67, 3; Acts 2014, No. All threats will generate law enforcement response, leading to an immediate investigation, to include swift and severe criminal charges. Greene's death remains the focus of a yearslong federal criminal probe, and the U.S. Justice Department last year opened a sweeping civil rights investigation into the Louisiana State Police amid evidence that the agency has displayed a pattern of looking the other way in the face of beatings of mostly Black men. Additionally, some states may impose harsher sentences for certain types of harassment than Louisiana. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Officials at the school in Slidell, a city with about 29,000 inhabitants to the north-east of New Orleans, werent the only ones to learn of Wattignys behavior. Most of the arrestees were charged with violations of Louisiana Revised Statute 14:40.1, Terrorizing, and face maximum penalties of 15 years imprisonment, a $15,000 fine, or both. 191, 1; Acts 1997, No. Terrorism. or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both. 2 Louisiana environmentalists face 'terrorizing' charges 638, 3, RS 14:80 Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, RS 14:80.1 Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile, RS 14:81 Indecent behavior with juveniles, RS 14:81.1 Pornography involving juveniles, RS 14.81.3 Computer-aided solicitation of a minor, RS 14:82 Offenses concerning prostitution, RS 14:82.1 Prostitution; persons under seventeen; additional offenses, RS 14:83.4 Massage; sexual conduct prohibited, RS 14:85 Letting premises for prostitution, RS 14:85.1 Letting premises for obscenity, RS 14:86 Enticing persons into prostitution, RS 14:87.1 Killing a child during delivery, RS 14:87.5 Intentional failure to sustain life and health of aborted viable infant, RS 14:88 Distribution of abortifacients, RS 14:89.1 Aggravated crime against nature, RS 14:90.1 Seizure and disposition of evidence; gambling, RS 14:90.4 Unlawful playing of video draw poker devices by persons under the age of twenty-one; penalty, RS 14:90.5 Unlawful playing of gaming devices by persons under the age of twenty-one; underage persons, penalty, RS 14:91 Offenses affecting the health and, RS 14:91.1 Unlawful presence of a sexually violent predator, RS 14:91.2 Unlawful presence of a sex offender. Harassment that reaches the level of a crime varies slightly by state, but it generally entails: With behavior meant to alarm, annoy, torment, or terrorize, Creating reasonable fear in the victim for their safety or the safety of their family or property. B. . He reported Wattigny to authorities many years later when he saw the news that the priest had been accused of molesting someone else. Wattigny on Wednesday pleaded guilty as charged to one count of molestation of a juvenile under his supervision in the case dating back to 2013. The judge found neither officer's actions amounted to tampering under Louisiana law. Rogers ruled that the allegations failed to support obstruction charges against Dakota DeMoss, a responding trooper who turned off the audio on his body camera for much of Greene's arrest, as well as Capt. A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. The accuser ultimately interpreted this behavior to be grooming along the lines of the inappropriate texts which first put the priest under scrutiny, even if it did not apparently escalate to physical abuse, the sources said. COVINGTON, La. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. D. "Organization", as used in this Section, means all of the following: (1) Any lawful corporation, trust, company, partnership, association, foundation, or Environmental activists opposing a plastics manufacturing facility in Louisiana have been booked with a felony for "terrorizing" an oil and gas lobbyist by delivering a box of plastic pellets. This sentence shall run consecutively RS 14:63.7 Repealed by acts 2003, no. Status Update on Louisiana School Threats and Warning from Law - FBI The altercation allegedly took place at a location south of Napoleonville. Stat. Acts 1985, No. Its criminal laws separately spell out the punishment for individual crimes. 0-2 yrs; $0-1,000 fine or both . That victim spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday, describing how he was going to a church with his family in Covington near Slidell in about 1996 when Wattigny befriended him. (1) (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, on first conviction, whoever commits the crime of stalking shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than one year. Please check official sources. Harassment can range from verbal threats or comments to physical actions designed to cause fear or discomfort. ( KPEL News) - An Opelousas teen is in deep trouble after making calling in several bomb threats around St. Landry Parish. of graves; institutional vandalism; or assault by drive-by shooting. 2017 Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes TITLE 14 - Criminal Law RS 14:36 - Assault defined. It is important for the public to understand what harassment is, the types of charges that can be applied, aggravating factors, sentencing guidelines, possible penalties, common defense strategies, common prosecution strategies, grounds for appeal if convicted, and how Louisiana might treat this differently than other states. RS 14:63.8 Repealed by acts 2003, no. That belief was eventually shattered when the citys archbishop, Gregory Aymond, received a complaint in February of 2020 that Patrick Wattigny was sending inappropriate text messages to at least one child at the local Catholic high school where he was chaplain. RS 14:63.5 Repealed by acts 2003, no. (1) "Emergency medical services personnel" shall have the same meaning ascribed Clary's long-suppressed, 30-minute footage is the only clip showing the moment a handcuffed, bloody Greene moans under the weight of two troopers, twitches and then goes still. Statute of Limitations: When Can Authorities Bring Misdemeanor Charges? 