By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Sources confirmed late Tuesday evening that St. John Parish President Bill Hubbard is under federal investigation in connection with an alleged scheme with parish contractors to purchase a vehicle for a female friend.

The investigation, which has yet to be officially confirmed by U. S. Attorney Jim Letten’s office, began over the summer after Hubbard’s female friend purchased a new Toyota Camry from a dealership in New Orleans east in May.

Unnamed sources say three contracting firms – Destrehan-based Davezac Consulting Engineers, River Ridge-based Pipeworks Plumbing and Demolition, and Harahan-based Parson and Sanderson – wrote separate checks to help pay for the vehicle. All three companies are currently in contract with the parish.

Hubbard made a brief appearance at Tuesday’s St. John Parish Council meeting, but declined to comment on the alleged investigation. Hubbard was present for much of the council’s finance committee meeting, but left the council chambers before the meeting was adjourned and never returned to his seat.

The woman for whom the car was purchased has yet to be identified publicly. However, it is believed that the female friend is about 30-years-old. She is not a parish employee.

Look for more information about the investigation in Saturday’s edition of the L’Observateur.