JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — The search for someone to take former Jefferson Parish Councilman Chris Roberts’ spot has been narrowed down to a familiar name: Keith Conley.
Conley, the former Parish COO, was nominated by Councilman Rickey Templet. He is the only candidate still being considered by the council after Lisa Jennings from the West Bank Business Association put her support behind Conley.
"I am no longer pursuing the position at this time," Jennings said.
Conley stepped down as the parish’s Chief Operating Office on Jan. 1 of this year, saying he was looking into running for the at-large council seat (the one he may be appointed to), or possibly Parish President.
If Conley takes Roberts’ spot on the parish council, he will not be able to run for the position this fall. He will still need to be interviewed and confirmed by the Jefferson Parish Council.
Conley has had a long history in Jefferson Parish government.
He was a Kenner City Councilmember before joining Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni's administration.
Roberts, who abruptly resigned from his seat on the parish council on April 29, had served on the council since 2004, when he represented District 1, prior to becoming the Council-At-Large from Division ‘A,’ a post he has served in for seven years.
Roberts is believed to be the focus of a federal investigation into financial dealings.
Emails obtained by the New Orleans Advocate show FBI Agent Lisa Horner approached parish officials in March seeking detailed records on two West bank properties with connections to Roberts.
Roberts' attorney Eddie Castaing told WWL-TV, however, the case against his client is "only tax related" and "has nothing to do with his former public office."
Roberts has not been charged with any crimes and whether he decides to accept a plea deal remains to be seen.