802, 2. Get free summaries of new opinions delivered to your inbox! For more AP coverage of the death of Ronald Greene: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-ronald-greene, 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. (3) "Law enforcement officer" means any active or retired city, parish, or state law This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, There is a newer version this Statute. Court decisions. The prosecution initially sought a two:year prison sentence, but the court reduced the sentence to six months due to the defendants lack of prior convictions and lack of victim harm. The victim from Wattignys first arrest called his abusers punishment a grossly lenient and unfair slap on the wrist in a written statement provided to reporters. Antiterrorism refers to defensive measures used to reduce the vulnerability of people and property to terrorist acts, while counterterrorism includes offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism. That claimant described being visited by Wattigny on the night he was shot by his father, who also beat his mother before dying by suicide. enforcement officer or employee, whose permanent duties include making arrests, Assault defined . 4. A. Terrorizing is the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, with the intent of causing members of the general public to be in sustained fear for their safety; or causing evacuation of a building, a . 191, 1; Acts 1997, No. 1318, 2, eff. enforcement officer, peace officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, probation or parole officer, (La. RS 14:91.3 Repealed by acts 1995, no. With the help of his attorney, Richard Trahant, the victim prepared the statement in lieu of appearing in court because he said he had no confidence that his words would make a difference to either Wattigny or the judge who decided his fate. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, There is a newer version of the Louisiana Laws. 1112, 1; Acts 2008, No. Find your Louisiana crime and see the penalties it carries. A Listing of Louisiana's Statutory Felony Offenses in Revised . You're all set! Louisiana man charged with Terrorizing after allegedly hurling bricks Terrorism is often categorized as "domestic" or "international." Louisiana Criminal Law: "At Hard Labor" Felony Sentencing You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. degree rape, forcible or second degree rape, or aggravated or first degree rape; sexual battery; or occupant of that property or because of actual or perceived membership or service in, or The law states that a person is engaging in domestic terrorism if they commit an act that is 'dangerous to human life' that violates state or federal laws, if such an act intends to: Intimidate or coerce civilians Influence government policy by coercion or intimidation The punishment for some felonies may include a fine, either in addition to or instead of imprisonment. For felony convictions, the court may impose a prison sentence of up to ten years for aggravated harassment, up to five years for terrorizing, and up to one year for stalking. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. 451, 2, eff. employment with, an organization, or because of actual or perceived employment as a law DeMoss' attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Acts 1997, No. Universal Citation: LA Rev Stat 14:40.1 (2019) RS 40.1 - Terrorizing. IRWIN J GISCLAIR was booked on 4/12/2023 in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. Furthermore, a defendant may appeal if the trial court incorrectly interpreted the law or improperly instructed the jury. According to criminal justice sources, at least one claim against Wattigny not addressed this week was filed in federal court after the archdiocese of New Orleans sought bankruptcy protection in May 2020 following numerous lawsuits seeking damages for clerical molestation. Additionally, the prosecution may use eyewitness testimony, documents, or recordings to support their case. Aggravating factors refer to any circumsance that worsens the offense and increases the potential penalty. RS 14:43.5 Intentional exposure to aids virus, RS 14:44.2 Aggravated kidnapping of a child, RS 14:45.1 Interference with the custody of a child, RS 14:46.1 False imprisonment; offender armed with dangerous weapon, RS 14:50.1 Perpetration or attempted perpetration of crimes against a victim sixty-five years of age or older, RS 14:50.2 Perpetration or attempted perpetration of certain crimes of violence against a victim sixty-five years of age or older, RS 14:52.1 Simple arson of a religious building, RS 14:54.1 Communicating of false information of planned arson, RS 14:54.2 Manufacture and possession of delayed action incendiary devices; penalty, RS 14:54.3 Manufacture and possession of a bomb, RS 14:54.6 Communicating of false information of planned bombing on school property, at a school-sponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone, RS 14:56 Simple criminal damage to property, RS 14:56.1 Criminal damage to coin-operated devices, RS 14:56.2 Criminal damage of