YOUNGSVILLE, La. (KADN) — With qualifying now underway for the fall elections, former embattled Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux signed up to run, despite a new Louisiana law first reported by News 15 Investigates that indicates he may not be eligible.
Two others, Interim Chief Cody Louviere, and candidate J.P. Broussard also filed paperwork to be on the ballot.
Boudreaux, who resigned last August from the Youngsville police chief position for what he said were for health reasons, was being investigated by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana Board of Ethics.
A scathing report from the sheriff's office found deplorable practices and procedures under Boudreaux that bordered on gross negligence.
His resignation came after pressure to resign following an incident in which it was revealed a city council member may have received special treatment after she called the police chief from the scene of a crash in Sugar Mill Pond. The former council member did not receive a sobriety test or citation and left the scene of a wreck in 2022 in the former police chief's vehicle.
Boudreaux said he is hopeful, despite a law that states an elected official who has retired or resigned from office is ineligible to be a candidate at an election called to fill the vacancy created by the official's retirement or resignation.
"I read the law and I understand it and I think I have some good points to clear up some things, but they will be held until if and when it goes to court," said Boudreaux.
He added he left his position as police chief because of health issues, specifically heart issues, which he says can be proven.
"I did leave for medical reasons. I have the best evidence I could have and it is right in the middle of my chest," he explained.
The two other candidates, including the interim chief, are also vying for the position and feel they will bring a new, fresh plan to the department.
"Being transparent, accreditation, more officers on the streets, and getting the community more involved in the department to build communication and trust in the department," said Broussard.
"I still have a strong track record with patrol,” said Louviere. “I have a patrol background. I have done patrol my entire life, which I know is a little different from my opponents. I'm entrenched with technology. I've made strides in that department since I have been here."
Broussard added his time away from the job has given him a new perspective on the position.
"I realize I could have done some things differently. I was able to take a step back and am willing to go in there with an open mind and get back to work," he explained.
There now officially appears to be a three-way race for Youngsville police chief. It remains to be seen if someone will challenge whether Boudreaux can legally run again.
