Michael David Edmonson (born September 19, 1958) is the former superintendent of the

Louisiana State Police The Louisiana State Police (French: Police d’Etat de Louisiane) is the state police agency of Louisiana, which has jurisdiction anywhere in the state, headquartered in Baton Rouge. It falls under the authority of the Louisiana Department of P ...

, with service from January 2008 until March 24, 2017. Thus far, he is the longest serving of the Louisiana state police superintendents. Edmonson was appointed by

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Bobby Jindal. Jindal's successor,

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John Bel Edwards John Bel Edwards (born September 16, 1966) is an American politician and attorney serving as the 56th governor of Louisiana since 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the Democratic leader of the Louisiana House of ...

, accepted Edmonson's letter of resignation after a dispute about troopers mishandling their expense accounts while at a conference in

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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

In 2013 Edmonson received the Buford Pusser National Law Enforcement Award. 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. 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, (born December 1968). After he left the state police, Edmonson took a position in private industry.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Edmonson, Mike 1958 births Living people State cabinet secretaries of Louisiana Louisiana Republicans Politicians from Alexandria, Louisiana Politicians from Baton Rouge, Louisiana Holy Savior Menard Central High School alumni Louisiana State University alumni American state police officers