Elizabeth, LA — A Republican candidate for police chief in the small Louisiana village of Elizabeth is positioned to win the Nov. 3 election without opposition despite facing two pending child rape charges.
Christopher Paul, 46, was arrested Sept. 8 after authorities accused him of raping two girls in 2005 and 2006. He remains out on $60,000 bail and has not been convicted of a crime.
Paul originally faced one opponent, Zachary LaCaze, but LaCaze withdrew Sept. 23 after learning that his federal employment made him ineligible to run. Because the candidate filing deadline had already passed, Paul is now the only remaining candidate.
Under Louisiana law, Paul would remain eligible to take office unless he is convicted of a felony before his term begins Jan. 1.
Mayor Mandy Leo Green said village officials cannot remove Paul from the ballot, emphasizing that criminal charges are allegations and that Paul is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The situation has prompted local officials to consider changing how the police chief is selected. The village council scheduled a Dec. 12 special election asking voters whether the position should become an appointed office subject to board approval.
A child-safety advocacy group has called on Paul to withdraw from the race while the criminal case is pending.
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