A grand jury has formally indicted former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder on charges of felony theft and malfeasance in office, following allegations he stole a rare historical artifact from the state capitol building.
The Alleged Theft of State Property
Schexnayder stands accused of removing an ancient cypress board valued at over $25,000 that had been displayed in the Louisiana state Capitol for decades. The indictment was delivered on Wednesday 12th November 2025, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to the misuse of political power.
According to reports from The Times Picayune-Advocate, the former speaker allegedly took the valuable board from the capitol more than ten years ago to display in his legislative office in Gonzales, Louisiana. The artifact, described as both historically significant and financially valuable, remains missing despite ongoing investigations.
Political Fallout and Legal Consequences
Schexnayder, who served as a Republican state representative from 2012 to 2024 and held the powerful position of House Speaker from 2020 to 2024, now faces severe legal repercussions. The felony theft charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment or a $50,000 fine, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a strong statement regarding the case, emphasising that "You don't get to keep state property, it doesn't belong to you". This sentiment was echoed by officials from her office, who confirmed the board has not been recovered despite the ongoing legal proceedings.
Defence and Political Context
The former speaker previously claimed to The Times Picayune-Advocate that he had received permission to take the board, though this account has been firmly rejected by other state officials. Schexnayder did not respond to recent attempts by The Associated Press to obtain comment on his indictment.
This indictment represents another setback for Schexnayder's political career, which previously saw an unsuccessful bid for secretary of state in 2023 when he lost in the primary election. His departure from the House in 2024 was due to term limits, concluding twelve years of legislative service.
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings move forward, with the recovery of the missing artifact remaining a priority for state authorities.
