Here’s another story proving that being a corrupt politician is one of the most lucrative jobs one can obtain — especially at the local level.
East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Cleve Dunn is facing allegations after reports show he allegedly used his position to enrich himself through a fraudulent contract with the Capital Area Transit System (CATS).
WBRZ reported that the councilman is facing an indictment on multiple felony counts including bribery, money laundering, public contract fraud, illegal split commission of commodities, malfeasance in office, and conspiracy. He is accused of turning a $50,000 CATS consulting contract into his own personal payday.
Another council member has filed a measure to remove Dunn from the city’s airport commission, citing his “abuse of power.”
Here’s how the scheme worked. Dunn allegedly steered the $50,000 CATS contract to a company owned by an ally. Then, they converted most of the money to one of Dunn’s businesses. The councilman used his influence over CATS to push a consulting deal with Supreme Solutions, a firm connected to contractor Jarion “Jay” Collar.
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Dunn allegedly introduced Colar to CATS leadership to solidify the deal. CATS paid Supreme Solutions in two installments. At least $33,000 of that money was paid to “C.G.,” a company the authorities identified as Core Group LLC.
🚨Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests Baton Rouge councilman in ongoing widespread corruption probe
— Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) January 31, 2026
Today, Councilman Cleve Dunn was booked by LBI agents at the EBR Parish Prison after surrendering for the charges he was indicted on a few days ago. We expect additional… pic.twitter.com/hSxUe2a4GV
And who was linked to Core Group LLC? That’s right, Councilman Cleve Dunn. So, when Supreme Solutions was paid by CATS, it turned around and paid most of that money to Dunn’s company.
The Bayou Progressive reported that Supreme Solutions’ work was not exactly up to par. Investigators said the company submitted reports to CATS that were copied from a Canadian transportation expert’s study. They allegedly used this analysis to justify their asking price.
This case was not Dunn’s first rodeo. The Bayou Progressive also reported that Baton Rouge developer Bradley Brown is facing charges for money laundering and other crimes after he received $6 million in federal funds for a housing project Dunn voter to support. Investigators found text messages between Dunn and Brown in which they discussed “payments and returns on investment” before the vote.
The CATS scandal is part of a larger pattern of corruption in Baton Rouge’s local government. This case emerged from a federal probe that led FBI agents to serve subpoenas in 2024 at the office of then-Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, according to Unfiltered with Kiran.
The former mayor even received a target letter from the FBI in connection with a separate bribery case related to CATS contracts. It appears that CATS has become something of a cash cow for corrupt politicians and their friends.
It appears Dunn might actually be held accountable. But the obvious question is: How many other Baton Rouge politicians are abusing their authority without facing consequences?
