In a relatively low-key ceremony held recently at the Historic Rice Theatre in downtown Crowley, Jonathan Perry was sworn in as Judge, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal.
Attended by family, friends and a scattering of area elected officials, Perry was administered the oath by Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux, 3rd Circuit Chief Judge.
He replaces retired Judge Marc Amy on the 3rd Circuit Court bench.
A 46-year-old Republican, Perry was born, raised and still resides in Kaplan. A graduate of Kaplan High School, his educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Northeast Louisiana University (currently the University of Louisiana at Monroe) in criminal justice along with a minor in sociology.
Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree, Perry, at the age of 25, and enlisted in the police academy. He rose to the rank of sergeant for the Kaplan Police Department, serving as an FTO (field training officer) and shift supervisor.
While attending ALETA (Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy), he was selected Cadet president, in addition to being awarded the John “Dooley” Hardy award — given to the Hardest Working Cadet.
With determination to further his education he entered law school in pursuit of a law degree. At the age of 28, while attending law school he continued his career of public service when he was elected to the city council in his hometown of Kaplan.
Perry previously served as an assistant district attorney for the 15th Judicial District Court, where he practiced as a prosecutor. He is the founding and managing attorney of Perry Law Firm where his law firm concentrates exclusively in Elder Law and Estate Planning.
From 2008 to 2011 he served in the Louisiana House of Representatives, representing Cameron and Vermilion parishes, until he was elected to the state Senate — representing Vermilion Parish and parts of Acadia, Lafayette and St. Landry parishes — in 2011. He served as vice-chairman of the Senate Judiciary C committee and the Acadiana delegation in addition to being a member of the Rural Legislative Caucus.
Perry has been very active in community service, specifically through his time volunteering as an auctioneer, Cajun comedian and emcee, having helped to raise much-needed funds for many charities and non-profit organizations through out Acadiana.
The Lake Charles-based 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal, 3rd District, Section 4F seat to which Perry was elected without opposition covers all of Vermilion and portions of Acadia and Lafayette Parishes.
