A hearing is scheduled for February 3, 9 a.m., where Division D Judge Judge Kirk Vaughn, of the 34th Judicial District, will hear testimony on the suits filed by the Meraux Foundation against Amigo Enterprises Inc, and whether the facts of the case warrant sealing the records from public scrutiny.

Two pending suits filed by the Meraux Foundation Board are against Amigo Enterprises, a company partially owned by current St. Bernard Sheriff and former foundation board member Jack Stephens.

The facts of the case are shrouded in mystery and conjecture, as soon after the suits were filed, the Foundation requested the files sealed, and the Court, having heard no objection, temporarily sealed the files, pending a hearing early next month.

The Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation was founded in 1995, for the betterment of St. Bernard Parish. However, once Arlene Meraux, previously ruled as the beneficiary of Joseph Meraux’s $250 million or more estate, was deemed mentally incompetent by the Court of Judge Wayne Cresap, the estate fell under attorney Sal Gutierrez.

Gutierrez went on to join the five member board, which took control overseeing the foundation following Arlene Meraux’s death. The other members were Meraux’s heirs Rita and Floyd Gue, attorney Sydney Torres III and Sheriff Jack Stephens.

However, Guiterrez and Stephen relinquished their roles in late 2011. Stephens’ ownership in Amigo also includes contractual and financial ties with the Meraux Foundation, including any profits made from commercial rental properties, which are said to be the basis of the suits.

A hearing is scheduled for February 3 at 9 a.m., in the courtroom of Division D Judge Judge Kirk Vaughn—34th Judicial District. There, Vaughn will hear testimony on the two Meraux Foundation suits, and whether those facts show any legal basis for sealing the records from the public.