The 10th Judicial District Court ruled in favor of District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington’s challenge to the election candidacy of Nicholas Christopher Douglas, disqualifying him from being a candidate for Chief of Police of the Village of Powhatan.
Douglas initially qualified for office on January 31 during the candidate qualification period, with no other candidate filing for the position of chief of police, effectively making him the unopposed elected candidate. However, after receiving a complaint from a registered voter in Natchitoches Parish, Harrington’s office launched an investigation into Douglas’ residency status and qualifications. As a result, Harrington filed a petition in district court challenging Douglas’ candidacy.
At a hearing on February 10, Judge Lala Sylvester ruled that evidence presented by Harrington and Assistant District Attorney Steven P. Mansour demonstrated that Douglas failed to meet the legal residency requirements to be a candidate for the position of chief of police.
The petition alleged that Douglas never resided at the Natchitoches Parish addresses listed on his voter registration and candidacy forms. During the court hearing, it was revealed that Douglas currently holds an Ohio driver’s license, which he presented as proof of identification when testifying by video teleconference from Ohio during the court hearing.
Key testimony came from Clerk of Court David Stamey, who outlined the legal requirements for holding public office in Powhatan. Additionally, Natchitoches Parish Registrar of Voters Kathrin Holden testified that Douglas was not currently registered to vote in Natchitoches Parish, explaining that his registration had been canceled due to his lack of a valid residence in the parish.
Additional evidence confirmed that Douglas never established residency in Natchitoches Parish. Natchitoches Parish Assessor Yolanda Reed testified that he does not own any property in the parish. Furthermore, two local rental property owners testified that Douglas never resided at their respective rental properties, directly contradicting the residency he listed in the sworn candidate affidavit he submitted to the Clerk of Court when qualifying for office.
Investigators, attorneys, and staff from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Voter Integrity Division also attended the hearing, providing legal insight into election law and candidate challenges.
The District Attorney’s Office filed the election challenge to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure candidates comply with Louisiana’s legal requirements for office.
“Today’s ruling reaffirms the importance of lawful candidacy and honest representation in our electoral system,” said District Attorney Harrington. “The residents of Natchitoches Parish deserve leaders who meet both the legal and ethical standards required to serve.”
Douglas, who was initially unopposed for the position, has now been disqualified from the election. As a result, the office of Chief of Police in Powhatan will remain vacant until a new candidate qualification period is set and an election date is scheduled.
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