriff Ackal about the behavior of Toby Hebert. When this goes to trial, I am sure that the other female employees will be subpoenaed to testify.
    Do Sheriff Ackal and Toby Hebert think that the females, still currently employed, will perjure themselves to keep their jobs? I think NOT! Besides, according to Sheriff Ackal, Toby Hebert has already admitted to the allegations. "

    Donald wrote on Nov 19, 2009 7:02 PM:

    " I think if we look back there is a lot of improvement over the prior administration. I think Ackal is a competent lawman. I think he did not need to bring in all the retired troopers he once worked with nor detectives from out of parish (they want a position, not a job). I think Toby Hebert is a divisive influemce in the sheriff's office and is causing ill will. He should retire if he is actually loyal to Ackal., but he is self-serving and will not. "

    Ok Ill say it again wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:59 AM:

    " Maybe this time it will get posted. Just because you helped someone get elected to office, does not make you quailfied to be a policeman. Just be cause you support the team does not make you capable of playing on the field. If you supported the Sheriff during his election, you should have done it because he was the right man for the job. Not because he was going to give you a do nothing job. You should be doing your job better than anyone else. If your not doing your job, goodbye "

    Think about this too wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:59 AM:

    " Just because a Policeman rights you a ticket, does not make him one of bad ones. Just because he arrested your relative for selling drugs or stealing something, and he couldn't get out of it, doesn't make the policeman a one of bad ones. I think the sheriff has shown over and over that if one of his people are not fit to do the job, they have to go. He has arrested several of his employees. AFTER HE WAS SURE THEY NEEDED TO BE ARRESTED. NOT because someone called in a complaint against them. "

    Are you thinking about this wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:32 AM:

    " Did you expect the Sheriff to take office, fire everyone on the payroll at midnight July 1st, then have 300 new deputies that have never worked in Iberia Parish ready to go to work? Are you serious? Where did you propose the Sheriff get 300 Post certified deputies? How many out of work deputies do you think there are that would be waiting to come work in this place for wages that were being paid. You people need to wake up and smell the coffee. I bet there isn't 300 policemen living in Iberia Parish. "

    What... wrote on Nov 19, 2009 7:55 AM:

    " What Toby has on Louis can only be found in Colorado. That is the is common denominator here. Louis will get his due, just wait. "

    im the victim wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:44 PM:

    " I don't care who is being sexually harassed down there as long as they find out who stole my riding lawn mower. "

    Thank You Sheriff wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:50 AM:

    " Thank You Sheriff for filling your ranks with seasoned, well trained law enforcement personel. Thank you for not allowing political appointments run sections of your department that really need to have "COPS" run them not someone who has no training. People who help during your election don't always have OUR or YOUR interest at heart. "

    Remember Back wrote on Nov 17, 2009 3:31 PM:

    " MR. Ackal do you remember back in 2007 when you where running for shreiff I along with many others begged you not to hire the rejects Iberia parish had to offer?You said more than once that you would not hire any of them,but what you did? You hired all of them! I guess that is how you got stuck with Toby.I don't blame your first choise as Chief for leaving,He advised to you that all of this was going to happen.You should have listen. "

    LETS BE FAIR WILL wrote on Nov 17, 2009 2:53 PM:

    " How about the newspaper print ALL of items submitted to the forum???? There are alot of comments not being posted here. WHY IS THAT "

    Vesta Ray wrote on Nov 17, 2009 2:22 PM:

    " Louis how you can let the people who worked so hard to get you elected down. Let them be treated in this maner says something about your honest.
    WHAT DOES TOBY HAVE ON YOU?/ "

    I agree wrote on Nov 16, 2009 6:56 PM:

    " I agree that the enforcement division is doing a good job although the adminstration is what is lacking. That is what will lose Mr. Ackal his reelection if he's brave enough to run again. Continue to allow Mr. Hebert and others to meddle in other officers personal lives Mr. Ackal and watch it come back to you ten fold. Whats funny is I know you read this forum quite abit Mr. Ackal but you've allowed them to wrong so many you have no idea which employees are talking and posting. My my my "

    Vesta Ray wrote on Nov 16, 2009 4:43 PM:

