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FOX 8 Defenders

  • Defenders Complaint Form

FOX 8 Defenders

An administrator said the OMV has 62 job openings and is trying to hire more people to answer...

Fox 8 Defenders: Lawmakers grill OMV leaders over poor phone service

Updated: Mar. 20, 2023 at 10:10 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
An administrator said the OMV has 62 job openings and is trying to hire more people to answer calls and return messages faster

FOX 8 Defenders

A spokesperson said Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles is struggling to fill more than 60...

Fox 8 Defenders: Callers say they can’t get through to the OMV

Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 8:18 AM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
Frustrated customers say calls and voice messages go unanswered by state agency

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Residents complain of unsafe living conditions at The Willows

New La. bill would remove tax exemption status for non-profit ‘slumlords’

Updated: Feb. 28, 2023 at 4:25 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
The bill also gives authority to local municipalities to determine if a non-profit is fostering sub-standard living conditions at its properties.

Top Story

Fox 8 Defenders: The Bellemont follow up

FOX 8 Defenders: Child begs for help at Bellemont apartments

Updated: Feb. 23, 2023 at 10:07 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
One state lawmaker plans to file a proposal to pull the tax exempt status of property owners who run non-profits, but who lawmakers say are slumlords. The idea for the bill came after our FOX 8 Defenders investigations exposed what residents said were deplorable living conditions at apartments owned by a religious non-profit. Now, one group hits the pavement trying to help tenants who feel they have nowhere else to turn.

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: City admits mistakes amid languishing roadwork woes

Updated: Feb. 13, 2023 at 11:32 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
New Orleans motorists and homeowners are frustrated by unfinished road work projects across the city

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: Scammers posing as landlords putting renters at risk

Updated: Feb. 7, 2023 at 10:58 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
Experts say scammers are using every avenue possible to try and take advantage of people and they’re becoming more aggressive.

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: Apple Air Tags help locate stolen Hyundai in New Orleans

Updated: Jan. 31, 2023 at 6:01 PM CST
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By Rob Masson
Owners of Kias and Hyundais are looking for alternative solutions to a chronic theft problem, popularized by a group of thieves on TikTok.

Top Story

FOX 8 Defenders: Residents complain of sporadic trash pick-up

Updated: Jan. 4, 2023 at 9:56 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
Some New Orleans residents say they're fed up after weeks of no trash pick-up from Richard's Disposal. Others say their pick-up is sporadic and they have no idea when the trash company is coming to their house.

Top Story

FOX 8 Defenders: Former JP Fire Chief calls Bellemont apartments a ticking time bomb

Updated: Nov. 23, 2022 at 10:40 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
The former chief of the Jefferson Parish Fire Department, calls the Bellemont apartment complex a ticking timebomb. The owner of the Bellemont is a religious non-profit that’s racked up fines and code violations over the years. Now, the former chief, Dave Tibbetts, says not much has changed there after a heated meeting with the head of the non-profit.

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: JP leaders conduct monthly sweeps of Bellemont Apartments

Updated: Nov. 22, 2022 at 10:47 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
The Bellemont Apartment Homes' property manager said evangelist Richard Hamlet and his son Lucian are intimately involved with the Metairie complex’s operations
Radar
Radar

Top Story

Fox 8 Defenders: Nonprofit that owns Willows received millions in state financing

Updated: Nov. 14, 2022 at 10:07 PM CST
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By Meg Gatto
A religious nonprofit that owns local apartment complexes and pays no property tax is making millions of dollars in revenue every year.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Willows management attempts to end lease of family who spoke to FOX 8

Updated: Oct. 14, 2022 at 5:04 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
The woman first spoke to FOX 8 in May, complaining about the nightly crime here and what she described as mold in her home and caving walls.

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: New Orleans councilman angry about Parc Fontaine conditions

Updated: Oct. 3, 2022 at 10:33 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
Councilman Freddie King says some conditions at Parc Fontaine are unacceptable

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: Residents describe deplorable conditions at Parc Fontaine apartments

Updated: Sep. 26, 2022 at 10:32 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
Residents at an Algiers apartment complex reach out to FOX 8, begging for help, saying they're living in squalor. One of the owners of Parc Fontaine is Global Ministries Foundation, the same religious non-profit that FOX 8 revealed, owns The Willows in New Orleans East, which was full of mold, and trash and which residents told us was unsafe.

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: Military vet scammed by repairman

Updated: Sep. 20, 2022 at 11:17 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
A war veteran says he was scammed by an appliance repairman who was the subject of a number of Fox 8 Defenders reports.

FOX 8 Defenders

Defenders: Councilman works to toughen law on New Orleans’ blighted pools

Updated: Aug. 10, 2022 at 10:57 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
The city said it is aware of the condition of the pool and will continue to take appropriate enforcement action against the property until the owner complies with the municipal code.

