By LEONARD GRAY – Managing Editor

EDGARD – An allegedly botched interview could possibly result in the release of accused burglary ring leader Alton Placide.

Placide’s attorney has called for what he labeled a coercised confession to be tossed out. A decision on the confession is set June 16.

During a March 4 hearing before 40th Judicial District Judge Madeline Jasmine, it was revealed St. John Parish sheriff’s detectives spent hours wearing a confession out of Placide after his arrest in October 2002. Placide was charged with 52 burglaries, mostly of businesses in the Reserve and LaPlace area during an 18-month period and despite a determined manhunt. H faces upwards on 300 years in prison, if convicted.

However, Richard Stricks of the Indigent Defender Board, who is defending Placide, pointed out the questioning of Placide took place in spite of his demand in writing for an attorney to be present.

A form signed by Placide on Oct. 2, 2002 at 11:13 p.m. includes the line: “Are you willing to answer questions at this time without a lawyer?” To this, Placide initialed the “no” response.

Despite this, Placide was questioned for hours by Chief of Detectives Robert Hay, during which Hay attempted repeatedly to persuade Placide to confess, promising the system would recognize his cooperation and go easy on him.

Excerpts from the transcript of Placide’s questioning by Hay includes repeated threats, persuasion and offers of deals.

At the end of the transcript, Hay is reported saying: “We’re not writing anything; we’re not recording anything. It’s unlawful. We can’t do that and we’re not going to do that without your consent. It’s not even lawful, OK? It couldn’t be used.”

That was from a statement being recorded at the time, according to Stricks.

Hay told the court he was unaware Placide had signed that statement calling for an attorney

However, at one point Hay is quoted as saying, “I mean right now you’re saying *** you, I ain’t saying ****, give me a …. attorney.”

He continued, “I know it’s a lot but we got to start somewhere. I know you gotta have a beginning and you gotta have an end and before this thing starts into the next phase, before we can sit down with any lawyers, before we can sit down with any D.A., nobody’s gonna want to offer you anything until we know what’s on the table. Now is the time for you to cooperate.”