Louisiana exoneree's first day as elected clerk gets messy after court intervenes

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Louisiana man who spent decades in prison for a wrongful conviction began work Monday overseeing the criminal court in New Orleans after a judge blocked the state from eliminating the position.

But Calvin Duncan's day soon got messy: A higher court stepped in about 9:30 a.m. and froze that decision at the state's request.

Duncan won 68% of the vote to serve as Orleans Parish criminal court clerk. But at the urging of Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, the GOP-controlled state Legislature raced to pass legislation eliminating the position days before Duncan's term was to start, transferring the duties to another official.

U.S. District Judge John deGravelles intervened Sunday, saying the law eliminating the clerk position was unconstitutional because it replaced an elected office with a political appointee. He granted a restraining order while the litigation continues and ordered the parties to a status conference Monday.

“The Court is not ruling that the state lacks the authority to abolish an agency or office writ large," deGravelles said. He said he was “simply holding” that Louisiana's approach violated Duncan's constitutional rights to due process.

Louisiana quickly responded with an appeal, saying the order “accomplishes nothing other than threaten chaos." The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay.

Duncan told The Associated Press that he was still in his office. He declined further comment.

The governor signed a law Thursday to have the Orleans Parish clerk of civil court take over the responsibilities of the clerk of criminal court. Landry and Republican allies said the measure consolidating the clerk’s offices improved government efficiency and aligned the parish with the rest of the state.

As Duncan climbed the stairs to the court Monday and settled into his new office, he told the AP that he believed he would win the legal battle in the long run. He said he planned to spend the day getting to know employees and others at the court.

“I’m not just elated but overelated and happy that this day finally came," Duncan said. “It’s something I’ve been working towards a very long time. This is a testament that God is still in control.”

Duncan, whose murder conviction was vacated in 2021, taught himself law behind bars and later became a licensed attorney. He ran for the clerk position vowing to improve access to court records, electrifying many voters with his personal experience fighting to clear his name.

Duncan's supporters say the attempt by a majority white conservative Legislature to eliminate Duncan's job thwarts the will of voters in New Orleans, a predominantly Black Democratic hub in a red state. Louisiana has led efforts to gut the Voting Rights Act.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, a Democrat, said the judge's ruling in Duncan's case protected voters' rights.

“The court made clear that you cannot change the rules after an election has already taken place," Moreno said in a statement. "Voters in New Orleans overwhelmingly elected Calvin Duncan and the will of the people should be respected.”

Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Calvin Duncan, left, an exoneree who was elected Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court, gets behind his desk on the first day of his term, Monday, May 4, 2026, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

People protesting against Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry gather outside Orleans Parish criminal court on the day Calvin Duncan, an exoneree who was elected Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court, took his first day in office, Monday, May 4, 2026, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Calvin Duncan, left, an exoneree who was elected Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court, greets outgoing clerk Darren Lombard in his office on the first day of his term, Monday, May 4, 2026, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

People protesting against Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry gather outside Orleans Parish criminal court on the day Calvin Duncan, an exoneree who was elected Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court, took his first day in office, Monday, May 4, 2026, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Calvin Duncan, left, an exoneree who was elected Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court, gets behind his desk on the first day of his term, Monday, May 4, 2026, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — A jury has been seated in the assault trial of Stefon Diggs, a former New England Patriots wide receiver accused of assaulting his private chef.

The four-time Pro Bowl wideout has pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from the December incident. Opening statements could begin as early as Monday afternoon after jurors receive instructions.

Diggs declined to speak to reporters as he arrived at Norfolk County District Court in Dedham, a Boston suburb.

According to court records, the chef told officers that she and Diggs had argued about money he owed her for work. During the Dec. 2 encounter at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts, she said, he “smacked her across the face” and then “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck,” leaving her feeling short of breath. She told officers she had trouble breathing and felt she could have blacked out.

Diggs’ attorney has said he “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute. Diggs did not speak to reporters outside court in February.

Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with New England last year and was a key target for quarterback Drake Maye during the Patriots’ AFC East title run. Before joining the Patriots, Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and played for the Buffalo Bills before a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Diggs’ 1,000-yard season with the Patriots marked the seventh of his career. It helped complete a successful career revival after a season-ending knee injury derailed what turned out to be a one-year stay with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Diggs, who led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with four touchdowns in his only season with the Patriots, was released by the team in March. Diggs posted a goodbye on social media, thanking the Patriots for the season and saying: “We family forever.”

Diggs has yet to sign with another team.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs arrives at Norfolk County District Court, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs arrives at Norfolk County District Court, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs arrives at Norfolk County District Court, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs arrives at Norfolk County District Court, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs arrives at Norfolk County District Court, Monday, May 4, 2026, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)