Attorney Allison A. Jones speaks on cease and desist sought by Councilman Gary Brooks against Shanerika Flemings

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Shreveport Councilman Gary Brooks and his lawyer, attorney Allison A. Jones, are opening the doors to the media to answer questions.

On Oct. 5 at 11 a.m., Jones opened her office alongside her client Brooks to answer media questions related to the cease-and-desist order sought against former Clerk of City Council Shanerika Flemings and other third parties, including activist Craig Lee.

On Sept. 28, Brooks retained Jones and the law firm Downer, Jones, Marino & Wilhite to prosecute and pursue legal actions against Flemings and others due to what Brooks considers slanderous and defamatory actions against him.

Jones said a lawsuit hasn’t currently been filed, but Councilman Brooks still reserves the right to do so.

“While I realize that I hold a public office and am, thus, subject to criticism, it is imperative that I ensure that my legal rights are protected and that my constituency understands that the recent statements made about me are false and defamatory,” Brooks said. “As such, I have retained counsel to ensure and protect my rights, including the prosecution of anyone who has made or continues to make knowingly false statements in reckless disregard for the truth and my legal rights.

“Simply put, my conduct has, at all times, been in accord and compliance with the equal employment laws of the City of Shreveport,” Brooks continued. “Any allegation to the contrary is blatantly false and will not be tolerated. I will not be silent in the face of these false allegations.”

Jones also added that after her review of cellular documents, there were no signs of unwelcomed conduct and no inappropriate conduct on behalf of Councilman Brooks that violated the equal unemployment laws adopted by the City of Shreveport.

“What we’re trying to do is let’s make sure the citizens of Shreveport know what actually occurred. What’s true and what’s not true,” she said. “In that request, I also made a request that both of those individuals preserve their electronic communication and preserve their evidence, so if we do get into litigation here, everyone knows what actually occurred. That’s the purpose of the cease and desist.”

KSLA News 12 reached out to Flemings and Lee for comment. We’re still waiting their response.

Jones issued the following statement:

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