Child Rape Suspect Poised to Become Louisiana Town's Police Chief

A man accused of raping two 13-year-old girls is on track to become the police chief in Elizabeth, Louisiana, a village of approximately 400 residents. Chris Paul, 46, was already a candidate for the town's police chief when he was arrested in early September and charged with second-degree rape. His only opponent in the upcoming November election, Zach Lacaze, withdrew from the race on September 23.

Lacaze cited his full-time federal job at Fort Polk as the reason for his withdrawal, stating, "My full-time job is what provides for my wife and son, and I cannot take that away from them." He also expressed his desire to serve the community where he grew up and believed he could make a difference as police chief.

Because the qualifying period for the election has closed, Paul cannot be replaced on the ballot. In Louisiana, only individuals convicted of a felony are barred from holding public office. Therefore, the pending charges do not legally prevent Paul from seeking or holding the position of police chief.

Paul's arrest stems from alleged incidents that occurred approximately 20 years ago. He is scheduled to take office on January 1. In the wake of this situation, the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation has called on Paul to withdraw from the race while his case is ongoing. Local lawmakers have also indicated they will review the process for appointing police chiefs, considering whether future chiefs should be appointed by aldermen rather than elected by voters.