Relatives' Incarceration Concerns

Richard Booker was arrested in Union Parish after he was allegedly found in possession of a firearm when he should not have had one. When he was arrested, Booker was also charged with violating a protective order, sending him to spent time in a Union Parish jail. He has been there since April 16 because he has not been able to make bond. Police reports reveal Booker allegedly violated his probation on the charge of "failure to appear" in Ouachita Parish. When news of his arrest became known, he was transferred to Ouachita Parish. Recently, a concerned family member Charlie Jones, who lives in Houston, has tried to get information from the Ouachita Parish District Attorney's office on Booker's status. Jones shared that it has been a frustrating experience just to get information concerning Booker, who is his cousin. Jones said that he wanted to speak to the DA personally, but was told that his request might not be possible. After calling the DA's office on numerous occasions, Jones was said to be combative and "cocky" in his conversations where he said that he was perceived to be "harassing" employees there. His requests, he maintains, are simply to know the legal status of his cousin. Jones shared that when he would inquire about Booker's situation, he was often placed on hold to the point where he would hang and call again, hoping to finally speak to someone who would actually help him attain information. On several occasions, Jones said he was able to talk to an employee, but when asked about speaking to the DA, those on the phone claimed the district attorney was not in the office. By now, Jones has been known to be a frequent caller, leaving some employees to allegedly refused to identify themselves by their name.

Booker was supposed to have a hearing during the week of August 11, but Jones was unsure whether that happened or whether Booker had a new date(docket) set. Jones fears that Booker has fallen through the cracks, in that his status has not been made clear. He understands that a DA's calls are screened but simply wants to make sure the District Attorney is aware of his requests to obtain information regarding his cousin's case. In addition to helping fight his cousin's legal battles, Jones alleges that the Ouachita Parish Sherriff's Department is tracing his phone number even though Jones has freely identified himself and other important information when requested.

He admits that not everyone has treated him poorly but shares his story in hopes that these problems in the system can be fixed and that he can help his cousin get a fair case and justice be rendered. Nonetheless, he intends to press on, saying that he does not believe this is a race issue, but a "people" issue.

Photo Richard Booker