News

Village De L’Est roadwork causing safety concerns for neighbors

Updated: Aug. 10, 2022 at 6:28 PM CDT
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By Andrés Fuentes
Drivers heading through Village De L’Est down Lourdes St. will have to watch out for blocks of roadwork, especially when turning on Brittany Court where a massive truck-sized hole is.

Ida

Federal agency looking into whole-home generator dangers after Hurricane Ida, Fox 8 reports

Updated: Jul. 25, 2022 at 11:24 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reached out to Fox 8 for help in its investigation into whole home generators.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Questions surrounding fine levied against The Willows owner

Updated: Jul. 13, 2022 at 10:59 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
A New Orleans city councilman wants a stiffer punishment by code enforcement against the owner of The Willows apartment complex. The non-profit owner of the site still owes money from a code enforcement hearing two years ago.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Lot filled with crab traps upsets neighbors

Updated: Jul. 7, 2022 at 10:05 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
In an idyllic Venetian Isles neighborhood on the outskirts of New Orleans, some neighbors say they’re at their wits end.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: After 3 murders in less than 24 hours, The Willows ramps up security

Updated: Jul. 1, 2022 at 9:01 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
The Willows apartment complex in New Orleans East has stepped up security measures after residents told us they were terrified to live there.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Almost a dozen code enforcement violations at The Willows

Updated: Jun. 2, 2022 at 10:01 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
After a surprise visit, code enforcement inspectors have found almost a dozen violations of city code at The Willows apartment complex in New Orleans East.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: CEO vows to clean up The Willows apartments

Updated: Jun. 2, 2022 at 6:58 AM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
As New Orleans code enforcement inspectors show up at The Willows, the CEO of the non-profit that owns the complex called us to give his side of the story.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: City Council President calls for actions at The Willows

Updated: May. 25, 2022 at 10:51 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
Our first investigation revealed the issues at The Willows, with residents saying the conditions are unlivable so Helena Moreno wanted to see for herself.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Residents complain of unsafe living conditions at The Willows

Updated: May. 25, 2022 at 1:30 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
Years of neglect, near nightly shootings and overwhelming filth. That's what some terrified New Orleans East neighbors say they've been dealing with at their apartment complex and it's who owns the complex that may surprise you.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Massive pothole causing headaches for drivers

Updated: May. 20, 2022 at 10:05 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
People say the pothole at the corner of Carrollton and Cohn, big enough to stand in, is frustrating and annoying.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Longtime nuisance property gets cleaned up

Updated: Mar. 31, 2022 at 9:27 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
The FOX 8 Defenders learn a longtime nuisance property we've tracked for years no longer poses a problem for one New Orleans neighborhood. While it's been cleaned up, some worry about other lingering eyesores in the St. Bernard area near Bayou St. John.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Covington man receives nearly 100 faxes meant for area doctors

Updated: Feb. 16, 2022 at 11:16 PM CST
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By Shelley Brown
A North shore man received dozens of faxes that contain personal medical information, and they weren't intended for him. Desperate to get the problem fixed, he reached out to the FOX 8 Defenders to track down answers.

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: Contractors say crime is impacting their jobs and livelihoods

Updated: Jan. 20, 2022 at 10:47 PM CST
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By David Jones
Amid the city’s violent crime surge, contractors are working on street upgrade projects that positively benefit neighborhoods across New Orleans. But they fear for their lives, and reached out to the FOX 8 Defenders for help.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Transformation of the old High Rise hotel is in the homestretch

Updated: Nov. 15, 2021 at 9:37 PM CST
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By Shelley Brown
It's been an eyesore you can't miss along I-10 in New Orleans East for years. Now a project to put it back into commerce is in the homestretch. As Shelley Brown explains in this FOX 8 Defenders follow-up, the developer feels it'll fill a need when it comes to affordable housing.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 DEFENDERS: Entergy investigates why leaky Kenner transformer wasn’t replaced within days

Updated: Nov. 1, 2021 at 10:03 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
A dangerous situation unfolded in a Kenner neighborhood when two Entergy transformers exploded and caught fire. A liquid poured out of one of them for hours. When residents couldn’t get a response, they called the FOX 8 defenders, and we helped them get answers.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Entergy investigates why transformer that leaked for months wasn’t replaced

Updated: Oct. 19, 2021 at 10:32 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
The FOX 8 Defenders learn an investigation is now underway after we started asking questions about a potentially dangerous issue. Jefferson Parish neighbors say the problem went on for months until something in their yard exploded and caught fire.

FOX 8 Defenders

Fox 8 Defenders: Cox customers past the point of frustration after over a month of internet outages

Updated: Oct. 8, 2021 at 9:23 PM CDT
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By Kaitlin Rust
Frustration with companies like Cox Communications mounts as many people across the FOX 8 viewing area have been without internet for over a month.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 DEFENDERS: Where is COX Communications?

