Lafayette City Marshal Brian Pope will stand trial September 24.  The decision about the location of the trial has been deferred.  

On Monday, 15th Judicial District Court Judge david smith ruled “move to trial” for the change in venue decision.  

The proceedings leading up to the trial have been slow in moving.  

The malfeasance charge stems from the race for Lafayette Parish Sheriff.  Pope is accused of using the Marshal’s office to promote one candidate over another.

Also, Pope is accused of failing to hand-over emails despite a public records request. “I can’t talk about it,” explain Pope outside the parish courthouse on Monday.

Judge Smith denied the defense’s request to hold separate trials for each count under the Malfeasance in Office charge.