Child Rape Suspect Could Become South Louisiana Town’s Next Chief of Police

(KMDL-FM) Politics in Louisiana is not for the faint of heart. Lord knows the political climate in our state is "unique," to say the least. But the election for Chief of Police in the Allen Parish community of Elizabeth has got not only the locals talking, but it is bringing in political commentary from across the nation.

judges gavel and open book on table

The conundrum has to do with one of the two candidates. Actually, it is now the remaining candidate. Candidate Zachary La Caze said he chose to drop out of the race for Elizabeth's Chief of Police after a conflict with his civilian security job at Fort Polk was identified.

Louisiana Police Chief Candidate Arrested on Rape Charges

That left only one candidate. That would be candidate Chris Paul. Paul's candidacy for the position has been clouded because of rape charges. The charges against Paul, who was arrested in September, stem from alleged incidents involving two 13-year-old girls in 2005 to 2006.

The charges against Paul are listed as second-degree rape. Those charges could result in a prison sentence of five to forty years. There is also the possibility that if convicted there would be no possibilty of parole, there would also be a requirement to register as a sex offender.

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There will be signs placed at polling places in Elizabeth reminding voters that even though LaCaze's name is still on the ballot, he is no longer a candidate. The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office has confirmed that Chris Paul would be eligible to hold office unless he is convicted of a felony.

City Leaders In Elizabeth React to Police Chief Election Controversy

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In response to the unique circumstances surrounding this election, the Mayor of Elizabeth, a town of about 400 residents, reminded voters that Paul had not been convicted of a crime and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Mayor Mandy Green made those comments in a social media post. 

The Mayor's post also reiterated to residents that neither her office nor the Board of Aldermen has the authority to alter the ballot. The Mayor's post said, " By law, we have zero authority to disqualify, remove, hire, or fire any candidate running for an elected office. Ballot qualifications are governed strictly by state law"

A person dropping a brown envelope into a ballot box slot

Meanwhile, late last week the Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance to put an item on the December 12th ballot that would change the position of Police Chief from an elected position to an appointed position, if approved by the voters.

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The Mayor also encouraged residents to attend the village's next monthly meeting on October 12th to voice their concerns. The new Chief would take office on January 1, 2027.