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2 clusters · 4 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Elizabeth Louisiana police chief election controversy

Overview

Christopher Paul, a 46-to-48-year-old man, has become the uncontested candidate for police chief in Elizabeth, Louisiana. Paul faces two counts of second-degree rape stemming from allegations that he assaulted two 13-year-old girls between 2005 and 2006. He was arrested in early September and released on a $60,000 bond.

Paul’s position as the sole candidate follows the withdrawal of his only opponent, Zachary Lacaze, who cited concerns regarding the federal Hatch Act due to his employment at Fort Polk. Because the qualifying period for the November election has passed, officials cannot remove Paul from the ballot.

While Louisiana law prevents convicted felons from holding office, pending charges do not legally bar Paul from the position. In response to the situation, the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation has called for Paul to “voluntarily resign” while legal proceedings are ongoing. Elizabeth Mayor Mandy Green has stated that the accused “maintains the presumption of innocence.”

Entities

Zachary Lacaze · Christopher Paul · Mandy Green · Fort Polk · Elizabeth

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Christopher Paul faces police chief role amid rape charges

    Christopher Paul, facing second-degree rape charges involving two minors from two decades ago, is set to become the police chief of Elizabeth, Louisiana, after his only opponent withdrew.

  2. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Chris Paul faces uncontested police chief race amid rape allegations

    Chris Paul, facing charges of raping two girls two decades ago, is the sole candidate for police chief in Elizabeth, Louisiana, after his opponent withdrew due to federal employment regulations.

Sources

actualidad.rt.com · aporrea.org · internewscast.com · laopinion.com