A judge will now have to decide whether the Mayor of St. Martinville's husband will have to stay away from all city buildings and employees with the exception of his wife.
The petition for a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunction was filed today by St. Martinville City Attorney Allan Durand.
"The judge can grant the temporary restraining order without a hearing, but the judge it was assigned to is in Alaska. I'm trying to find a judge who will be here so I can present them with the affidavits and get a temporary restraining order signed until we can have a hearing on the injunction," Durand said.
The suit claims Mayor Melinda Mitchell's husband Lawrence's past actions are criminal.
Five claims are outlined in the suit. Among those claims, Mitchell threatening Councilman Craig Prosper's life, harassing city employees as well as stalking. Council members say it's reasonable to believe his acts will continue unless a court order stops him.
As for the Mayor, she's been staying out of the fray. KATC is told she is on a family vacation.
"It hasn't been pleasant for anybody, much less her," Durand said. "She's between a rock and a hard place. Hopefully this will clear it all up."
Durand is hopeful New Iberia Judge Lewis Pitman who will be working in St. Martinville next week will have time to take this case.
"He conducted the last hearing for the last violation of Prosper's protective order. He's very familiar with the case," Durand said.
If the temporary restraining order is granted, it will be good for 10 days. The judge can automatically reinstate it unless evidence is presented proving the matter is cleared up.
KATC INVESTIGATES has filed a public records request with the Mayor and the city's attorney for all documents and emails referencing Lawrence Manny Mitchell. We're told several employees have emailed the Mayor complaining about her husband.
The Mayor responded saying her office is pulling any minutes and records pertaining to her husband. So far, our request has not been fulfilled.
Durand says Lawrence Mitchell should be served on Monday.
