Collection:LPB

Genre: News, Public Affairs

Place Covered: Covington, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1984-02-24

Duration: 00:07:36

Subjects: African Americans | Politics | Criminal justice, Administration of | Primus, Freddie

Contributors:

• Johnson, Ken Host
• Courtney, Beth Host
• Johnson, Ken Reporter
• Primus, Freddie Interviewee
• Williams, Jesse, Jr. Interviewee
• Lott, Martha Interviewee

This segment from the February 24, 1984, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Ken Johnson’s interview with Freddie Primus, a former police officer and councilman in Covington. Johnson reports that Primus was arrested before his re-election campaign and accused of selling drugs to undercover police officers. He also reports that the charges were dropped after the election due to inaccurate statements from witnesses. Primus discusses: the difficulties he has faced since his arrest, including the loss of his job; his belief that he was framed; his bitterness about the incident; and his hope for justice. Johnson also interviews Covington residents Jesse Williams, Jr. and Martha Lott, who discuss the plight of African Americans in Covington. Hosts: Ken Johnson and Beth Courtney