Key Pleads Guilty, 5/9/14 Sentencing Set

Gibsland Mayor Odell Key perpwalk @ Bienville Parish Court House – February 26, 2014

Town of Gibsland Mayor Odell Key plead guilty to one count of Malfeasance in Office in Second Judicial (Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson Parishes) District Court in Arcadia early this afternoon. Sentencing is set for 11:00 AM, May 9, at the Bienville Parish Court House, pending a pre-sentencing investigation.

Flanked by his attorney, Monroe’s LaValle Salomon, Key listened as Division C Judge Glenn Fallin explained the consequences of his guilty plea. One of the conditions of the plea deal is that Key resign as mayor.

See here the Bill of Information.

Key was originally charged with several counts when he was arrested last December.

Louisiana Attorney General Criminal Division Director Kurt Wall said that his office would not make any recommendations as to sentencing, instead leaving that to Fallin’s discretion.

Fallin said the maximum sentence could be five years and $5 thousand fine, but that the law did not specify a minimum sentence.

Speaking to assembled reporters after the court proceedings, Wall said the successful prosecution was the result of “good police work on the part of the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office,” and Sheriff John Ballance.

Asked if pleading his client guilty was difficult, Salomon said, “Always.”

Salomon said that the prospect of of a long trial, considering Key’s health and age (73), plus a desire for the community to move forward prompted them to “resolve the matter in this fashion.”

Key had no comment.

A Fiscal Administrator was appointed to run the town last year.