City Councilwoman in Louisiana Charged Following a Complaint About an Alleged Altercation with Police Officers

Richland Parish, Louisiana – A city councilwoman in Louisiana has been charged with simple battery of persons with infirmities and public intimidation following a complaint about an alleged altercation with police officers.

Louisiana State Police (LSP) reported on January 31, 2023, that the Rayville Police Department (RPD) contacted the LSP Bureau of Investigations-Monroe Field Office (LSP MFO) on January 10, 2023, to investigate a complaint.

The complaint was filed in response to an alleged physical altercation involving Rayville City Councilwoman Deborah James, 53, and the threatening of RPD officers. When the officers arrived at a private residence, James threatened them with termination if she was arrested.

LSP MFO obtained an arrest warrant and charged James on January 31 as a result of the investigation and information obtained. She was charged with simple battery of persons with infirmities and public intimidation. She was arrested and booked into the Richland Parish Jail. The RPD helped with the investigation.

The Louisiana State Police will lead the investigation, according to authorities. The investigation is still open and ongoing. There is currently no additional information available.

The public can also use the Louisiana State Police online reporting system, which includes a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can obtain the form by going to www.lsp.org and clicking on the Suspicious Activity link.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.