Eunice man receives maximum sentence for worthless checks

Billy Joe Thibodeaux, 37, 1321 W. Magnolia Ave., Eunice, received the maximum sentence for issuing worthless checks, according to District Attorney Brent Coreil.

Thibodeaux, who was scheduled to go to trial on April 14, pled guilty before Judge Larry Vidrine and was sentenced to 10 years at hard labor. The 10-year sentence is the maximum sentence for issuing worthless checks.

The checks were issued to a business in Ville Platte for the purchase of a four-wheeler and two grocery stores in Mamou. According to Coreil, Thibodeaux crime record goes back to 1993. Since that time, he has been arrested 52 times and convicted 10 times prior to this charge.

“The issuing of worthless checks is the same as if the defendant stole the merchandise from the business. Our office will continue to strenuously prosecute those individuals who think they can steal from our merchants in Evangeline Parish,” said Coreil. He further added merchants should remember once the district attorney’s office issues a warrant of arrest for issuing worthless checks, it is then up to law enforcement to arrest that individual. If a merchant knows a warrant has been issued and knows where that person is located, he should notify law enforcement of that location so an arrest can be made. Once an arrest is made, that person will be fully prosecuted.