BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A grand jury has reviewed a case against LSP Trooper James Jefferson and has determined there’s sufficient evidence to formally charge him with domestic abuse battery with child endangerment.
CHARGES
- Domestic abuse battery with child endangerment
- Obstruction of justice
- Malfeasance in office
- Domestic abuse by strangulation
- Domestic abuse battery with child endangerment
- Obstruction of justice
- Malfeasance in office
- Domestic abuse battery with dangerous weapon with serious bodily injury
The criminal case will move forward to trial. Jefferson is expected back in court for arraignment on July 29.
Louisiana Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Cassidy Smith is prosecuting the case jointly with the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Trooper on leave will continue being paid despite LSP objections
In May, the Louisiana State Police Commission voted to allow Trooper Jefferson to use his accrued leave while he faces felony domestic violence charges.
His attorney, Jill Craft, told the commission there has been precedent set before where troopers were arrested and allowed to use their time off while their criminal case plays out.
State Police objected to Jefferson being allowed to use his accrued leave and wanted him suspended without pay…