A man arrested last month on allegations of raping two 13-year-old girls is the only candidate running for police chief in Elizabeth, Louisiana. Christopher Paul, 48, faces two counts of rape stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred between 2005 and 2006.
Paul surrendered to authorities on September 8 and was released on a $60,000 bond. His candidacy has generated significant outrage on social media, with many questioning why no other residents are running for the position and expressing disbelief that an individual facing such charges could be considered for law enforcement leadership.
Elizabeth, a village in Allen Parish with a population of just over 400, will hold its election for police chief in November. Paul, a Republican, is currently the sole name on the ballot.
Mayor Mandy Green addressed the controversy in a Facebook post, stating that "Charges are allegations, not a conviction." She emphasized that, under the law, Paul is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and that neither she nor the Board of Aldermen have the authority to overrule the ballot, as the position answers directly to the voters.
Paul's only opponent, Zachary Lacaze, withdrew from the race in late September. Lacaze, who holds a federal civilian security position at Fort Polk, cited concerns about complying with the Hatch Act, a law that restricts political activities for federal employees. He stated that after a JAG investigation, he was informed he could no longer run for Police Chief, and he could not risk his full-time job, which provides for his family.
A Town Hall meeting is scheduled for October 12 to allow residents to voice their input on the matter.