Judge denies Devillier more time to prep for theft trial

Former Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Civil Deputy Rebecca Devillier left the courthouse on Thursday in tears after Judge Chuck West denied her request for the defense to have more time to prepare their case.
According to a Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report from 2015, Devillier “diverted EPSO funds totaling at $108,976 to herself and possibly to other EPSO employees for personal use from August 17, 2011, to September 30, 2014.”
This revelation led prosecutors to charge Devillier with: theft of U.S. currency having a value of $1,500.00 or more; and malfeasance in office.
The audit also stated that Devillier committed these acts by issuing “unauthorized checks using Sheriff Eddie Soileau’s signature stamp,” and by failing “to deposit cash collections.” The auditor’s report went on to say that Devillier “falsified and destroyed accounting records to conceal her actions.”
In court on Thursday, Devillier’s paid attorney Remy Jardell was not present and therefore Ville Platte attorney Jacob Fusilier stood in as her council.
When Fusilier spoke on behalf of Jardell’s client, he requested for a continuance in the State’s case against the former sheriff’s office employee.
According to Fusilier, Devillier’s attorney needs the continuance because his wife is suffering with cancer, but without Jardell present to provide the court with proof of this, the judge was forced to deny the request.
West said, “I am going to deny the defendant’s motion for a continuance. The court will hear this matter on October 3, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.”
The judge then affirmatively said, “This has been going on for three years now, and it will not go past 2016. If I do decide to continue this matter, it will not be for more than 30 days. But, before I can do that, your attorney needs to be here and he needs to provide the court with evidence as to why the continuance is needed. This will be finished in 2016.”
With tears rolling down her face, Devillier asked the judge to speak, in which West replied, “It is in your best interest to remain silent until your attorney is present with you.”
Before finishing however, Devillier spoke out anyway and said, “That’s the problem. I have remained silent this whole time.”
Devillier then proceeded to tell the judge that her “attorney doesn’t return her calls.”
The judge’s ruling though, remained the same. West said, “This has gone on long enough.”
Although Devillier’s trial has been set for October 3rd, her attorney will have the opportunity to file another motion for continuance.
If this is done, on October 3rd, Jardell will have to provide evidence to show that the continuance is needed, and the judge will once again have to determine if a continuance will or will not be granted.
If the defense does not provide sufficient evidence and West again denies the motion, Devillier’s trial will begin.