By: RAYMOND PARTSCH III
Managing Editor
In a joint statement released on Friday afternoon, three of Evangeline Parish police chiefs have given their endorsement to current Sheriff Eddie Soileau in Saturday’s election.
Ville Platte Police Chief Neil Lartigue, Turkey Creek Police Chief Glenn Leggett and Pine Prairie Police Chief L.C. Deshotel all signed the endorsement.
The statement reads: “Ladies and gentlemen of Evangeline Parish, it is with pride that we the Chief’s of Police of Evangeline Parish have come together to endorse Sheriff Eddie Soileau for his bid for re-election. We feel with the education, experience, and service Sheriff Soileau has provided for the people of the parish in the past, it would be a wise choice to keep Sheriff Soileau, in office for another four years especially in these very difficult times. In our time of need, Sheriff Eddie Soileau, and his department have always been there to assist our departments whenever we needed. Thank you for your support.”
The letter is not signed by the Police Chiefs for Mamou and Chataignier, as neither currently has a chief of police.
Former Mamou Police Chief Robert McGee resigned earlier this month and has since pled guilty to deprivation of rights under the color of law for his role in the department’s tasering scandal. Chataignier’s Police Chief Paul Allen Jr. died in August and the town is holding a special election next year to fill his vacancy.
Basile Police Chief Allen Ivory Jr. also did not sign the letter of endorsement.