Liberty Fence’s James Saizan (foreground) with attorney Kim Landry (file photo).
Liberty Fence’s James Saizan has been charged via Bill of Information with violating Louisiana Revised Statute 37:2163, Engaging in Business of Contracting without Authority.
“Between the dates of August 5, 2024 and March 31, 2025, in the Parish of Ascension, JAMES L. SAIZAN engaged in or continued in this state in the business of contracting, or to act as a contractor as defined in Chapter 37, unless he holds an active license as a contractor in accordance with this Chapter.”
Filed on August 4, 2026, State of Louisiana v. James L. Saizan, No. 51,629 was allotted to Judge Keyojuan Gant Turner’s Division E.
Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors investigators recommended the charge against Saizan earlier this year.
Licensing Board refers criminal charge of Saizan/Liberty Fence | Pelican Post – Online Newspaper
In November the Board fined Saizan for six separate violations of its licensing requirements, all related to work done for the City of Gonzales. During Saizan’s hearing it was determined that he acquired a “specialty fence” license on October 22, 2009 which lapsed on October 22, 2012. Saizan worked without a license of any kind until March of 2025.
Licensing Board for Contractors dings Liberty Fence on six charges | Pelican Post – Online Newspaper
The City of Gonzales paid more than 230 Liberty Fence invoices from the beginning of 2023 through January 7, 2025, Mayor Tim Riley’s first day on the job. Riley killed the relationship, which dates back to 2010, within a few weeks. Subsequently, Liberty Fence sued the city in a Mandamus action seeking payment of five invoices submitted in January of 2025.
Liberty Fence petition against City of Gonzales DENIED | Pelican Post – Online Newspaper
The claims were denied on procedural grounds, resulting in a second suit against the city seeking payment of the invoices.
New sidewalk at Gonzales Municipal Park
“We have no intention of paying those invoices,” asserted Mayor Riley’s Chief of Staff, Wade Petite. “Three of them were never accepted by our staff because the jobs were not completed. The others should be offset by the monies we had to pay outside contractors to repair Mr. Saizan’s substandard, shoddy workmanship.”
Liberty Fence’s $27,540 invoice to install a $2,012 floating dock
“The city was overcharged by Liberty Fence, just about every invoice, for unconscionable amounts that no reputable professional would dare submit,” Petite explained. “Nearly 200 invoices, all dated between July 2024 through the end of that year…it is concerning that city personnel responsible for oversight allowed this to happen.”
Mayor Riley was sworn into office on January 6, 2025.
Riley’s administration conducted an internal investigation into Liberty Fence’s “egregious conduct” within weeks of the mayor’s inauguration. Findings were presented to the City Council on March 31, 2025 with a request for authorization to sue the company. A three-member majority (comprised of Kirk Boudreaux, Tyler Turner, and Terri Lambert) had no interest in seeking legal redress.
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