The U.S. Attorney's Office for Louisiana's Western District continues to feel the impact of the partial shutdown of the federal government.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for Louisiana's Western District continues to feel the impact of the partial shutdown of the federal government.
According to a press release issued by U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley's office on Thursday, since the shutdown took effect Oct. 1, the Western District, which includes offices in Lafayette, Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles, has retained about 54 percent of its original staff. As a result, the majority of workers in both the civil and criminal divisions are on furlough, and though civil litigation has nearly come to a standstill, Thursday's press release states that criminal litigation will remain in operation.
"Criminal litigation is ongoing, as these activities are deemed essential to the safety of human life and the protection of property," the release states.