- Karen Carter Peterson has long struggled with her depression and gambling addiction
- She has received outpatient and inpatient treatment in the past for gambling issues
- A federal investigation is looking into the former senator’s finances and addiction
- Her struggles came to light in 2019 in media reports about a misdemeanor summons
Louisiana Senator Resigns Amid Probe Into Her 20-Year Gambling Addiction
- Karen Carter Peterson has long struggled with her depression and gambling addiction
- She has received outpatient and inpatient treatment in the past for gambling issues
- A federal investigation is looking into the former senator’s finances and addiction
- Her struggles came to light in 2019 in media reports about a misdemeanor summons
Focusing on recovery
A Louisiana senator has suddenly stepped down from her position amid a federal investigation into her two-decade-long gambling addiction.
long-running battles with chronic gambling and depression
Karen Carter Peterson announced her resignation on Friday, saying that she needs to focus on her long-running battles with chronic gambling and depression.
In a statement, the 52-year-old said: “I must place all of my energy on my mental health and personal well-being, and therefore have tendered my resignation effective immediately.” She made the full statement available via her Twitter account:
Yesterday was my last day in the Senate Chamber. https://t.co/xviOZcL6c1 Today is my last day as a Louisiana Legislator. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, now focusing on self-care. #lalege 1999-2022 pic.twitter.com/1XwlQeHNkA
— KarenCarterPeterson (@TeamKCP) April 8, 2022
