NEW IBERIA, La. — A judge in the 16th Judicial District Court, which covers Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes, is accused of threatening behavior toward prosecutors and of having a bias in court.
Judge Lori Landry is at the center of the complaint from the District Attorney's Office. The DA's office has filed more than 200 motions to have her recused, citing a number of cases where Judge Landry accused prosecutors themselves of having a racial bias.
In one case, Judge Landry is accused of threatening to stab an Assistant DA in the ear with a pen. A hearing on the motion to recuse was held in court. However it's postponed for a later date.
Monday morning, dozens of Landry's supporters stood outside of the courthouse in solidarity with Landry. Not only are they against the recusals, but they believe their voices are being silenced since they're the ones who elected Landry.
"Judge Landry is part of a system that she's trying to make right," rally organizer Khadija Rashad said. Rashad along with other supporters, dispute the claims made by the DA's office, in the 27 page document.
"They're all trying to stop what the people have appointed as our elected official," Rashad said. Representative Terry Landry, who is judge Landry's uncle, says the constituents are the most impacted.
"There's going to be several court hearings. I understand there are over 26 filings. In the meantime people are sitting in jail and waiting for their sentence or cases to be heard," Rep. Terry Landry said. "The system is clogged up. The people of the 16 J.D. elected her to be their representative and ensure justice is fair for all."
Dozens of people say they will continue to support Landry.
"Your constituents are going to support you. Your people are going to support you. It's just the beginning," Rashad said.
Read the motion to recuse Landry below.
