Law Offices of Sonjia Kirk & Associates
Warren Riley Statement Regarding Rescinded Cantrell Mayoral Appointment
New Orleans, LA, Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Regrettably, I learned this morning in a telephone
conversation with Mayor LaToya Cantrell that she has rescinded her official appointment of me (letter
attached), as City of New Orleans Director of Homeland Security and Public Safety. After six-weeks of
rigorous interviews and vetting, it was determined that I was the most qualified candidate for the
position. I am deeply disappointed and the Mayor's reversal comes as a complete surprise.
Throughout the interview process, Mayor-Elect Cantrell indicated that she was impressed with my
twenty years of local law enforcement leadership, international emergency relief work and experience
managing and coordinating the federal response to Presidentially declared disasters with the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Specifically, after a thorough review, I obtained top secret clearance from the Department of Homeland
Security. Appointed by two presidential administration's as the lead federal coordinating officer, I
managed fourteen federally declared disasters around the country. The U.S. State Department selected
me to assist with the assessment of the collapse of the criminal justice system in Haiti, following the
2010 earthquake. I was a lead adviser to the Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease
Control on the Flint, Michigan water crisis. And, as a lecturer and keynote speaker, I have addressed
international audiences about disaster management response and recovery.
Prior to the scheduled May 1, 2018 Cantrell Administration Cabinet Appointments News Conference
Announcement, I was preparing to return to City Government, having undergone employment
administration processes, including security and background checks and a drug test.
On the morning of the May 1 news conference, I was introduced to the Mayor's new leadership team as
the Director of Homeland Security and Public Safety. Following that introduction, at the Mayor's
direction, I conducted an introductory group session with the leadership including, the NOPD Police
Chief and the Director of the Office of Secondary Employment, as well as, the Fire Chief, the Crime
Commissioner, and the Chief of Emergency Management. I was given a tour of the Office of Emergency
Management.Shortly thereafter, Mayor-Elect Cantrell notified me, asking if I would meet her in the
Council Chamber to discuss the upcoming news conference that was scheduled to be held in 30
minutes. Upon our meeting, the Mayor informed me that she was putting a pause on my appointment.
Today's decision by Mayor Cantrell to reverse her initial decision and rescind my appointment is
concerning on several levels. I am aware of the rumors and untruths being spread questioning my
personal character and professional reputation.
Let me set the record straight. First and foremost, to all of those who lost loved ones during Katrina,
they have always had my absolute sympathy and prayers. Related to the Danziger Bridge incident. At
no time was I on the bridge. At no time did I have communications with officers during the incident. At
no time did I give any orders related to actions that transpired on the bridge. At that time, I was
directing rescue operations from temporary police field office located at the Harrah's Casino.
1

 Regarding, the police department incident report, I did not read the report in its entirety but, I was
briefed multiple times by the Chief of Detectives concerning the incident. The incident report was
submitted to the Orleans District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney obtained indictments. Officers
went to trial in Orleans Criminal District Court. The case was ultimately dismissed by the presiding Judge.
Subsequently, the case was tried in federal court. As then Superintendent of the New Orleans Police
Department, I followed all standard operating procedures related to this incident.
I love New Orleans and was humbled to be called again to serve, under the first female Mayor, in the
year of our Tricentennial. It is with great regret that I will not have the opportunity to bring my
commitment to community and wealth of national and international emergency management and law
enforcement expertise to the great, historic and progressive City of New Orleans.

For media inquiries, contact Sonjia Kirk at (504) 620-5521 or
administration@kirkgrouplaw.com

2

 FORWARD
TOGETHER

NEW ORLEANS
April 22, 2018

Warren Riley
305 Brookhaven Avenue, NE
Brookhaven, Georgia 30319

Warren:

I am pleased to offer you the unclassified position of Director of the Public Safety and Homeland Security for the
City of New Orleans. This position is of wat will " service to the City and without privilege of Civil Service standing.
The salary for this position is herein offered at $180,000 annually. This salary is paid bi-weekly and is subject to
applicable federal and state withholdings. The City offers a mandatory pension plan, along with optional medical ,
dental and vision health care plan, life insurance, various voluntary deferred compensation plans, and other
benefits.
This offer is conditional upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. Upon your
confirmation and acceptance of this offer of employment, background screening will commence. If you accept
this offer, please indicate below and complete the attached background check authorization. Return both
documents to offers@forwardtogetherneworleans.com.
Should you need any additional information, please feel free to contact my Chief of Staff, John Pourciau, at 225247-2833.

Sincerely,

LaToya Cant rell
Mayor-Elect

To accept this Job offer. please sign and date below. Return via email to
offers@forwardtogetherneworleans com.

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Social Security Number:_

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Telephone Number: 504-915-0773

Email Address:

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Drivers License Number/State:

LA4333162

Highest Level of Education: Name of School: Southern University at New Orleans
Degree Earned: Master of Arts
Grad Year:
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The information contained in this appfication is correct to the best of my knowledge.
I hereby authorize THE PEOPLE RESOURCE GROUP and its designated agents and representatives
to conduct a comprehensive review of my background causing a consumer report and/or an
investigative consumer report to be generated for employment and/or volunteer purposes. I understand
that the scope of the consumer report/ investigative consumer report may include, but is not limited to
the following areas: verification of social security number; credit reports, current and previous
residences; employment history, education background, character references; drug testing, civil and
criminal history records from any criminal justice agency in any or all federal, state, county Jurisdictions;
driving records, birth records, and any other public records.
I further authorize any individual, company, firm, corporation, or public agency to divulge any and all
information, verbal or written, pertaining to me, to THE PEOPLE RESOURCE GROU or its agents. I
further authorize the complete release of any records or data pertaining to me which the individual,
company, firm, corporetion, or public agency may have, to include Information or data received from
other sources. THE PEOPLE RESOURCE GROUP and its designated agents and representatives shall
maintain all information received from this authorization in a confidential manner in order to protect the
applicants personal information, including, but not limited to, addresses, social security numbers, and
dates ofblrth.

Date:

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