Sumlin Attorney a No-Show in Court

Claiming a “medical procedure,” Monroe attorney LaValle Salomon yesterday afternoon was a no-show at Third Judicial (Lincoln, Union Parishes) District Court in Ruston. The result was several of his clients were left without representation, and had to have their court dates rescheduled, including former Louisiana State Representative William Sumlin.

Chief Felony Prosecutor Lewis Jones made the disclosure when he called up the cases from the court docket. Public defender Dwayne Burrell stood in (he sat, actually) for Salomon.

Sumlin was in court for a hearing on a motion to strike evidence related to his arrest two years ago on indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Sumlin’s hearing was reset for Tuesday, October 17, 1:30 PM. His trial is scheduled for Monday, October 30.

This is the second time Salomon has claimed health issues for a delay.

In February of this year, he said his wife was scheduled for surgery and couldn’t meet a March trial date. Sumlin’s trial has been set and delayed at least four times.

Salomon was a significant contributor to Jones’ campaign for district judge in 2014. See here the documents:

Candidate’s report 10/6/14 – pg 6

Candidate’s report 1/15/15 – pg 5

Presiding yesterday was Tommy Rogers.