The 21-year-old New Iberia man was released from jail Tuesday after the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Lake Charles reinstated his bond. Paul is charged with driving the alleged gunmen to safety shortly after the May robbery and shooting death of Sidney Long Jr. Long was shot at his business, Long’s Gun & Pawn Shop.
In a hearing last month, a 16th Judicial District Court judge revoked Paul’s $10,000 bond, citing his failure to obtain a full-time job as a violation of the bond conditions. Paul was ordered on Jan. 28 back to the Iberia Parish Correctional Center where he was to await his May 4 trial.
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“In this case, a person had paid bond and was sitting in jail,” Spears said in a telephone interview.
Spears did not attend the bond hearing in which Paul was remanded to jail and said he received no prior notification of the proceeding. He added Paul was employed as recently as Jan. 23.
Spears said Paul’s probation officer, Bryan Trahan, spoke in open court of Paul’s failure to find a job, though there is no indication in court documents as to what Trahan said. Trahan declined to comment when approached by a reporter the day of the hearing.
Leonard, who according to the appeals court “erred” in sending Paul back to jail, did not return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment. Assistant District Attorney Bo Duhe declined to comment on the appeals court decision.
Paul is charged with two counts of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Prosecutors say Paul picked up his cousin, Akeem Evans, 18, and Easton Francisco, 21, just moments after they reportedly robbed and shot Long, 72, in his gun shop on Center Street.
According to court records, Paul received a cell phone call from Evans after the shooting and then drove the two suspects to the Iberia Village Apartments, where he instructed them to await his return.
Long’s daughter, Melissa, has followed the case closely and said she was outraged initially at the amount of Paul’s bond, which she said seemed disproportionately low.
But her reaction Wednesday to Paul’s release seemed more measured.
“Although my family feels the initial bond was too low, we understand the bond assures appearances,” she said.
“We must accept the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling and trust that justice for my father’s murder will prevail.”
Since his initial arrest May 10, Paul has returned to jail twice.
He was arrested Oct. 13 for failure to appear for a mandatory pre-trial hearing.
Paul faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Evans, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, cannot receive the death penalty but could spend the rest of his life in jail if found guilty.
Prosecutors have not ruled out the death penalty in Francisco’s case.
Comments
Rickey A. Paul wrote on Mar 27, 2009 1:58 PM:
Melissa Long wrote on Feb 28, 2009 11:50 PM:
Melissa Long wrote on Feb 28, 2009 11:47 PM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 28, 2009 5:30 PM:
Mr. Richey Paul was railroad by a racist system of white Supremacy. The tow men who police said killed Mr Long are behind bars, the Rev. Melissa Long, focus should be on the two man who killed her Father and not on Richey Paul an innocent man, my advice To Rev. Melissa Long, is that she stop using the race card, if Richey Paul was a white man, the D.A would have dismiss the charges by now, end of the strory. "
fact not fiction wrote on Feb 28, 2009 11:32 AM:
Somebody wrote on Feb 26, 2009 7:11 AM:
DeWayne wrote on Feb 26, 2009 1:23 AM:
Best Wishes to you and your family. "
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 25, 2009 3:39 PM:
Do you realy know what due process is?
I don't think so. As a white woman you do not understand
racism and how it relate to the criminal justice system. Blacks
are denied due process every day, I am glad that the two men who killed your father will have they day in court, but i
stand by my suport for Rickey Paul and Mr Michael Jones. "
Melissa Long wrote on Feb 25, 2009 11:44 AM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 24, 2009 9:17 PM:
As long as i can spell "racism" as long as i can spell " end police brutality" as long as i can spell "end racial discrimination" as long as i can spell " stop white Supremacy" as long as i can spell "stop injustice in the court system" as long as i can spell " second Amendment rights" as long as i can spell " free Rickey Paul and justice for Michael Jones." as long as you understand right and wrong. That's it. "
KD wrote on Feb 24, 2009 1:58 PM:
Lisa wrote on Feb 24, 2009 1:53 PM:
5Diva wrote on Feb 20, 2009 3:13 PM:
Melissa Long wrote on Feb 20, 2009 12:35 PM:
MR CLEAN wrote on Feb 20, 2009 8:47 AM:
I refrain from using the word 'Reverend' here because my father was a true Reverend. He believed that all people have good in them, and it doesn't matter what race you are.
Brown appears to be a racist to me. Definitely not what I would consider to be a good example of a Christian leader, i.e., a Reverend. "
Tired wrote on Feb 19, 2009 5:46 PM:
know racism wrote on Feb 19, 2009 5:36 PM:
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:57 AM:
That is why I chose to write the meanings of BOTH "Racism" and "Prejudice"!