    " Toby Hebert you have been A very bad boy.Belive me Louis might put up with this but the people of Iberia Parish will not .Lets see what happen if Louis runs again.He will be sorry he did'nt let you go. "

    D. Hertz wrote on Nov 16, 2009 2:43 PM:

    " Wait, the IPSO is having staff problems? It just can't be. "

    To first amendment rights wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:39 AM:

    " I am sure Toby Hebert and you would make a great management team. Unfortunately, the US Supreme Court has validated Sexual Harassment in the work place.
    Regardless of his age, Toby Hebert cannot treat his female subordinates like his personal sexual fantasy toys. Then, when they approach his supervisor, the Sheriff, the Sheriff Tells the females that Toby Hebert admits to the allegations, but he will not discipline Toby Hebert.
    I wonder if you would feel the same way if your wife would have been a victim of Toby Hebert’s lewd remarks and uninvited stares and touchings. "

    To what are you talking about wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:36 AM:

    " Who are the two candidates? I have not heard of anyone yet. Please inform us "

    What are you talking about wrote on Nov 15, 2009 6:04 PM:

    " I have heard of two different canidates running around trying to get some support. It ain't happen. The REAL people of Iberia Parish see what the Sheriff's Department is doing, and WE LIKE IT. Kicking Butts and taking names. The Narcotics guys are working their butts off, and if your dealing your should move some place else. The Detectives are solving crimes faster than you can make up lies to put on this forum. The guys in blue are everywhere you look. So stop whining, and support your local deputies. "

    Full circle wrote on Nov 14, 2009 11:48 PM:

    " What is sad that Mr. Ackal is paying for his underlings mismanagement and his "brothers" bad decisions. I fear he shall not be reelected. "

    first amendment rights wrote on Nov 14, 2009 2:36 PM:

    " Congress shall make no law respecting or establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise therof: or abridging the freedom of speech or the press or the right of the people peacably to assemble, and to petiton the government for a redress of grievance. INTERESTING FACTS, what does this have to do with a 70 year old man SUPPOSEDLY talking Lewdly and grabbing himself in front of female employees? I know who you voted against. Oh I left out the staring at their female parts, sorry. "

    to pull records wrote on Nov 14, 2009 2:13 PM:

    " Talk is cheap, Name names. Follow them around and film them not working, if your allegations are really true. If you know something is wrong do something to stop it. Let everyone know who is doing it.I dont think the clerk of courts office can give out private payroll information. But if they do, put it on this forum. If not then stop posting garbage. "

    Huh wrote on Nov 14, 2009 8:17 AM:

    " Is Toby Hebert from Colorado? You mean we have a Chief Deputy running IPSO and he isn't even from this state? No way! That can't be true. "

    To Me wrote on Nov 13, 2009 6:36 PM:

    " Please re-read the Appeals Case relating to First Amendment Rights you are attempting to interpret. Toby Hebert was the Appellant in the case appealing to have a judgment against he and the Sheriff dropped. The Appeals Court ruled that the judgment would not be dropped. The judgment against Hebert for violation of Bass' First Amendment Rights held. "

    me wrote on Nov 13, 2009 10:56 AM:

    " Went to the case cited here and was amazed at what I found. Obviously the one who posted it did not read it!! The deputy was fired for tampering with evidence then tried to sue saying he lost his job because he did not back the sheriff. On appeal of the loss he again loses the appeal because he was in fact fired for tampering with evidence. In no way, shape, or form did Hebert do anything that violated his rights so the claim that this proves Hebert did something wrong here is way out of bounds. Grow up people. "

    Vivian wrote on Nov 11, 2009 4:32 PM:

    " We all know poor Louis must be so ashamed that he is losing all the female voters behind this sick harassment thing. Louis and Toby both need to go back to Colorado. "

    To Interesting Facts wrote on Nov 11, 2009 8:54 AM:

    " Read the records; Kudo's to Mr. Hebert for being loyal & wanting to protect his employer! Bass should have been thrown overboard! "

    InfoOnly wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:23 PM:

    " Alfalfa stop trying to scare individuals from this forum. It is call the freedom of Information act. You have no idea what you are talking about and if you did you would give your real name because you are hiding just like everyone else. The truth will set you free. A statement is worth a thousand words, a recording is worth a million can we afford it. "

    Bill wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:51 PM:

