At City Hall in Jeanerette a special meeting was held to appoint an interim police chief, after former Chief Marvin Grogan resigned from his position on Thursday.

Former Chief Grogan’s resignation comes after his arrest last week as part of an investigation into a Lafayette gentleman’s club. Grogan has been charged with one count on malfeasance in office and three counts of compounding a felony.

Mayor Aprill Foulcard of Jeanerette says, “Moving on to agenda item 6-A, discussion and approval of interim chief of police.””

Some council members as well as residents in the audience expressed their support for the current city marshal, Fernest Martin, to serve as interim chief, but according to City Attorney Frank Barber further research needs to be done into the legality of their request.

Barber says, “Whether or not the Marshall can be the chief of police, I don’t think that’s legal, that’s my opinion. If we go any further you would probably have to get an attorney general opinion.”

Fulfilling the purpose of Friday’s meeting, the council voted to appoint Lieutenant Gloria Lombard as interim police chief and expectations for her are clear.

Foulcard says, “Ensure safety of our constituents as we have done in the past and I’m hoping that she will continue that and that all of our patrolman and all of the department as a whole carry out these duties effectively”

Gloria Lombard will continue to serve as interim chief until one is appointed at the end of this term.