KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |Sheriff arrested for ticket fixing in Caldwell Parish

Sheriff arrested for ticket fixing in Caldwell Parish

By Victoria Shirley

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- Caldwell Parish Sheriff Steve May faces 15 counts of malfeasance in office.

Many in the town of Columbia say they first heard of Sheriff Steve May's arrest through the Caldwell Sheriff Department's facebook page.
And Betty Robinson says she, like many others, will stand by the sheriff.
 
"We have the finest Sheriff that I've ever known." said Caldwell Parish resident Betty Robinson.
Even after reports of possible office misconduct emerged last year, May was re-elected for a fifth term in October.

Columbia resident J. R Carr says the sheriff is someone who always lends a hand to the people.
"He is the type of fellow that will help a man and I don't see anything wrong with it." says J. R Carr. 

But helping people may be what's gotten him into legal trouble. Sheriff May told KNOE in March of 2011 that he "did help a few people with tickets for minor traffic violations because most sheriffs do that."

"There is a time where you reach out and if this has happened, it is understandable.
Whatever has happened I do not think it is a wrong act." said Caldwell Parish Resident.

But District Attorney, Mark McKee, says in the arrest warrant that fixing the tickets is a criminal charge. The sheriff was given the warrant yesterday for 15 counts of malfeasance, meaning corrupt practices in office.

The sheriff may turned himself in around 9:30 last night to one of his deputies, but was released shortly after. The clerk of court's office says they aren't aware of a hearing date just yet, but if convicted he could face up to 5 years per charge in jail or a fine of up to $5,000.00 dollars.

District attorney Mark McKee declined to comment. Sheriff Steve May's attorney was also unavailable to speak with us.