TRIAL ENDS WITH GUILTY VERDICT
An Evangeline Parish jury trial which began Tuesday, February 19, 2012 ended Thursday afternoon with Ronald Craig Pete, 25 of Ville Platte found guilty as charged of Armed Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The prosecution presented evidence which included testimony and physical evidence.
Late in the evening of June 30, 2012, Ronald Craig Pete robbed Roy Delafosse in his home. Mr. Delafosse related that a tall, skinny black male entered his home wearing dark jeans, a flannel shirt and a ski mask and held a knife to his throat and demanded money. Pete then stole Mr. Delafosse’s wallet, an antique pistol and his cell phone.
The investigation by the Ville Platte Police Department subsequently led officers to the victim’s former girlfriend, Phyllis Serie, who was supposed to meet him that evening. Instead, Pete convinced Serie to set up the robbery.
The flannel shirt and black jeans the defendant was wearing during the commission of the crime was recovered from the defendant’s residence. Testimony from the State’s primary witness, Phyllis Serie, testified as to the plan and Pete’s involvement. In addition, phone records of the victim were introduced as evidence that Pete made approximately 45 phone calls from the victim’s phone to Serie after the robbery. In addition, there were calls made to Pete’s girlfriend. (Serie is represented by Kelly Tate, her trial is still pending).
As a result of the guilty verdict, Ronald Craig Pete faces up to 30 years in prison for the Aggravated Burglary, up to 99 years for the Armed Robbery and up to 20 years in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Presiding Judge Thomas Fuselier scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2013. Pete was also convicted of First Degree Robbery in Calcasieu Parish in 2007.
District Attorney Trent Brignac commended the efforts of lead prosecutor Timmy Fontenot and Shelley DeVille who assisted, as well as his staff for their support during the trial. Brignac also extends his thanks to all of the jurors selected, as well as all the other prospective jurors for their time and effort. Finally, Brignac expressed his appreciation for the time and effort put forth by the Ville Platte Police Department in this investigation.