Mike Edmonson
25th Louisiana State Police Superintendent
In office
January 2008  March 24, 2017
Preceded byStanley Griffin
Succeeded byKevin Wayne Reeves
Personal details
Born
Michael David Edmonson

(1958-09-19) September 19, 1958
Alexandria, Louisiana, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)(1) Helen Owens Achord (divorced)
(2) Suzanne Maglone Edmonson
ChildrenBrittney and Michael David Edmonson, Jr.
ResidenceBaton Rouge, Louisiana
Alma materHoly Savior Menard Central High School
Louisiana State University
FBI National Academy
OccupationLaw enforcement officer

Michael David Edmonson (born September 19, 1958) is the former superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, with service from January 2008 until March 24, 2017. Thus far, he is the longest serving of the Louisiana state police superintendents.[1] Edmonson was appointed by Republican Governor Bobby Jindal. Jindal's successor, Democrat John Bel Edwards, accepted Edmonson's letter of resignation after a dispute about troopers mishandling their expense accounts while at a conference in San Diego, California.

Background

Edmonson was a native of Alexandria, but attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Edmonson was first married to the former Helen Owens, but divorced and married Suzanne Maglone Edmonson.

Law-enforcement career

Prior to his appointment as LSP superintendent, Edmonson was highly recognizable due to his association with the LSU football team. He was the head of the security detail for coaches Mike Archer, Curley Hallman, Gerry DiNardo, Nick Saban and Les Miles prior to his appointment by Jindal.

In 2013 Edmonson received the Buford Pusser National Law Enforcement Award.[2]

He also received the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Martha Irwin Award for Lifetime Achievement in Highway Safety.

Controversies

After his retirement, it was revealed that Edmonson and his family had lived rent-free in an official residence for more than nine years, apparently without authorization. The benefit, valued at more than $400,000, may not have been reported to tax authorities.[3] Other perks were also alleged, including chauffeuring of family and misuse of lodging in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

Retirement in 2017

On March 22, 2017, Edwards appointed as Edmonson's interim (and later affirmed) successor Maj. Kevin Wayne Reeves,[4] (born December 1968).

After he left the state police, Edmonson took a position in private industry.

References

  1. Jim Mustian (March 27, 2017). "Edmonson's abrupt retirement diminishes pension, but big annual sum still coming". The Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  2. Harper, John (May 18, 2013). "After receiving national award, Louisiana State Police boss defends his record on transparency". NOLA.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  3. "Scathing audit finds Mike Edmonson took repeated handouts, used State Police role for personal gain".
  4. "Kevin Reeves, December 1968". Louisiana Secretary of State. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
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