    " The having the people on payroll that have no function has been a practice of Louisiana Sheriff's for a very long time. Look back, every sheriff has done this since I could remember. Thats why we should have elected a person with no political ties and political debts. "

    Well Well Well wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:48 AM:

    " I'm just wondering why the DI wouldn't let me post this article when I heard about the lawsuit coming down weeks ago? All the while Mr. Hebert continues to ruin Mr. Ackals department. Its a sad day for IPSO. "

    Interesting Facts wrote on Nov 10, 2009 10:38 AM:

    " Court Records in Colorado indicate I.P.S.O. Chief Deputy Russell Toby Hebert, has had problems in the past with employee rights. These records may be found by Google:
    Case 308F.3d 1081
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth District "

    Pull records wrote on Nov 10, 2009 6:50 AM:

    " If you take the time to pull the records from the clerk of court office YOU would see that are more than one individual on the pay roll that doesn;t perform duties for the S.O. but gets paid no the less. "

    ALfalfa wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:23 PM:

    " You know, this is a civil case. The attorneys for both sides may want to subpoena the DI server to find out who is writing in with all this info. All the haters snitches and sideline clowns could be on the witness stand one day.Keep those cards and letters coming. "

    InfoOnly wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:19 PM:

    " All you guys who support the Sheriff decision should do your own checking into Mr. hebert past. I have and what I have seen leads me to believe he has a history of this type of behavior. I am not going into any details but Lafayette Parish Sheriiff Office is one of the places that Mr. Hebert has history. One thing I have learned over my 50 years is behavior is usually constant. I ask question before making rash judgements shouldn't you. "

    what wrote on Nov 9, 2009 5:30 PM:

    " I could understand an outside Agency coming in to investigate a criminal matter and the deputy being suspended while that investigation is ongoing, but this is purely a civil matter and everyone will have their say in depositions as well as trial if it comes to that.Now if these "victims" were physically assaulted then we would be looking at a criminal investigation and there would be grounds for suspension. "

    town clown wrote on Nov 9, 2009 5:20 PM:

    " Maybe some of you know it alls need to look into toby heberts past. Seems like hes still up to no good. All his lies and dirty secrets are beginning to catch up with him. "

    To To To hmm lets just suppose wrote on Nov 9, 2009 4:51 PM:

    " You are WRONG is all of your assessments. But, you do sound like a disgruntled former employee...trying to create false allegations. "

    To To hmm lets just suppose wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:40 PM:

    " Obviously, you are an Ackal supporter (employee) and do not know when to keep certain facts to yourself. Are you telling the public that Ackal is paying an employee that does nothing for the Sheriff Department? Does that make Ackal a principle to Payroll Fraud? How many more employees does Ackal have on his payroll that receives a salary but does nothing? No wonder Ackal needed more money to operate his Department. "

    Name wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:37 PM:

    " The attorney name is Clayton Burgess from Lafayette "

    To hmmm lets just suppose wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:44 AM:

    " You are 100% correct in your assessment. Adding further, allegedly there is an employee on salary who does not go into the office due to the creation of dissension caused but who is the "ring leader" for these three individuals who are attacking Mr. Hebert. This employee wants Mr. Hebert gone. Truth will prevail and when all is said & done hopefully Sheriff Ackal will FIRE this employee!! "

    Legal Beagle wrote on Nov 9, 2009 7:30 AM:

    " If the allegations are true and Ackal failed to take action, he has backed himself into the proverbial corner with his unyielding support of Hebert.

    Ackal should have placed Hebert on leave, let an outside agency handle an investigation, then Hebert would have been exonerated or culpable.

    Been there is right about being held personally liable. If I were given legal advice to proceed in the manner in which Ackal did, I would be looking for a new attorney. When this goes to trial, see if an insurance company attorney is representing Ackal, I bet no. "

    Curious wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:22 PM:

    " Does anyone know the name of the attorney filing this lawsuit on these ladies behalf? I wonder if he wouldn't find some things interesting from someone in the enforcement division. I just want to help those ladies out as I know how Toby Hebert is and its wrong. "

    hmmm lets just suppose wrote on Nov 8, 2009 7:48 PM:

