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St. Martinville council fires deputy police chief after on-duty altercation
Summary
The St. Martinville City Council voted unanimously Oct. 16 to terminate Deputy Chief Cody Laperouse after the police chief and two officers described an Aug. 26 incident in which Laperouse allegedly charged at and threatened a resident; Laperouse declined to testify.
The St. Martinville City Council voted unanimously Oct. 16 to terminate Deputy Chief Cody Laperouse after hearing the police chief and two officers describe an Aug. 26, 2024, incident at the police station in which Laperouse allegedly charged at and threatened a resident, according to statements presented to the council.
Chief Martin gave the council his account and recommended immediate termination, telling the council that Laperouse "charged angrily" at Patrick Valsin Jr. and threatened to kill him inside the station; Lt. Andrew Broussard intervened and physically prevented contact, the council was told. Written statements from Lt. Broussard, Detective Doug Simon and Detective Jason Boudreaux were provided to the council before the meeting and, the council was informed, the two officers corroborated the chief’s report. Attorney Hunter Ahia spoke on behalf of Laperouse and asked the council to keep central the questions of what did and did not happen and what should or should not have happened.
Council members said Laperouse was offered the chance to testify but declined. The transcript record states there was no evidence presented that contradicted the chief and the witness accounts. Based on the information provided, Councilmember Flo Chatman moved to terminate Laperouse’s employment immediately; Councilmember Janise Anthony seconded and the motion was carried unanimously.
The council also noted an allegation that Patrick Valsin Jr. had threatened Laperouse’s mother; the minutes report that Valsin denied that allegation. The council did not record the submission of additional documentary evidence beyond the written statements by the officers and the chief’s presentation.
After the vote, Mayor Jason Willis declared the meeting adjourned on a motion by Chatman, seconded by Anthony.
Votes at a glance: Termination of Deputy Chief Cody Laperouse — motion moved by Councilmember Flo Chatman, seconded by Councilmember Janise Anthony; outcome: approved (unanimous). Adjournment — motion moved by Flo Chatman, seconded by Janise Anthony; outcome: approved.