So you see, there could "IN FACT", be prejudiced people who are NOT racists. "
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:51 AM:
Rev, I have explained to the DI post before that I have family members who are Native American, Black, Hispanic, White, Asian, AND from several different religious belief groups.
What many here do not know, is that the DI has NOT printed 4 of my posts. I do not know why, so most of what you are reading has NO meaning without the proper content.
What MY meaning is, is quite simple! What you think is racism, could really be prejudice! ... "
Huff PuFF Daddy wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:12 AM:
franklinite wrote on Feb 19, 2009 6:24 AM:
dont get me started wrote on Feb 18, 2009 6:10 PM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 18, 2009 4:25 PM:
If you're white you really don't understand racism, only black people and Mexicans understand racism, because police stoped us and beat some of u s, and kill some of us, only because we are black or brown, some white communiteis do not rent to us, and some white Judges are very racist toward us. Also black and white Churchs are separate, are Jesus white? or are Jesus black? what color is God? "
stop the madness wrote on Feb 18, 2009 2:35 PM:
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Feb 18, 2009 11:21 AM:
1. Racisim, by its simplest definition, is the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
2. Prejudice, To cause (someone) to judge prematurely and irrationally. See synonyms at bias.
To affect injuriously or detrimentally by a judgment or an act.
I believe some people are confusing these two terms, while posting on this site.
Please be aware of the REAL meaning of what you are discussing.
Thanks. "
Guilty wrote on Feb 18, 2009 5:49 AM:
me wrote on Feb 17, 2009 7:49 PM:
Oh and learn how to spell. "
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 17, 2009 5:01 PM:
devil Brown." I was trying to show them that racism stil exist
and that St. Bernard Parish are stil practising Jim crow laws which is racism, incase you do not know, racism is the same sin like fornication and adultery . And St. Bernard is sinning.
Now lets get back to the issue, Rickey Paul is innocent until
provent gulty in a court of law. "
To Rev. Brown wrote on Feb 17, 2009 4:09 PM:
Oh wait - your method is handout jobs, money and freedom to any idiot on the street - as long as he's black. Way to promote job sustainability, responsibility, and education to your race - but it's not surprising, as all you are "good" for is a whole bunch o' nothing. "
Deborah C. White wrote on Feb 17, 2009 3:26 PM:
As for Rickey Paul, all I can say is thank God for his girlfriend doing the right thing and bringing forward the information that law enforcement
You, Rev. Brown can preach racism until the cows come home.....it will do you no good. You will not be the one to issue what justice will be deemed for Rickey Paul and the two murders. "
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Feb 17, 2009 2:47 PM:
"there's no blacks workers in St. Bernard parish court house, only white Judges, white clarks, white procecutor, all white deputies in the court building. Thats racism".
Please explain. I mean, if you apply for a job, but cannot perform the task, should you still be hired? SOME jobs have a "learn by doing" or "on the job" training program. A court house/room is NOT that kind of place.
If, only IIF, our younger generation could understand this, then maybe there would be less of a dropout rate in our schools! "
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 17, 2009 1:20 PM:
Racism is when white cops stoped me only because of the color of my skin, thats racism. Also when there's no blacks workers in St. Bernard parish court house, only white Judges, white clarks, white procecutor, all white deputies in the court building. Thats racism, and the way we are treated in the court system. Maybe you should ask God to charge the color of your skin for a year. "
No change for New Iberia wrote on Feb 17, 2009 12:31 PM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 17, 2009 8:39 AM:
I love you "Rev." but you most admit that the focus have been on Rcikey Paul , you most also admit that Judge Leonard violated Mr Rcikey Paul Constitutional rights. However, our focus should be on the allege killers. So let's focus our attention on the real issue, the real issues are do white people believe in due process of the law for all people, including black people. do you believe that Ricket Paul are presume innocent until proven guilty. "
Breauxbeare wrote on Feb 17, 2009 7:32 AM:
Rusty wrote on Feb 17, 2009 7:12 AM:
Melissa Long wrote on Feb 17, 2009 12:10 AM:
Huff Puff Daddy wrote on Feb 17, 2009 12:04 AM:
MIA wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:57 PM:
Rev Brown, you are the only racist here, trying to stick your nose where it doesn't belong. You look like your only goal is to assist someone who assisted murderers, confessed murderers.
