Cassidy not seeking re-election in 2020

District Attorney Michael Cassidy announced in a press release Tuesday that he does not plan to seek reelection next year. He has served in that position since Jan. 1, 1991.

Cassidy noted how much he has loved his job as district attorney and that he is humbled and grateful that the voters of this parish have entrusted him with such awesome responsibility, authority and discretion for the past 29 years.

“I truly believe my calling has been to serve the Lord through public service, and I am so grateful that the fine people in Jeff Davis gave me that opportunity,” he said. “I hope people do not see me as a politician, but as a champion and minister of justice.”

He has been in public service for over 34 years, serving over five years as Jennings’ city attorney and nearly 29 as district attorney. He has also served on the Jeff Davis Parish Landfill Commission and on the local and state executive committees of the Democratic Party. In the past, he served as president of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association and was elected numerous times to serve on their board of directors. He was also appointed by three separate governors to serve on the Drug and Violent Crime Board of Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

Cassidy quipped that the district attorney is often the last strand of barbed wire between the foxes and the henhouse because of the vast amount of authority and discretion they possess. He said that the “fox” may be a good person who made a poor decision or bad choice and needs a break. Alternatively, the fox may be a threat to society who needs to be locked away for a long time. The “henhouse” may be the victim who needs protection or justice. Alternatively, the henhouse may be a legal principle or constitutional right that must be upheld against violators, even if they had good intentions — probable cause to search and arrest, jury selection or not allowing the office to seek vengeance instead of justice are just a few examples.

He also mentioned that some of his accomplishments include being one of the first district attorneys to implement a pretrial intervention program for young, first-time, nonviolent offenders; arranging substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration for those with addictions; charging a female with negligent homicide for the death of a fetus from drug intoxication; for prosecuting a major drug dealer under a new state racketeering statute; for allowing the use of a therapy dog in court for traumatized victims; for handling the largest (at that time) drug asset forfeiture; for drafting and ensuring the adoption of legislation to protect our elderly citizens; and financially sponsoring and personally participating in many extracurricular, academic or recreational programs for our youth.

He said he is also proud of the fact that the office only had a small surplus when he took office and despite sponsoring these youth programs, purchasing new equipment for law enforcement, doubling the size of the office and staff and maintaining current technology, the office currently has a much larger surplus.

“I am most proud of the fact that I have maintained an open-door policy for 29 years,” he added. “Many public officials block off the public after a couple of terms but I thought it was important to be accessible to anyone wanting to see the district attorney. I may not be able to always tell someone what they want to hear, but I should at least be able to listen to their concern. After all, that problem or concern is the most important issue to them at that particular time. I also thought it was important to be accessible to the media because the public has a right to know what their elected officials are doing.”

Cassidy said his fifth term will end Jan. 11, 2021. He assures the public he will continue to work hard everyday protecting the interests of the wonderful citizens of Jeff Davis Parish.

“I hope people are able to say I was tough when necessary and compassionate when deserved,” he said. “Mainly, I hope they will say I was fair and consistent.”

Cassidy thanked his family for their love, support and understanding and his entire staff for helping him achieve justice. He particularly noted that hiring J.B. Broussard and Rod Steed gave him the experience and wisdom he needed when he took over at age 31. He also mentioned that his Assistant District Attorney Bennett R. Lapoint and victim coordinator, Cindy Cormier, have been with him since the first day, and they have contributed to his success. Finally, Cassidy said that his Assistant District Attorney, Kevin Millican, has informally announced that he will be a candidate for district attorney next year.

“Kevin is a hardworking, intelligent, business-minded family man who cares about this community,” Cassidy said. “I know he would make an excellent district attorney.”

In conclusion, Cassidy said he still loves the job but felt like it was time for a change for both himself and the office.

“I think both of us will benefit from a new and fresh point of view,” he said.