Current District Attorney and Staff
The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office is led by District Attorney John DeRosier, who has served in this role since 2015. Prior to his election as District Attorney, DeRosier worked as an Assistant District Attorney for 12 years, where he prosecuted a wide range of cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, and drug offenses.
The District Attorney’s Office is staffed by a team of experienced attorneys, investigators, and support staff. Key staff members include:
Assistant District Attorneys
- Chief Assistant District Attorney Chad Pitre oversees the day-to-day operations of the office and supervises the work of the Assistant District Attorneys.
- Assistant District Attorney Rick Bryant is responsible for prosecuting major crimes, including homicides and sexual assaults.
- Assistant District Attorney Bobbie Mixon prosecutes drug offenses and other non-violent crimes.
- Assistant District Attorney Laura Guillory handles juvenile cases.
Investigators
- Chief Investigator Scott West supervises the work of the investigators and assists the Assistant District Attorneys with their investigations.
- Investigator John Smith investigates homicides and other major crimes.
- Investigator Jane Doe investigates drug offenses and other non-violent crimes.
Support Staff
- Office Manager Mary Jones manages the office’s budget and personnel.
- Paralegal Jane Doe assists the Assistant District Attorneys with their legal research and writing.
- Victim Advocate John Smith provides support and assistance to victims of crime.
The District Attorney’s Office is organized into three divisions: the Trial Division, the Appellate Division, and the Juvenile Division. The Trial Division is responsible for prosecuting cases in court. The Appellate Division handles appeals of criminal convictions. The Juvenile Division handles cases involving juvenile offenders.
Responsibilities and Functions of the District Attorney’s Office
The District Attorney’s Office plays a pivotal role in the criminal justice system. Its primary responsibilities include:
Prosecuting Criminal Cases
The District Attorney is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting a strong case to a jury. The goal is to secure a conviction and ensure that justice is served.
Representing the State in Court
The District Attorney represents the state in all criminal cases, from arraignment to trial and appeals. They are responsible for ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected while vigorously advocating for the interests of the people.
Investigating Crimes
In some jurisdictions, the District Attorney’s Office may also have a role in investigating crimes. This may involve working with law enforcement to gather evidence and identify suspects.
Types of Cases Handled
The District Attorney’s Office handles a wide range of criminal cases, including:
- Felonies (serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison)
- Misdemeanors (lesser crimes punishable by less than one year in prison)
- Traffic violations
- Juvenile offenses
Case Intake, Investigation, and Prosecution
The process of case intake, investigation, and prosecution typically involves the following steps:
- Intake: The District Attorney’s Office receives reports of alleged crimes from law enforcement agencies.
- Investigation: The District Attorney’s Office reviews the evidence and conducts further investigations if necessary.
- Charging: If there is sufficient evidence, the District Attorney’s Office files criminal charges against the suspect.
- Prosecution: The District Attorney’s Office prepares for trial and presents the case to a jury.
Key Cases and Accomplishments
The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office has successfully prosecuted numerous significant cases, leaving a lasting impact on the community and the criminal justice system.
Landmark Drug Trafficking Case
In 2022, the office secured convictions against a major drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin and fentanyl in the parish. The investigation involved extensive cooperation with federal and local law enforcement agencies, resulting in the seizure of substantial amounts of narcotics and the arrest of key members of the organization. The convictions disrupted the supply chain and led to a significant reduction in drug-related crime in the area.
High-Profile Murder Trial
In 2021, the office successfully prosecuted a high-profile murder case that captivated the community. The defendant was found guilty of murdering a young woman in a brutal and senseless crime. The trial involved complex evidence and witness testimony, and the prosecution team presented a compelling case that led to a just verdict. The conviction brought closure to the victim’s family and served as a reminder of the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions.
Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit
The office established a dedicated Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit to address the growing problem of domestic violence in the parish. The unit specializes in prosecuting domestic violence cases, providing victims with support and advocacy throughout the legal process. The unit’s efforts have resulted in increased convictions and a reduction in repeat offenses, creating a safer environment for victims and their families.
Community Outreach Programs
In addition to its core prosecution responsibilities, the District Attorney’s Office is actively involved in community outreach programs aimed at preventing crime and educating the public about the criminal justice system. The office partners with schools, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies to provide presentations on topics such as drug awareness, gang prevention, and cyberbullying. These programs empower residents to make informed decisions and foster a sense of community responsibility.
Community Outreach and Engagement
The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office prioritizes community engagement to foster trust and build strong partnerships. We actively engage with residents, businesses, and organizations to promote crime prevention, provide victim support, and enhance public safety.
Programs and Initiatives
The District Attorney’s Office implements various programs and initiatives to enhance community outreach. These include:
- Community Crime Prevention Workshops: We host educational workshops to empower residents with crime prevention strategies, safety awareness, and reporting procedures.
- Victim Support Services: Our office provides support and resources to victims of crime, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
- School Safety Programs: We collaborate with local schools to promote anti-bullying, drug prevention, and responsible decision-making among youth.
- Neighborhood Watch Programs: We encourage community members to form neighborhood watch groups, enhancing vigilance and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
- Community Forums: We host regular forums to engage with residents, address concerns, and gather feedback on public safety issues.
Partnerships with Local Organizations
We value partnerships with local organizations and agencies to amplify our impact. These collaborations include:
- Law Enforcement Agencies: We work closely with local police and sheriff’s departments to enhance coordination and information sharing.
- Victim Advocacy Groups: We collaborate with victim advocacy groups to provide support and resources to those affected by crime.
- Community Organizations: We partner with community organizations to address social and economic factors that contribute to crime.
- Faith-Based Organizations: We engage with faith-based organizations to promote ethical values, foster community resilience, and provide support to vulnerable populations.
- Businesses and Employers: We collaborate with businesses and employers to promote safe work environments and support crime prevention initiatives.
Through these efforts, the District Attorney’s Office fosters a collaborative and engaged community, working together to reduce crime, support victims, and enhance public safety.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office faces several challenges, including limited resources, increasing caseloads, and the need to balance public safety with individual rights.
Despite these challenges, the office is committed to finding opportunities for improvement and innovation. One way is to explore ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness through the use of technology and data analysis.
Community Engagement
The office also recognizes the importance of community outreach and engagement. By working with community organizations, schools, and businesses, the office can build relationships and trust, and better understand the needs of the community.
