Former Louisiana Speaker Clay Schexnayder indicted for allegedly stealing a $25K, 1,200-year-old cypress board from the capitol.

Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, a Republican who served from 2012 to 2024, has been indicted on felony theft and malfeasance charges for allegedly taking a rare, 1,200-year-old cypress board from the state capitol, valued at over $25,000. The artifact, donated in 1955 and displayed for decades, was reportedly moved to Schexnayder’s office in 2013. He claims he believed he had permission and left it behind when vacating his office in early 2024, expecting state officials to collect it. The board remains missing, and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated state property cannot be kept by individuals. Schexnayder, who has not commented, is currently incarcerated. The case is under investigation by state authorities.