Several campaign signs are vandalized in the parish; matter is actively under investigation

Vandals passed through the proverbial gate and caused damage to over a dozen of campaign signs in Evangeline Parish on the evening of Monday, August 26. All of the signs affected are advertising the campaign of Heather Cloud for State Senate in District 28.
As Cloud explained, the signs “were marked up with what looks like a permanent marker.” She added, “Honestly, at first, I just kind of giggled about it. I saw the first couple of them and saw the mustaches drawn on them.”
“I just made light of it,” Cloud continued, “but it’s quite a few. These signs are very expensive. I wouldn’t be saying anything about this and wouldn’t proceed with bringing this out publicly if it wouldn’t be for the fact that it’s expensive to replace them. If I remain silent and just go back and replace a dozen signs or more, then they may destroy every sign again. I definitely want to bring some attention to it because this kind of stuff is ugly.”
The vandalized signs were in the areas of Pine Prairie, Turkey Creek, Bayou Chicot, Ville Platte, and Crooked Creek.
Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac commented on the matter,
“It is being taken very seriously. It’s a serious crime, and it’s currently being actively investigated. If someone is caught, then they will be prosecuted.”
Brignac added, his office has looked at video footage of the vandalism and has a description of the vehicle. However, as he said, “it’s to find that vehicle.”
The district attorney explained whoever is responsible could face a charge of criminal damage to property by defacing with graffiti which carries a possible sentence of two years at hard labor along with a fine of $1,000.00 plus restitution.
Similar vandalism has also recently been done to campaign signs belonging to Josh Fontenot and Rocky Rider. Fontenot, a candidate for assessor, wished not to comment; and Rider, a candidate for police jury, did not respond with any comment.
As for Cloud, she called the matter aggravating and said “we’re better than this. She concluded, “I call on all of my supporters not to retaliate.”