In a dramatic legal battle unfolding in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, a resident of Baton Rouge has launched a comprehensive lawsuit against several high-profile figures and entities within the East Baton Rouge Parish. Kevin Dukes, acting as his own attorney, filed this complaint on January 27, 2025, targeting Sidney Gautreaux and others associated with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.
The lawsuit is rooted in events dating back to December 5, 2018, when Dukes was arrested on charges of Second-Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The arrest was based on affidavits by Detectives Michael Canella and Scott Henning. Dukes was released on bond shortly after but faced re-arrest in February 2023 due to what he claims was an invalid warrant issued without probable cause. The plaintiff argues that the warrant falsely accused him of missing a court date—a claim contradicted by John Campbell from Homebound Monitoring, who testified that Dukes had been compliant with all bond obligations.
Dukes’ complaint outlines multiple causes of action under 42 U.S.C. §1983, alleging violations of his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial, and due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. He accuses defendants including Judge Tarvald Smith and Assistant District Attorney Irena Zajickova of malicious prosecution and judicial misconduct. Furthermore, Dukes claims that his prolonged detention from February 2023 until August 2024—when he was acquitted by a jury—constituted false imprisonment under Louisiana law.
In addition to seeking compensatory damages amounting to $125 million for physical harm, emotional distress, financial losses, and reputational damage, Dukes demands punitive damages against individual defendants for their alleged egregious conduct. He also seeks declaratory relief acknowledging the violation of his rights and injunctive relief to prevent future violations.
The case presents serious allegations against public officials in East Baton Rouge Parish, accusing them of conspiring to suppress evidence favorable to Dukes while fabricating charges against him. The plaintiff asserts that these actions were taken with malicious intent or reckless disregard for his constitutional rights.
Representing himself pro se in this complex legal matter is Kevin Dukes. Defendants include Sheriff Sidney Gautreaux; officers Michael Canella and Scott Henning; District Attorney Hillar Moore; Assistant District Attorney Irena Zajickova; Judge Tarvald Smith; among others yet unnamed. The case ID is 6:25-cv-01765 with proceedings overseen by Judge Tarvald Anthony Smith.
Source: 625cv1765_Kevin_Dukes_v_Sidney_Gautreauxn_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
