Chris Williams Convicted and Sentenced

David D'Aquin
Sep 22, 2006

Friday morning, Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Chris Williams changed his plea from not guilty to no contest on the misdemeanor criminal damage to property charges he faced. Williams, on three separate occasions, damaged property at Lafayette City Hall.

Williams has admitted to doodling on desk surfaces in March of 2005. In June of this year, he wrote, "Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Drive!" in permanent marker on the front of the council desk. Though he pleaded no contest, he accepted responsibility for his actions. District Attorney Mike Harson objected to the no contest plea, but Judge Marilyn Castle accepted it.

Castle says Williams disgraced and hurt his office by his actions. She said he has betrayed public trust and responsibility, and told him he needs to take a serious look at his actions. She sentenced him to the maximum penalty, which is $500 dollars and six months in jail for each of his three offences. Castle suspended the jail time, but is forcing Williams to pay $1500 in fines. He'll be required to be on supervised probation for one year.

In addition, Williams will have to pay $60 in restitution to Lafayette Consolidated Government. He'll also have to take anger management classes and spend 60 hours talking to schoolchildren about his actions and the law. All of his actions will have to be approved by his probation officer. The judge warned Williams not to intimidate or threaten the council members who filed charges against him. Castle also encouraged Williams to put the matter behind him. If Williams violates the conditions of his parole, he may be required to serve his 18 months of jail time.

Williams and his attorney Harold Register say they plan to appeal the judge's ruling because they think the sentence is too harsh. Williams said he will appeal the fine and the anger management classes.

Williams asked to be sentenced under Article 894, which would allow him to have the three misdemeanors removed from his criminal record once he's completed the terms of his sentence. District Attorney Mike Harson says he's pleased with the judge's decision. Williams and his attorney refused comment.



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