Ex-Mayor Of Richwood Gets 5 Years Probation

MONROE, La. (AP) — A former northeastern Louisiana mayor has been sentenced to five years probation following his conviction last October on a malfeasance in office.

A state district judge on Monday sentenced former Richwood Mayor Ed Harris to five years at hard labor but suspended the term to five years supervised probation. He also was ordered to repay $65,360 to the town of Richwood.

Harris was found guilty on a charge that stems from $90,000 he paid himself and other town employees as he prepared to leave office in 2008.

Harris served as mayor of Richwood for 24 years.