St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin has been suspended.
Councilman Juma Johnson confirms Martin’s two day suspension is a disciplinary action.
Martin was appointed chief in December, under the former administration.
Melinda “Mel” Narcisse Mitchell is now mayor, having defeated incumbent Thomas Nelson in a run-off in April.
The chief told us he was disciplined for using some vulgar language during a meeting with an employee and the mayor. Martin said he was scolding the employee when he used the language, he said.
He said he was meeting with the mayor today to determine when the suspension will be served.
The mayor confirmed what the chief said.
“It was a very, very hard decision, because he’s really a good chief,” Mitchell said.
However, she said, she felt the use of vulgar language in that setting was unprofessional.
She confirmed the meeting with the chief today, and said they will work out a time for the suspension that won’t interfere with the police department’s ongoing homicide investigation.
