St. Mary councilman James Bennett arrested again

MORGAN CITY — St Mary Parish Councilman James W. Bennett was arrested for the fourth time on Saturday for violating a protective order.

On May 2, Bennett was served with a protective order through the 16th Judicial Court which prohibited him from being within 100 yards of a female petitioner.

However, on Friday, Berwick Police Chief David Leonard said he received and followed up on information that Bennett was seen within this prohibited area.

He said detectives were able to obtain clear video evidence that placed Bennett within the prohibited area of the victim’s residence, on more than one occasion.

“Based on this evidence, a warrant was issued for his arrest,” Leonard said.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair said his officers were tipped that Bennett was eating at a restaurant on Louisiana 182 Saturday, so he dispatched officers to arrest him for Berwick Police.

The investigation is ongoing and still active.

Bennett is being held without bond by 16th Judicial District Judge Greg Aucoin, until a court appearance.