Sias faces perjury charge

Less than a month after being arrested and charged for narcotics activity and possession of counterfeit money, a local school administrator is now charged with lying to law enforcement personnel, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Darius Sias, 38, was arrested at 3 p.m. Tuesday at his home in the 300 block of  McIlhenny Street in New Iberia by Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents, according to the sheriff’s office. The arrest warrant, issued by the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, charged Sias with one count of attempted perjury. He was released from the Iberia Parish Correctional Center late Tuesday on $40,000 bond.

“He lied to investigators about something but got caught,” sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Wendell Raborn said today.

Attempts to contact Assistant District Attorney Rob Vines, who is heading the case, for comment on the arrest were unsuccessful as of press time.

Sias was principal of the Alternative Center for Education in New Iberia when he was arrested July 30 and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, monetary instrument abuse (possession of counterfeit money) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sias was placed on administrative leave by Iberia Parish Superinentent Dale Henderson on July 30 and will remain on leave with pay until the issue is resolved.