By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — LaPlace resident Shawn Fisher has been arrested, on average, 3.36 times each year for the past 25 years, according to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’ Office.

Those numbers, when released by authorities in August along with details of Fisher’s 84th arrest since 1989, caught many in the public by surprise, but not St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney Tom Daley. The veteran prosecutor said his office is actively pursuing multiple cases against Fisher, adding the suspect often uses his knowledge of the criminal system to avoid serious outcomes.

“He knows the system and he uses it to his advantage,” Daley said, explaining Fisher has performed antics and outbursts in past court appearances that led to a judge declaring a mistrial.

Calls seeking comment from Newton Savoie, Fisher’s attorney, Wednesday and Thursday were not returned as of press time.

Daley said while Fisher’s record is extensive, there are several components contributing to why repeat offenders like Fisher are not behind bars.

“It’s harder to convict someone than it is to arrest them,” Daley said matter-of-factly, adding his office is working on three open cases against Fisher.

Fisher’s criminal history includes at least 10 drug arrests, 10 resisting-an-officer arrests, five traffic violations, seven trespassing charges and multiple contempt-of-court arrests.

Daley, elected in 2009, said 13 of Fisher’s arrests have occurred during his tenure. While several cases remain open, five were suspended due to insufficient evidence.

Another case was impacted by a victim withdrawing a charge and two cases were impacted by Sheriff’s Office deputies not appearing to court, according to records produced by Daley.

Daley said a July 14 trial set in connection with a possession of cocaine and resisting an officer by force arrest was interrupted when Fisher’s defense counsel filed a Request for Sanity Commission.

Daley said the sanity hearing was held Aug. 20, when two independent doctors found Fisher competent to stand trial. A trial is set for Oct. 28 on that matter.

Daley said Fisher only has one felony conviction, and because it is over 10 years old, a felon status can’t be used as an enhancement in future arrests.

“My challenge is to work the system for the benefit of justice and protection of the parish,” Daley said.