Official’s drug arrest leads to suspension
New Orleans — Jason Cantrell, an assistant city attorney for New Orleans who ran for juvenile court judge in 2009 under the slogan “Tough Judge for Tough Times,’’ was suspended without pay pending an investigation of his arrest Monday for simple possession of marijuana, said City Hall spokesman Ryan Berni.
Cantrell’s wife, District B City Council candidate LaToya Cantrell, said in a written statement that her husband had resigned his city position.
But Berni said Wednesday that no letter has been received. Cantrell has been an assistant city attorney since mid-2009, Berni said.
Cantrell, 43, was arrested in the Criminal Justice Complex Monday afternoon, according to the New Orleans Police Department. He was issued a summons as a first-time offender and released, according to police.
He could not be reached for comment.
In his unsuccessful bid for juvenile court judge, Cantrell’s platform included establishing a drug court for first-time offenders.
He has served as a drug court attorney and also served as an attorney for the Orleans Parish Public Defender, according to his campaign website.
Cantrell’s wife, a civic activist in Broadmoor, said her husband will “accept the legal consequences as the judicial process takes its course.’’
“I am very angry, embarrassed and disappointed to learn about my husband’s bad decision and lack of judgment today. I absolutely do not condone his actions,’’ she said in the written statement.
“I love my husband unconditionally and am very concerned for his health and well-being, and for that of our family,’’ she wrote.
“I hope that this incident will encourage Jason to seek the professional help he needs and ask that the public respect our privacy in this very personal family matter.’’
Cantrell is the son of Magistrate Commissioner Harry Cantrell.