a pipeline facility, RS 14:56.3 Criminal damage to genetically engineered crops, genetically engineered crop facilities, or genetically engineered crop information, RS 14:57 Damage to property with intent to defraud, RS 14:61 Unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure, RS 14:62.1 Simple burglary of a pharmacy, RS 14:62.2 Simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, RS 14:62.3 Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, RS 14:62.4 Unauthorized entry of a place of business, RS 14:62.6 Simple burglary of a religious building, RS 14:62.7 Unauthorized entry of a dwelling during an emergency or disaster. C. Whoever commits the offense of terrorizing shall be fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than fifteen years, or both. Additionally, the presence of a prior conviction or similar offenses can also heighten the potential punishment. Louisiana Environmental Activists Charged With "Terrorizing" In many cases, the defendants best defense is to deny the allegations of harassment and assert that their actions were not intended to cause fear, alarm, or distress. RS 14:316 Repealed by acts 2004, no. Hes also required to register as a sex offender and spend some time on probation after his release. Aymond told Wattigny to stop the texting, but he did not, and his superiors eventually sent him to a behavioral clinic for evaluation, according to documents which were provided to authorities and reviewed by the Guardian. A criminal conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can result in difficult consequences. And its not exactly clear how many other claims may exist against Wattigny because of broad secrecy rules governing the churchs bankruptcy case. 78, 3. A. Terrorizing is the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, with the intent of causing members of the general public to be in sustained fear for their safety; or causing evacuation of a building, a . The victim called it the most terrifying day of my life. 1318, 2, eff. 802, 2. Two Louisiana environmental activists are facing felony charges related to a nonviolent form of protest, in which they left a box of plastic pellets called nurdles on the doorstep of a lobbyist . 40:1075.3. 795, 3, eff. Get free summaries of new opinions delivered to your inbox! 740, 3, RS 14:110 Simple escape; aggravated escape, RS 14:110.2 Tampering with electronic monitoring equipment, RS 14:112.1 False personation of a peace officer, RS 14:112.2 Fraudulent portrayal of a law enforcement officer or firefighter, RS 14:112.3 Aiding and abetting the fraudulent portrayal of a law enforcement officer or firefighter, RS 14:117.1 Paramilitary organizations; prohibitions, RS 14:118.1 Bribery of sports participants, RS 14:118.2 Falsifying information on racing license applications, RS 14:119.1 Bribery of parents of school children, RS 14:122 Public intimidation and retaliation, RS 14:122.1 Intimidation and interference in the operation of schools, RS 14:122.2 Threatening a public official; penalties; definitions, RS 14:124 Inconsistent statements; perjury, RS 14:125.1 False swearing in paternity cases, RS 14:125.2 False statements concerning paternity, RS 14:126 Inconsistent statements; false swearing, RS 14:126.1 False swearing for purpose of violating public health or safety, RS 14:126.2 False statements concerning denial of constitutional rights, RS 14:126.3 False statements concerning employment in a nursing or health care facility, RS 14:129.1 Intimidating, impeding or injuring witnesses; injuring officers; penalties, RS 14:129.2 Recording, listening to, or observing proceedings of grand or petit juries while deliberating or voting, RS 14:133 Filing or maintaining false public records, RS 14:133.1 Obstruction of court orders, RS 14:133.2 Misrepresentation during booking, RS 14:133.3 Falsification of drug tests, RS 14:133.4 Misrepresentation during issuance of a misdemeanor summons or preparation of a juvenile custodial agreement, RS 14:133.5 Filing a false complaint against a law enforcement officer, RS 14:134.1 Malfeasance in office; sexual conduct prohibited with persons confined in correctional institutions, RS 14:134.2 Malfeasance in office; tampering with evidence, RS 14:137 Repealed by acts 1979, no. Email Email. TITLE 14 Criminal law. Behind the rare criminal conviction of a Catholic cleric in New Orleans Within the emergency management arena, antiterrorism is a hazard mitigation activity and counterterrorism falls within the scope of preparedness, response and recovery. In every case, first-responders addressed all reports with the utmost sense of urgency. RS 14:64.3 Armed robbery; attempted armed robbery; use of firearm; additional penalty, RS 14:67.3 Unauthorized use of "access card" as theft; definitions, RS 14:67.6 Theft of utility service; inference of commission of theft; penalties, RS 14:67.7 Theft of petroleum products; penalties, RS 14:67.8 Theft of oilfield geological survey, seismograph, and production maps; penalties, RS 14:67.9 Theft of oil and gas equipment; penalties, RS 14:67.11 Credit card fraud by persons authorized to provide goods and services, RS 14:67.12 Theft of timber; information and investigations, RS 14:67.14 Fraudulent acquisition of a rental motor vehicle, RS 14:67.17 Theft of motor vehicle fuel, RS 14:67.19.1 Unauthorized possession of anhydrous ammonia, RS 14:67.21 Theft of the assets of an aged person or disabled person, RS 14:67.22 Fraudulent acquisition of a credit card, RS 14:67.23 Theft of a used building component; penalties, RS 14:68.1 Unauthorized removal