Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced the appointment of Cloyd Benjamin Jr. as first assistant district attorney.

Harrington said, “Cloyd has served the citizens of Natchitoches Parish as an assistant DA honorably for 10 years. His trial court experience, vast knowledge of the law and his leadership within our office qualifies him to serve in this critical role.”

“Cloyd shares my commitment to fight and to deter crime by prosecuting criminals and seeking justice for their acts,” said Harrington.

Harrington also said Benjamin will assist him in management of the office caseload to continue to serve the needs of crime victims in the parish. Additionally, Benjamin will continue prosecuting crimes as first assistant.

“It is a great honor to serve in this capacity to continue working with the people of our great parish. I will work diligently to represent victims and to seek fair and appropriate justice for all. I am hopeful that I can assist District Attorney Harrington in helping people with everyday problems. This I believe is the highest form of service, this is helping people,” said Benjamin.

In addition to his experience as a criminal prosecutor, Benjamin previously served as former deputy for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and federal corrections officer for the United States Department of Justice.

Benjamin is also actively involved in building a stronger community. He is the founder of Dreams Inc., which sponsors an annual Christmas party that provides toys to kids and scholarships to high school students.

Benjamin replaces Jimmy Long Jr., who returned to part-time status in the DA’s office to allow him to focus on his private law practice.