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Ex–New Orleans 911 Director Tyrell Morris Gets One Year to Serve After Crash Cover‑Up Conviction

Recorded jail calls played in court fueled the district attorney’s criticism of the largely suspended term.

Overview

  • Criminal Court Judge Simone Levine imposed a 10‑year sentence with nine years suspended, leaving one year to serve, plus five years of probation, $2,000 in fines, and 1,000 hours of community service.
  • A jury last week convicted Morris on false impersonation of a peace officer, malfeasance in office, injuring public records, and insurance fraud.
  • Prosecutors played jailhouse recordings in which Morris used profanity to describe the judge, and in one call he said his lawyer would file an appeal.
  • District Attorney Jason Williams criticized the outcome after prosecutors sought the maximum 10 years, saying the sentence did not reflect the seriousness of the conduct.
  • WGNO reported the judge granted a $500,000 appeal bond that could allow Morris’ release pending appeal if posted.