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Former Louisiana Speaker Indicted for Stealing Historic Cypress Board

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder was indicted on felony theft and malfeasance for allegedly stealing a 1,200-year-old cypress board valued over $25,000.
The board disappeared from the Capitol and was reportedly taken to Schexnayder's office more than ten years ago, prompting the investigation after the donor family reported it missing.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said, "You don't get to keep state property; it doesn't belong to you."

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Story summary

Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder was indicted on felony theft and malfeasance for allegedly stealing a 1,200-year-old cypress board valued over $25,000.
The board disappeared from the Capitol and was reportedly taken to Schexnayder's office more than ten years ago, prompting the investigation after the donor family reported it missing.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said, "You don't get to keep state property; it doesn't belong to you."