Gonzales Daiquiri Dust-Up Puts Ascension Judge On The Hot Seat

Ascension Parish Judge Steven Tureau is staring down formal misconduct charges tied to a late-night scuffle at a Gonzales daiquiri bar, a case that could shadow him as his current term winds toward 2026.

Commission Moves Toward Possible Discipline

The Louisiana Judiciary Commission has filed formal notice accusing Tureau of misconduct and has set a September hearing on the matter, according to NOLA.com. The notice follows the commission's review of the 2023 incident and alleges that Tureau "crossed the line" during the dispute, a characterization his attorney, Dane Ciolino, has said the judge has accepted responsibility for.

Judge Tureau’s Bench And Background

Tureau was elected to the 23rd Judicial District Court in 2019 and serves Ascension, Assumption and St. James parishes, according to the Louisiana Judiciary. Court records list him as the Division D judge based in Gonzales, and his current term is scheduled to run through 2026.

What Allegedly Went Down At Swamp Chicken Daiquiris

The commission’s allegations focus on a confrontation on Feb. 12, 2023, at Swamp Chicken Daiquiris in Gonzales. A woman involved in the incident called 911, and video later reviewed by investigators shows Tureau appearing angry and knocking over or spilling a bottle, according to the commission filing cited by NOLA.com.

The complaint states that Tureau and others were pushed out a back door into mud and trash. Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to the call but did not pursue criminal charges, according to the same report.

How Judicial Discipline Works In Louisiana

The Judiciary Commission is empowered to investigate complaints, subpoena witnesses and documents, and hold formal hearings. If it concludes that a judge has committed misconduct, it can recommend sanctions to the Louisiana Supreme Court under Rule XXIII, according to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Potential outcomes range from a private admonishment to public censure or removal from office. The Supreme Court has the last word, with authority to accept, change or reject the commission’s recommendation.

Why This Matters In The River Parishes

Tureau oversees a busy docket in the River Parishes, and any public finding of misconduct could affect both his day-to-day work on the bench and his political prospects. His official court bio and related election records list his term as ending in 2026, which means any fallout from a September disciplinary hearing would unfold in a particularly sensitive window, according to the Louisiana Judiciary.

The Judiciary Commission’s hearing is set for September, and both the commission’s filing and Tureau’s attorney indicate the matter will be taken up in formal proceedings. We will track public filings and court schedules and update this story as the hearing date approaches.