Appeals Courts Says Still Time To Prosecute Ex-Deputy

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A Louisiana appeals court says prosecutors haven't run out of time to bring to trial a former Calcasieu Parish sheriff's deputy in a sex crimes investigation.

The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal this past week overturned a ruling by 14th Judicial District Court Judge Ron Ware that the time limit had run out to prosecute David Neal Thomas. Prosecutors say Thomas allegedly had sex with a 15-year-old girl between March and October 2009.

The American Press reports the 3rd Circuit says the case's time limit is suspended because an open motion to quash a search warrant has not been ruled on or withdrawn.

Thomas was indicted Jan. 2, 2010.

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