Elaine denies charges

Published 11:41 am Friday, July 9, 2010

FERRIDAY — District 1 Constable Rosa Elaine said Thursday the charges filed against her are unjustified.

Elaine, 78, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of aggravated assault and criminal damage to property Wednesday for an alleged incident that happened earlier in the week.

Ferriday Police Officer Rob Polk said Wednesday that Elaine allegedly damaged the ignition in a Town of Ferriday truck with a hammer and then threatened a town employee with the hammer after he turned off her water service Tuesday.

Email newsletter signup

Elaine, however, said the incident never happened.

Instead, she said the worker in question came to her house and — after asking if she had paid her water bill — asked if he could read her water meter.

After going back in the house, Elaine said she returned to washing dishes when she found the water had been turned off.

“When I came back in my water had been cut off, and he was gone flying down the road,” she said.

While she said she later confronted the worker and disputed that her water bill was late, Elaine said she denies ever using a hammer to hit the truck or threaten anyone.

Ferriday Police Chief Kenneth Hedrick said the official police narrative has not changed since the alleged incident, and the charges stand.

Elaine’s initial court appearance is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 7.

Elaine has served as the district 1 constable since 1996.