Updated: Sep. 29, 2021 at 10:51 PM CDT
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By Olivia Vidal
One New Orleans business owner reached out to the FOX 8 Defenders saying he is about to go on unemployment if the internet is not restored.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: City of N.O. plans to clean up longtime unmaintained pool

Updated: Sep. 22, 2021 at 9:36 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
Hurricane Ida's strong winds exposed what some say has been a longtime hidden danger in one New Orleans neighborhood. A City official calls it an "imminent danger," and now we're learning more about the plan to eliminate the health and safety hazard, in this FOX 8 Defenders follow-up.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 DEFENDERS: Helpful tips for hiring contractors for anyone with Ida storm damage

Updated: Sep. 16, 2021 at 9:15 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
Whether you've got minimal damage or a home that is uninhabitable, so many in Southeast Louisiana are desperate to repair or rebuild. Before you hire someone though, there are some important steps you should take that could save you time and money.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 DEFENDERS FOLLOW-UP: I-10 Barrier project slated for N.O. East

Updated: Aug. 16, 2021 at 10:37 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
There's a project in the works to better protect neighborhoods that border I-10 in New Orleans East. Tonight the FOX 8 Defenders update a story we brought you nearly two years ago on what one homeowner calls a dangerous house.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Nine months later, fence contractor delivers gate to JP homeowner

Updated: Jul. 2, 2021 at 9:46 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
Nine months after signing a contract to fabricate and install an iron gate, work has resumed.

Crime

FOX 8 Investigates: D.A. disciplines ADA for not communicating with carjacking victim prior to plea negotiations

Updated: Jun. 24, 2021 at 6:25 PM CDT
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By Natasha Robin
The D.A. admits no one reached out to the victim in a plea negotiation that sent her juvenile attacker to boot camp.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: River Ridge woman loses $500 in Amazon scam

Updated: Jun. 16, 2021 at 11:13 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
A Jefferson Parish woman thought someone got into her Amazon account, running up hundreds of dollars in charges. It turns out it was all a scam, and the consumer lost hard-earned money. She shared her experience with the FOX 8 Defenders to warn others.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: New Orleans East eyesore conversion underway

Updated: Jun. 8, 2021 at 5:18 PM CDT
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By Rob Masson
After years of neglect, the owner of the 9-story building on Chef Menteur Highway near the I-10 says its rebirth is well underway.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders Follow-up: Not So Sweet 16 party planned for longtime blighted home

Updated: Jun. 2, 2021 at 11:12 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
From complaints of harboring rodents to missing windows, a vacant Lakeview address has racked up dozens of Code Enforcement violations over the years. Now nearby homeowners are planning a unique gathering tomorrow to shine more light on the eyesore.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: JP small business owner shares consumer warning after disturbing phone call

Updated: May. 13, 2021 at 10:07 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
A Jefferson Parish small business owner shares details of a disturbing phone call that escalated into a threat to one of her young employees. She's turned to the FOX 8 Defenders to spread an important consumer warning.

FOX 8 Defenders

French Quarter roadwork impacts nearby businesses

Updated: May. 10, 2021 at 10:17 PM CDT
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By Olivia Vidal
City contract construction crews are once again tearing up streets in the French Quarter, including portions of Bourbon Street.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 DEFENDERS: 16 months and $6k later, couple still waits for a fence

Updated: May. 4, 2021 at 9:20 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
Looking for extra security around their home, a Lakeview couple spent thousands of dollars on a new fence, but more than a year later, the fence still isn't up.

FOX 8 Defenders

French Quarter residents concerned about safety amid sidewalk project

Updated: Apr. 28, 2021 at 6:28 PM CDT
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By Meg Gatto
Neighbors call a sidewalk repair project in the French Quarter, a nightmare. In a FOX 8 Defenders report, they explain why they’re so upset as the work has halted with huge holes left behind.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 DEFENDERS: Business owners say stalled street repairs have cut off customers

Updated: Apr. 8, 2021 at 9:51 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
After digging up the street months ago, business owners say work crews haven't been back, and what they left behind has cut off their customers. Unable to get answers, they turned to the FOX 8 Defenders for help.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Giant pothole in Treme neighborhood

Updated: Mar. 24, 2021 at 3:52 PM CDT
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By Natasha Robin
They say construction crews were working in the neighborhood a few weeks ago. That’s when they noticed a pothole starting to form.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Touro Shakspeare could be restored, leased

Updated: Mar. 18, 2021 at 9:40 PM CDT
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By Shelley Brown
The City's opening up the Touro Shakspeare Home to residents and businesses to bid on restoring and leasing the property in Algiers. In a FOX 8 Defenders follow-up, our cameras got a rare look inside for the first time and a bird's eye view of the 60,000 square foot building.

FOX 8 Defenders

FOX 8 Defenders: Navigating access to unemployment benefits

Updated: Mar. 12, 2021 at 7:55 PM CST
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By Shelley Brown
While the extension of federal weekly unemployent benefits is welcome news for many out of work individuals, many say they've struggled to navigate the state's system to access benefits. But the state says it will soon implement a new system that could help in getting legitimate claims paid.
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