Former 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office Investigator Charged with Solicitation and Receipt of Bribes

Acting United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL J. COTTON, age 68, of Bogalusa, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with soliciting sexual favors from a woman in exchange for obtaining a bond reduction for her boyfriend.

According to the Bill of Information, COTTON worked as an Investigator with the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District, which included St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.  COTTON was responsible for investigating matters involving the issuance of bad checks, including initiating cases, reviewing records, interacting with victims, collecting fees and restitution from offenders, and obtaining warrants from municipal judges.  COTTON also possessed and displayed a law enforcement badge and credentials, represented the DA’s Office in interactions with criminal defendants and witnesses in ongoing law enforcement investigations, and had access to sensitive case-related information.  Furthermore, COTTON regularly corresponded with, had access to, and provided case-related recommendations to Assistant District Attorneys.  On July 10, 2015, COTTON is alleged to have demanded sexual favors from a female identified as “Victim 1” in exchange for seeking a bond reduction for her boyfriend from $25,000 to a $30 signature bond.