Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Chris Williams is set to appear
in court Dec. 15 on three misdemeanor counts of simple damage to property.
Williams on Wednesday entered a plea of not guilty on charges stemming from a
July 5 incident in which Williams wrote in permanent marker on the council
credenza, "Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Drive!"
Williams admitted then he wrote the
statement on the desk in frustration after someone repeatedly removed bumper
stickers that state "It's a King thing."
"I put it there myself," Williams
said that night.
The next day, Williams issued a written statement directed to the citizens of
District 3 and Lafayette Parish.
"I want to apologize for my action during the council meeting of Wednesday,
July 5, 2006, and regardless of the personal attacks, I will take full
responsibility for my action as an elected official and a representative of
district 3."
Williams offered at that time to arrange for the statement to be removed and
the wood to be refurbished at his own cost.
Councilman Randy Menard filed a police report on behalf of the council.
On Aug. 29, the district attorney's office filed three counts against
Williams for "willfully, unlawfully and intentionally" damaging property valued
at under $500 belonging to Lafayette Consolidated Government.
Williams did not return a call for comment. His attorney, Harold Register,
declined to comment.