    " Suppose Mr. Hebert didn't do anything wrong. Suppose there were some lay offs and they are mad. Suppose there is a group of people who can't get their way, so they decided to get rid of the ROAD BLOCK. Maybe one of these people filed false charges and later admitted that it was not truthful. There is a conspiracy here and lets just say maybe the fecal matter has not hit the ocialating rotor yet. This is a dangerous game being played here. Hang in there Ackal, the truth is coming fast for them. "

    Bill wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:33 PM:

    " Why do some of you attack the alleged victims? That is not the way to help Mr. Hebert. The victims have already been victimized and you are trying to victimize them again!!!! "

    Gerald wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:34 AM:

    " An unauthorized touching is a battery, not an assault. An assault is an failed attempt to commit a battery.

    How does one prolong a paycheck of one is fired and not working? Civil suits are very expensive, esp. against public figures.

    Rides exist that are far less costly and much less public. "

    Where is it wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:37 AM:

    " And speaking of Louis Ackal, didnt he have a web site?

    I get some goofy error message when I go there now, cant display the webpage.

    What happened to the site? "

    Been there.. wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:13 AM:

    " Procedurally, when allegations of this kind are made known to the responsible official (the Sheriff), the person accused, should have been placed on leave, pending an investigation.
    This was not done.

    The persons who made the allegations, should never have been placed in a room with the person the accused..

    If the allegations are found to be legitimate and the Sheriff had knowledge of the situation which apparantly is the case and failed to take action to remedy the situation, he, Louis Ackal, (and not the IPSO) will be personally liable for any monies awarded the plaintiffs. "

    To Political Hack wrote on Nov 7, 2009 6:42 PM:

    " It's called "proof", and "truth". Allegations are just that. He said, she said, they said.
    No real substance to become unnerved.
    I personally know two of the three ladies who have filed the lawsuit. Truth is they were never cut out to perform law enforcement personnel. It's also called; prolonging a pay check because you have been fired or quit your job. Poor Toby is working his butt off to help Louis clean up the Parish. Some folks just don't "get it". Due process will prevail as usual. "

    NO reason wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:58 PM:

    " Did any of these women file charges with the State police? If you touch someone without their consent it is assault. NO they didnt did they? Toby probably had a few of their crooked friends fired, and they are getting togethor to gid rid of him. It is a civil lawsuit, he is not being charged with anything is he? That is one reason why he is still on the job. Isnt this man around 70 years old? Do ya really think those women are scared of him? looking for a free ride I say. "

    Reason wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:15 PM:

    " Louis will NOT do anything to Toby Hebert because he is the guy running the department and making the tough decisions. Further more, it would be state police to handle the investigation and we all know what the outcome will be....the claim will be unfounded! Remember the brotherhood sticks together. Oh yeah, did I mention if Toby left Louis might have to cut out the Colorado trips? "

    Wondering wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:30 PM:

    " "To Sick of Freeloaders" - Just to let you know I have been a Daily Iberian subscriber for over forty years. The Iberian website offers an opportunity for different dialog on news articles. Otherwise you would not have been able to post your arrogent comment. "

    What INTERNAL AFFAIRS wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:26 PM:

    " Hah!!! What Internal Affairs? They did away with Internal Affairs, probably just for that very reason. So that they could cover up what they didn't want found. Look where that go them??????? At least Internal Affairs didn't play around. "

    political hack wrote on Nov 6, 2009 3:56 PM:

    " Just an observation on this article. Why is Toby Hebert still woriking and not on Administrative Leave or suspension? And why hasn't this accusation been turned over to Inernal Affairs or (better yet) an outside agency for investigation? I believe that if this was any other officer all of these actions would be put into place. Man Up Louis and do your job! "

    Why wrote on Nov 6, 2009 8:16 AM:

    " The Daily Iberian has NEVER run anything on the web-site that might be considered confrontational! The closest they came was the article on D. A. Phil Haney. Louis scares people that why you won't see the article on the web site. "

    Not really wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:29 AM:

    " It is not really that interesting. Only some of the articles from the paper are available online, otherwise people wouldn't buy the print version. "

    sick of freeloaders wrote on Nov 6, 2009 5:30 AM:

    " And why would you think that? They post one or two stories a day here, so that folks will still buy the newspaper. Why is it that you think you are entitled to their product for free? I kind of like your car, can I have it for free? "

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