To all here, sad but true, now in our courts you must prove yourself not guilty, and the thugs always get the free ride and cheap bonds. "
Reverend Melissa Long wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:47 PM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 16, 2009 9:48 PM:
I was in Abbeville on 2/16/09 protesting the police killing of
Micheal Jones, I think Mr Jones were beaten to death on
Feb, 13 , 2009 at his mother house in Abbeville, LA.
the family called me on Sunday and said " we need your help." My question is why are so many black men are killed at the hans of the police,? let's take for an example Rickey
Paul, white people focus more attention on Rickey Paul, but Rickey Paul did not kill Mr Long that's why his bond were so low. "
to LOL wrote on Feb 16, 2009 7:06 PM:
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Feb 16, 2009 6:10 PM:
Again you don't post my first comments. Why?
People will not know what was talked about!
I do not believe that I offended anyone in that first section!
I just pointed out that one person believes he knows what anotherone thinks. To this, I pointed out "prejudice". This, to the same person who likes to scream racisim, any chance he gets! "
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Feb 16, 2009 3:08 PM:
So please, do NOT attribute any words to people, especially if you do not know the person.
I pray that all of us try to stick to the facts! "
LOL wrote on Feb 16, 2009 8:41 AM:
If my cousin, brother, sister, whomever... called me for a ride, told me that they just robbed and murdered someone and still had the weapon, heck YES I would either drive them to the police station or make them get out of my vehicle, and I would then drive to the police station to turn them in.
The Bible and Gods word are very clear. Right is right and wrong is wrong. End of story. You do wrong and you get what you deserve. Period. "
lily wrote on Feb 16, 2009 5:19 AM:
Rebel wrote on Feb 15, 2009 5:13 PM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 15, 2009 10:58 AM:
I believe in freedom of speech and the right to a fair trial,
to respon to your statement regarding Dr. King, lily, do you konw that Dr. King were called a racist and a trouble maker doing his time, and white folks tried to link him to communism. but today white people are praising Dr. King, for taking a stand against
racism. I am a product of Dr. King's fight for racial equality.
I have tried to stick to the issue on this forum, but some people cannot debate me regarding racism. "
Just Wondering wrote on Feb 15, 2009 9:46 AM:
Don wrote on Feb 15, 2009 8:53 AM:
Amaazed wrote on Feb 15, 2009 8:15 AM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 14, 2009 5:40 PM:
Thank you for showing us your real self, you are a genuine racist. I believe in due process, I also believe in the presumption of innocent until proven guilty. However, some white people do not believe in due process for black people, you and Melissa believe the the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written for whites only. Mr Rickey Paul is a U.S. Citizen, but the way the system treats him you would think "are we living in 1913." "
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 14, 2009 5:36 PM:
Thank you for showing us your real self, you are a genuine racist. I believe in due process, I also believe in the presumtion of innocent until proven guilty. However, some white people do not believe in due process for black people, you and Melissa believe the the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written for whites only. Mr Rickey Paul is a U.S. Citizen, but the way the system treats him you would think "are we living in 1913." "
lily wrote on Feb 14, 2009 10:52 AM:
Southern Fried Brain wrote on Feb 14, 2009 10:06 AM:
Why were my original comments NOT printed? I did not post anything with hatred in it, but alas, nothing there.
1.He was arrested Oct. 13 for failure to appear for a mandatory pre-trial hearing. His Liar/lawyer gets him out, on the same bond no less.
2. Paul is charged with two counts of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. There is nothing wrong with putting in "conditions" for his release. Also, I always thought a job was a good thing to have.
Will Dick Spears ensure RP will be there for the "mandatory" TRIAL? "
Breauxbeare wrote on Feb 13, 2009 11:42 PM:
Justice wrote on Feb 13, 2009 11:22 PM:
Lynn wrote on Feb 13, 2009 7:10 PM:
Lynn wrote on Feb 13, 2009 7:05 PM:
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 13, 2009 6:57 PM:
wiseone wrote on Feb 13, 2009 7:32 AM:
To Rev. Raymond Brown: He does not seem to be free, but a slave to his bad behavior. "
Master Sparks wrote on Feb 13, 2009 6:13 AM:
cant believe wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:47 AM:
this is about bringing justice for the man who was killed....
unbelievable for your remarks..... "
Dylan McKay wrote on Feb 13, 2009 3:00 AM:
Hmmmmm wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:38 PM:
Melissa, keep up the good work of keeping these people behind bars. I hope they get hard labor plus life with no benefit for parole. "
Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Feb 12, 2009 8:32 PM:
MR CLEAN wrote on Feb 12, 2009 3:38 PM: