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State hopes to use evidence of other crimes in Pope case

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KATC) — A hearing that was set for Thursday morning in one of Brian Pope's remaining two criminal trials has been delayed.

Pope, who was convicted a year ago of malfeasance in office, was in court Thursday morning with his attorney Brett Grayson.

Pope is appealing his sentence of one year in jail in that case. Those convictions stem from his actions during a public records dispute with The Independent.

Pope also has two pending indictments, on additional charges of malfeasance in office. Thursday's hearing relates to the charges that accuse him of using City Marshal funds to attend a conference, then getting reimbursement for the trip from the city-parish and pocketing that money.

On Wednesday, prosecutors filed a motion indicating they plan to tell the jury in that case about his other crimes, and that they intend to use his previous statements as evidence.

After his felony convictions, Pope was suspended from the office of City Marshal until all his appeals are exhausted. If the convictions stand, Pope will be removed from office. Michael Hill, a former federal magistrate and police officer, currently is serving as City Marshal for Lafayette.