On Millet's federal extortion trial's third day, it came out that state District Judge Joel T. Chaisson sought a financial stake in Formosa's proposed rayon plant (wanted to build a concrete and asphalt plant on the batture at Whitney Plantation and expected to manufacture and supply materials for the plant's construction). Lionel Bailey testified that Lester Millet offered to build him a service station near the proposed plant, a bribe so that he would push the cement plant proposal forward. Author also mentions how Millet pursued sale of Whitney Plantation to Formosa because he would receive part of the commission through the real estate agent, Durel Matherne, who was also his friend, and that he expropriated property needed for river access from landowners hesitant to sell. Millet's attorney, Jack Martzell, brought up some issues with Bailey's claims. Author also notes how Millet bought land in LaPlace and sold half to Matherne's wife, Nancy; prosecutors claim this was the payoff, with Matherne testifying he made the payment to Millet because he felt he owed him a favor for the $480,000 commission on the Whitney sale. Chaisson is retiring from the bench soon.
On Millet's federal extortion trial's third day, it came out that state District Judge Joel T. Chaisson sought a financial stake in Formosa's proposed rayon plant (wanted to build a concrete and asphalt plant on the batture at Whitney Plantation and expected to manufacture and supply materials for the plant's construction). Lionel Bailey testified that Lester Millet offered to build him a service station near the proposed plant, a bribe so that he would push the cement plant proposal forward. Author also mentions how Millet pursued sale of Whitney Plantation to Formosa because he would receive part of the commission through the real estate agent, Durel Matherne, who was also his friend, and that he expropriated property needed for river access from landowners hesitant to sell. Millet's attorney, Jack Martzell, brought up some issues with Bailey's claims. Author also notes how Millet bought land in LaPlace and sold half to Matherne's wife, Nancy; prosecutors claim this was the payoff, with Matherne testifying he made the payment to Millet because he felt he owed him a favor for the $480,000 commission on the Whitney sale. Chaisson is retiring from the bench soon.