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By LRA, published on 5-27-2025 updated on 5-27-2025.
In Denham Springs, Louisiana, state-licensed inspectors and city-authorized ordinance enforcement officers are entrusted with ensuring compliance with building codes to protect residents. However, the case of 222 Pecan St.—a rental property owned by LaJarvis Scott of Walker, LA—reveals a deeply troubling pattern of negligence and incompetence within the city's building department, particularly in the inspections conducted by Stephen Davidson.
The failures began as early as November 2018, when a telephone complaint was filed with the city regarding a fence being constructed at 222 Pecan St. Stephen Davidson, assigned to inspect the property, filed a report stating, “No new fence seen.” However, records indicate this statement was logged on May 23, 2018—months before the complaint was even filed. Despite this clear discrepancy, Davidson later uploaded his report on November 6, 2018, still claiming no violation was found, raising serious concerns about the accuracy and integrity of his inspections.
The fence itself was structurally unsound and inadequate for housing four Mastiff Cane Corso dogs, which the renters kept in a shed on the property as part of their backyard breeding operation. These individuals presented themselves as professional breeders, maintaining a website (BayouCaneCorso.com) and an Instagram account (Bayou_CaneCorso) to create the illusion of legitimacy. However, their operation lacked proper oversight, and the fencing meant to contain these large, powerful dogs was dangerously insufficient.
Originally constructed without a permit for an American Bully breeder, the fence did not meet the necessary requirements for containing a breed as strong and territorial as the Mastiff Cane Corso. The two breeds differ significantly in size, temperament, and behavior, making the existing structure unfit for the new occupants. Portions of the fence stood below six feet in height, and the latch mechanism on the gate was insecure—leaving it vulnerable to being opened if one or more of the dogs jumped against it. Given that the fence height in some areas was only five feet or less, the risk of these large dogs escaping into the public street was alarmingly high.
In December 2023, concerns about violations at 222 Pecan St. were escalated to the city, but officials once again refused to act on documented evidence. A newly constructed shed—built without a permit—was reported, yet Stephen Davidson did not exit his vehicle to conduct a proper inspection. Despite city ordinances requiring permits and setback requirements for such structures, Davidson noted no immediate action, allowing the violation to persist.
This dismissive attitude was not an isolated event. Surveillance footage showing a possible trespass and theft incident was presented to the Denham Springs Police Department. Instead of investigating the evidence, officers ignored the video entirely, refusing to acknowledge or address the situation. This incident reflects a broader issue within city enforcement—where officials appear reluctant to act on violations occurring on private property, even when clear documentation exists.
This failure to enforce city laws not only undermines trust but also signals an unwillingness to intervene even when a crime may have taken place. Whether due to systemic inefficiency or deliberate avoidance, Denham Springs officials have shown a consistent pattern of dismissing legitimate concerns, leaving citizens unprotected and violations unchecked.
January 8, 2024, Stephen Davidson a Denham Springs Code Enforcement Officer noted, “Newly constructed shed built without permit. Shed location seems very close to rear property line.” Previously, Davidson had accepted the tenant’s claim that the shed was pre-existing, only to later contradict that when Google Maps showed no prior structure. Despite finally posting a notice, enforcement action remained nonexistent.
By March 27, 2025, Davidson repeated nearly verbatim what he had documented earlier: “Newly constructed portable building seems to be less than five feet from property line. No permit was pulled for this structure.” This was followed by an identical report on March 31, 2025, further highlighting Davidson’s failure to conduct a proper follow-up inspection. Instead of updating his findings, he simply copied and pasted his previous report, a blatant example of negligence.
On April 14, 2025, Davidson noted that an air conditioning unit had been installed in the shed, signaling potential illegal habitation or further zoning violations. Yet once again, no corrective measures were enforced. By April 24, 2025, his follow-up report merely stated, “Shed still not moved. Now small window AC unit installed in shed.” This ongoing failure to act created a hazardous situation—both for the community and for the animals being kept on the property.
State-licensed building inspectors and city ordinance enforcement officers swear an oath to protect the integrity of their communities by ensuring compliance with local laws. Davidson’s inspections, however, demonstrate repeated failures to enforce city codes, protect residents, or accurately assess violations.
Additionally, allegations of retaliation against citizens who file complaints raise further concerns. City officials are expected to investigate violations objectively, not dismiss legitimate concerns or target individuals for reporting noncompliance. The refusal to conduct thorough inspections, combined with Davidson’s reliance on outdated Google Maps imagery rather than site visits, suggests either gross incompetence or deliberate disregard for duty.
The failures within the Denham Springs building department demand urgent accountability. The following corrective actions should be implemented:
The residents of Denham Springs should not have to live under the threat of ignored violations and inadequate enforcement. It is time for the city to take responsibility, enforce its own ordinances, and restore public confidence in its regulatory systems.