of shopping cart, basket, or dairy case, RS 14:68.2 Unauthorized use of food stamp coupons, food stamp authorization cards, or food stamp access devices, RS 14:68.3 Unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle; penalties, RS 14:68.4 Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, RS 14:68.5 Unauthorized removal of property from governor's mansion and the state capitol complex, RS 14:68.6 Unauthorized ordering of goods or services, RS 14:68.7 Receipts and universal product code labels; unlawful acts, RS 14:69 Illegal possession of stolen things, RS 14:69.1 Illegal possession of stolen firearms, RS 14:70.2 Refund or access device application fraud, RS 14:70.3 Fraud in selling agricultural equipment, RS 14:70.6 Unlawful distribution, possession, or use of theft alarm deactivation devices, RS 14:71.2 Failure to pay bridge or bridge-causeway toll, RS 14:72.1 Use of forged academic records, RS 14:72.3 Identification of alleged offender, RS 14:72.4 Disposal of property with fraudulent or malicious intent, RS 14:73.2 Offenses against intellectual property, RS 14:73.3 Offenses against computer equipment or supplies, RS 14:73.4 Offenses against computer users, RS 14:73.6 Offenses against electronic mail service provider, RS 14:75 Failure to pay child support obligation. Felony assault charges may result in more strict criminal penalties, such as prison sentences of over a year and heftier fines. It shall be an affirmative defense that the person communicating the information provided for in Subsection A of this Section was not involved in the commission of a crime of violence or creation of a circumstance dangerous to human life and reasonably believed his actions were necessary to protect the welfare of the public. There was no indication that Wattigny had any criminal exposure over that claim. Terrorism Laws, Charges & Statute of Limitations After officials refused for more than two years to release the body-camera video, the AP obtained and published the footage showing white troopers converging on Greene before he could get out of his car. 40.1. seizure warrants, any civil functions performed by sheriffs or deputy sheriffs, enforcement 639, 3 and acts 1996, 1st ex. Again, Wattigny was arrested, made bail in the amount of $75,000 and was charged by prosecutors in connection with that case in late May. It was clear they didnt do their homework, Greenes mother, Mona Hardin, said of prosecutors led by District Attorney John Belton. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. of penal or traffic laws, or the care, custody, control, or supervision of inmates. 1112, 1. RS 14:75.1 Repealed by acts 1993, no. 802, 2. A. Terrorizing is the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, with the intent of causing members of the general . LADARIUS LAMAR JONES was booked on 7/13/2023 in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Of the 106 calls threatening violence in or near schools, law enforcement officers were able to identify the perpetrator and effect the arrest of 62 individuals. Those arrested ranged in age from 11 to 28 years old, most of which were juveniles. RS 14:317 Repealed by acts 1972, no. Typically a person is arrested for a felony crime when that crime rises to the level of inflicting serious personal injury, death or loss of property. You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. Each count carried between five and 20 years in prison, meaning he received the minimum after Louisiana state judge John Keller ordered Wattigny to serve both punishments simultaneously. Share on Twitter Twitter RS 14:63.12 Repealed by acts 2003, no. Teen Faces 6 Terrorizing Charges After Barrage of Bomb Threats in Opelousas, Louisiana. The two victims pressing the case resolved Wednesday are not the only ones who have come forward to accuse Patrick Wattigny of abusive physical contact. State v. Johnson (2014): The defendant was charged with terrorizing after making a series of explicit phone calls and sending unwanted emails to his ex:girlfriend. A landlord will likely be held liable if a crime occurs on a property where a similar crime has already taken place. 270, 1, RS 14:385 Organizations engaged in social, educational or political activities; communist affiliations prohibited, RS 14:387 Failure to file affidavit; penalty, RS 14:388 False statements in affidavit as perjury, RS 14:390.1 Definition of communist propaganda, RS 14:390.3 Legitimate procurement of contraband, RS 14:401 Demonstrations in or near building housing a court or occupied as residence by judge, juror, witness or court officer, RS 14:402 Contraband defined; certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited; penalty; disposition of seized contraband, RS 14:402.1 Taking of contraband to state-owned hospitals unlawful; penalty, RS 14:403 Abuse of children; reports; waiver of privilege, RS 14:403.1 Substance abuse in schools; definitions; confidential reports; immunity; penalty, RS 14:403.2 Abuse and neglect of adults; reports; investigation; waiver of privileges; penalties; immunity, RS 14:403.3 Reports of missing children; procedures; false reports or communications; penalties, RS 14:403.4 Burn injuries and wounds; reports; registry; immunity; penalties, RS 14:403.5 Gunshot wounds; mandatory reporting, RS 14:403.6 Reporting of neglect or abuse of animals, RS 14:404 Self-mutilation by a prisoner, RS 14:501 Killing or injuring a person while hunting; penalty for failure to render aid, RS 14:512 Aggravated loansharking; penalty, RS 14:513 Possession of loanshark records; penalty.