Elizabeth West/Ville Platte Gazette
An Evangeline Parish grand jury indicted former Basile Police Officer Nicholas P. Richardson on one count of malfeasance in office (performance of duty in unlawful manner) on Sept. 27.
Richardson, who currently works part-time at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, was first arrested in May of this year following an altercation that occurred at the residence of the officer’s family members, Darrell and Mia Reed.
Video surveillance from the residence showed Richardson getting out of his police unit, pulling his gun from his holster and then returning it during the altercation.
Following the incident, Richardson was indefinitely suspended from the Basile Police Department.
Richardson was initially charged with felony aggravated assault with a firearm, simple battery and malfeasance in office.
However, the evidence presented to the grand jury led them to only indict Richardson on the charge of malfeasance in office.
During a court hearing in August, Richardson’s trial date was set for Oct. 16 in Judge Gary Ortego’s courtroom.
Also arrested in connection with this crime is Richardson’s father, Grayling Richardson.
Grayling has been charged with criminal trespassing and simple battery, and his trial date has also been set for Oct. 16 in Judge Ortego’s courtroom.