Ward 4 marshal defends courthouse moves, denies corruption claims and urges transparency
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Summary
Brandon Deaver, Ward 4 marshal, told the Sulphur City Council on Feb. 9 that repeated court relocations and unsafe facilities prompted requests for a permanent site; he denied accusations of corruption, said Judge Trump contributed $100,000 toward concrete parking, and invited residents to review records.
Brandon Deaver, the Ward 4 marshal, used the council’s public-comment period on Feb. 9 to describe multiple relocations of Sulphur court operations since 2019 and to defend himself and the judge against allegations of corruption.
Deaver said Sulphur City Court and Ward 4 Court moved three times in six years because of COVID, major hurricanes and a historic snowstorm. He described repeated safety and mold problems at temporary sites and said the city had relied on modular facilities that required significant mitigation: "We had 13 dehumidifiers on at all times attempting to minimize the mold and the mildew," he said.
Deaver said he pressed the city for a safer, permanent courthouse site near Sulphur High School, noting that the facility also hosts overflow parking for school events. He said Judge Trump contributed $100,000 toward concrete parking to improve safety for staff and visitors and that the contribution was sent to the city in a check and email.
Deaver directly addressed accusations that he or the judge had engaged in improper dealings with the city: "I'm not corrupt. I'm not illegal, and I've done nothing wrong," he said. He encouraged residents to meet with him personally to review records and raise questions.
Several residents responded during the same public-comment period. Joshua Baden said he appreciated Deaver’s service but raised questions about the procurement process after Deaver’s remarks, alleging some contracts may have been awarded without required public bidding. Baden said he planned to seek copies of records related to the donation and contracting decisions.
The council did not take formal action on the public comments. Deaver’s remarks followed several agenda votes and introductions, including ordinances about subdivisions, rezoning, street overlay, equipment donation and property sales. The meeting adjourned after final remarks urging civility and transparency.
