Recently we reported that Louisiana Judge Michelle Odinet had released a statement in response to a video that quickly went viral on social media, in which she and other people in her home can be heard using the N-word several times in response to a break-in.
At the time, Odinet blamed her use of such a heinous racial slur on an altered mental state, due to being on sedatives to help calm her nerves following what she described as an “armed burglary” at her home — though, Lafayette Police Sgt. Paul Mouton contradicted the judge’s claim when he alleged that they caught the suspect in question and he didn’t actually have a weapon on his person at the time of his arrest.
As you’d expect, Odinet’s excuse for her behavior wasn’t well-received, and I guess she got the memo, as a new report from The Independent reveals that Louisiana Judge Michelle Odinet has officially resigned from her position over the racist incident.
Odinet penned her letter of resignation to the Louisiana Supreme Court, effective immediately, writing:
After much reflection and prayer, and in order to facilitate healing within the community, I hereby resign as judge of the Lafayette City Court effective immediately. I am sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary of State and hope that a special election can be scheduled to fill the vacancy that my resignation creates.”
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In addition to her letter of resignation, Odinet’s attorney, Dane Ciolino, issued a statement on her behalf, stating that the now-former judge is aware that her resignation from the courts is not enough to absolve her sins.
“Ms. Odinet understands that this is the end of her public service, but only the beginning of what she must to do to earn the forgiveness of the community,” the attorney’s statement reads.
Odinet was reportedly hammered with calls from numerous top officials following the release of the video — including Governor John Bel Edwards and Lafayette City Councilman Glenn Lazard, calling on her to resign from her position. The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana and the Anti Defamation League also called on the judge to do the right thing and step down from the bench.
Odinet’s short-lived career as a judge had only just begun in 2020.
You can read the full report from The Independent here.
