DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Faces Electioneering Charges, Advances to Runoff
DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Jeremy Evans has managed to secure a spot in the November 18th Runoff Elections as the leading vote-getter, despite facing charges of electioneering during the Louisiana elections. Evans, the incumbent seeking his fourth term, recently found himself arrested after being accused of violating a law regarding campaigning in nursing homes.
The allegations against Evans arose after he posted photos on social media showing him visiting with seniors at the DeSoto Retirement & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. in Mansfield. In one of the photos, Evans can be seen wearing a shirt with a re-elect Jeremy Evans logo, while holding his campaign literature. These actions prompted an investigation by the Louisiana State Police following a complaint that was filed against him.
According to ktbs.com, Evans faced four challengers in the October 16 elections but managed to secure 37% of the vote, making him the leading candidate. He will now go head-to-head with another Republican, Lisa Lobrano Burson, who finished with 29% of the vote in the primary. Despite facing electioneering charges, Evans remains determined to pursue his re-election campaign.
Louisiana’s laws on electioneering are extensive, covering various scenarios. In Evans’ case, he is accused of violating LRS 18:1334, which prohibits candidates from soliciting votes, distributing campaign literature, or displaying political advertising in nursing homes during a specific period. This period extends from seven days prior to the start of voting until the polls close on election day.
The photos posted by Evans on September 20th fell within the restricted time period, as early voting for seniors began on September 23rd. This discrepancy has only intensified the allegations against him. District Attorney Charles Adams further added to the controversy by writing a letter to DeSoto Parish residents one week before the photos were posted. In the letter, Adams outlined multiple reasons why he believed Evans should not be re-elected, including accusations of allowing some voters to cast multiple ballots.
It’s worth noting that Evans also faces penalties for allegedly violating Louisiana’s public records law in an unrelated case. These penalties include paying attorneys’ fees and civil fines. Despite these additional challenges, Evans has not let the electioneering charges deter him from campaigning.
In conclusion, Jeremy Evans, the DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court, has advanced to the runoff elections as the leading vote-getter, despite facing electioneering charges for visiting a nursing home while wearing campaign merchandise and holding campaign literature. While these allegations are serious, they have not affected Evans’ determination to seek re-election. As the November 18th runoff approaches, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether Evans can overcome these hurdles on his path to another term as Clerk of Court.
