The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office has been conducting an investigative audit of the city of Gonzales’ finances for several weeks, requesting the city’s records and rental and usage agreements.
Michael Waguespack, the state’s legislative auditor, confirmed the audit is investigative, but declined to comment further on its scope.
Mayor Tim Riley could not be reached for comment.
Gonzales Chief of Staff Wade Petite said representatives from the Auditor’s Office arrived at City Hall “unannounced” a few weeks ago, though city officials had some knowledge of the examination. Petite said the auditor is examining credit card transactions, facility rentals and usage agreements.
“Our information was that the auditor had received an anonymous tip to its hotline, triggering an obligation for its examination,” he said.
Petite said many of the records being examined are “eerily similar” to those provided in public records requests over the past weeks.
An anonymous Facebook account, has been posting records of city officials’ credit card transactions, city park use permits and invoices. Its posts heavily scrutinize and question the mayor’s credit card payments and salary.
The account, which has more than a thousand followers, has frequently posted records since Oct. 1. Petite said the records posted to the account align with public records requests that were submitted to the city and provided over the past month.
One post on the Facebook account shows a Texas Roadhouse receipt dated at 7:41 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. The receipt shows five meals at the restaurant totaling $155.20, with a handwritten note attached that says “Meeting mayor planning and zoning meeting.”
Another post reveals invoices that the city paid for advertisements featuring the mayor’s face and name.
A May 2026 invoice for $500 was paid for a digital billboard advertisement. Another $6,000, 12-month invoice shows payment for an advertisement, which began in June 2026. The billboard says “Mayor Timothy ‘Tim’ Riley invites you to come again.”
A Louisiana law prohibits public funds from paying for advertisements containing the name of a public official, whether elected or appointed.