CHIEF CIVIL DEPUTY ARRESTED

OCTOBER 1, 2014

     Evangeline Parish Sheriff Eddie Soileau told KVPI News today that his Chief Civil Deputy has been arrested. She has been identified as Rebecca DeVillier of Ville Platte, who has been serving as the Chief Civil Deputy in the Tax Department since 2003. DeVillier has been arrested and charged with malfeasance in office and felony theft. Her bond has been set at $25,000.

    Sheriff Soileau stated that a preliminary investigation reveals that $40,000 was stolen over a one year period. It appears she was writing checks on the department general fund account.

   The investigation has been turned over to the state police. The sheriff said their investigation began after officials in his department began finding irregularities in their checking account. The department auditors are reviewing all of the sheriff’s department financial records.