State v. Harris

|,Edward L. Harris appeals his conviction for malfeasance in office, La. R.S. 14:134, claiming insufficiency of evidence. We affirm in all respects.

After over two decades as the mayor of Richwood, he was defeated for reelection. He set a trap for the new administration: no cooperation; no money and no employees. He refused to provide information or access to the incoming mayor.

During the last eight days of his term, the defendant:

• terminated all employees;

• plundered the town’s general bank account; and

• overdrew the account by $26,000. 1

He was sentenced to five years at hard labor,…