Former Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of malfeasance in office today in St. Martin Parish Court. Guillory faces four charges related to the removal and reconstruction of a spoil bank along the Vermilion River, an action that allegedly contributed to flooding in the area.
The Charges
Guillory was indicted by a St. Martin Parish grand jury on February 19, 2026. The indictment accuses him of removing a spoil bank on the St. Martin Parish side of the Vermilion River and reconstructing it on the Lafayette Parish side for flood mitigation purposes.
Three of the four charges claim Guillory carried out this work without the necessary permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the St. Martin Parish floodplain administrator.
While St. Martin Parish officials claim the project contributed to flooding, Guillory maintains that it was intended to improve drainage in both parishes. “Every decision I made, I had engineers and legal right by me,” Guillory said. “A good leader puts people around him that can complement his or her deficits.”
Defense Response
Guillory, who is currently out on bail, expressed frustration with the timing of the charges, claiming that the drainage project benefited both parishes and improved the local watershed. “You conveniently and selectively chose to selectively prosecute a private citizen, more than four years after a drainage project that helped both parishes and helped this watershed,” Guillory said, adding, “We pray for them, we pray for our community, and we look to bring truth.”
Guillory’s attorney, Kevin Stockstill, along with Richard Spears, his defense representative, made it clear that this case is just beginning. “With the arraignment and his plea of not guilty, the case really begins,” Spears said. “You’ll be hearing from Kevin Stockstill, and we have a lot to say, but we’re going to say it legally, and it’ll be coming.”
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
A pre-trial is scheduled for June 16, with the trial set for August 3, 2026. Guillory and his legal team are preparing to present their defense against the allegations in what is expected to be a closely watched case.
