A candidate for police chief in the small Louisiana village of Elizabeth is on course to be elected unopposed despite two pending charges of child rape against him. Christopher Paul, a Republican, was arrested on 8 September on allegations that he raped two girls in 2005 and 2006.
Paul signed up to run for chief of police on 6 August. The only other candidate, Zachary LaCaze, withdrew from the race on 23 September after discovering his federal government employment made his candidacy illicit. LaCaze's withdrawal occurred after the deadline for new candidates to sign up, meaning Paul is set to be elected by default in the 3 November election.
Paul is currently out on $60,000 bail in connection with the allegations. A felony conviction would be required for him to become ineligible to take office when the term begins on 1 January. The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation has called for Paul to step aside from the election.
Elizabeth's mayor, Mandy Leo Green, stated that neither her office nor the village council can alter the ballot for the 3 November race. Green emphasised that charges are allegations and that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The village's governing council has approved a special election for 12 December, where community voters will decide whether the police chief position should become an appointed role, subject to board approval.