DEPUTIES CALLED TO SERVE IN CASE AGAINST JUDGE

Bodenheimer Probe Continues to Grow

In another sign that the case against state Judge Ronald Bodenheimer
is continuing to expand, four deputies with the Jefferson Parish
Sheriff's Office were subpoenaed and two others "invited" to appear
before a federal grand jury in connection with the case, Sheriff Harry
Lee said Thursday.

Lee would not identify five of the deputies. But he said Lt. Guy
Crosby, who worked in the warrants and attachments division of the
Sheriff's Office, recently retired after two interviews with federal
officials, Lee said.

Bodenheimer, 49, was arrested two weeks ago and is accused of planting
drugs on a man who had complained to federal authorities about alleged
illegal activities at the judge's Venetian Isles Marina in eastern New
Orleans.

Lee said he was uncertain why the deputies, all of whom worked in the
courthouse or correctional center in Gretna, were subpoenaed. It was
not clear when or whether all had appeared before the grand jury.

"We haven't asked, and haven't been told," he said.

Crosby was planning on retiring at the end of the year but opted for
an earlier retirement after discussions with federal agents, Lee said.

"For some reason, he expedited his retirement," he
said.

Last week, Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Jon Gegenheimer turned over
to federal investigators some of his office's records, which centered
on restaurateur Al Copeland's April 2000 divorce from his third wife
and the couple's ongoing child support and custody battle.

Bodenheimer handled the case.

And on Wednesday, federal officials raided several office buildings of
Gretna bail bondsman Louis Marcotte III, removing more than 50 boxes
of files in nine hours.

Lee said he is unsure what sparked the raid.

"I don't know what they're looking for," he said.