Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand is one of the most powerful men in Jefferson Parish and Louisiana. He was instrumental in helping to get John Bel Edwards elected governor.

Jefferson Parish politics is also known for its corruption and sleaze honesty and integrity.

The FBI is looking into CTNN Enterprises, LLC that is co-owned by Newell Normand and his chief deputy, Craig Taffaro. They’re looking into some possible kickbacks paid to them by a company called Harvey Gulf International Marine, which is owned by Shane Guidry.

From The Advocate:

The sources said authorities appear to be trying to determine what work Normand and Taffaro perform in connection with the arrangement, and whether any of the people paying them has received any official favors in return.

Normand was elected sheriff in November 2007; the job now pays him $176,000 per year.

He and Taffaro formed CTNN roughly a year later, according to state records. Normand’s disclosure records indicate the company is split 50-50 between the two men.

The company’s income actually comes from Pelican Marine Distributors, a Belle Chasse firm that supplies food, bedding, janitorial items and other equipment to companies that work in the Gulf. CTNN gets a commission, paid by Pelican Marine, for all items ordered by Harvey Gulf.

According to sources with knowledge of the investigation, Harvey Gulf is the only company for which CTNN receives such commissions. The company has no presence on the internet or any other apparent visibility, such as a storefront.

Shane Guidry is a politically connected businessman and big Newell Normand backer. He also was close to Normand’s former boss, the late Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee.

Guidry also serves in the Louisiana Attorney General’s office and was a major backer to Jeff Landry in last year’s race.

Pelican Marine is owned by two major Newell Normand backers, William Lazaro and Jeffrey Badeaux Jr. They have contributed $12,000 to Normand’s campaigns between them.