Harry Lee, Sheriff of Jefferson Parish in Louisiana, Dies at 75

Controversial sheriff Harry Lee died Monday at the age of 75, one day after being admitted to Ochsner Hospital for breathing problems related to his battle with leukemia.

Lee made headlines shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area in August of 2005. The seven-term sheriff openly blamed the displaced from New Orleans for a spike in crime in the largely white parish of Jefferson.

He was criticized heavily for his suggestion that his deputies be allowed to randomly question young black men as well as record street groups and license plates in high-crime areas.

Chief Deputy Newell Normand made the announcement of Lee’s death when he spoke to reporters outside of the hospital, “Harry Lee, sheriff of the parish of Jefferson left us. He was a man who truly loved the parish. He spent so many years of dedicated service to the parish of Jefferson.”

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