Attorney Franz Borghardt joined Brian Haldane on Mornings With Brian Haldane for another edition of “Legally Served,” covering several high-profile legal stories in the Baton Rouge area.
Brave Cave Trial Faces Scheduling Dispute
Borghardt and Haldane first discussed the Brave Cave civil rights case involving plaintiff Jeremy Lee and the Baton Rouge Police Department. Lee’s lawsuit alleges that officers kicked, punched and strip-searched him during his 2023 arrest. According to the discussion, Lee’s legal team asked the federal court to delay the trial from September 21 to September 28.
U.S. District Judge Shelley Dick denied the request, citing its timing. Borghardt explained that federal courts manage crowded trial calendars, and moving one trial can disrupt attorneys, witnesses, experts and other cases. He also noted that criminal trials generally take priority over civil matters in federal court.
Borghardt said scheduling conflicts can occur when attorneys handle multiple trials, but lawyers typically address those conflicts with the courts well in advance.
Former Officer Faces Upgraded Charge
The conversation then turned to former St. Francisville police officer Richard Parsons. A West Feliciana Parish grand jury upgraded one of the charges connected to the 2022 death of Renee Horton from negligent homicide to manslaughter.
Borghardt disclosed that he serves as co-counsel for Horton’s family, making the case personal for him and limiting his ability to discuss it objectively.
He explained that prosecutors can return to a grand jury when new evidence emerges or when a review of existing evidence supports a different criminal charge.
Bond Review and Church Dispute
Borghardt also explained the purpose of bond reviews, noting that courts use them to monitor whether defendants comply with their release conditions.
The segment ended with a discussion of a separate dispute involving Tony Spell, a Baton Rouge-area pastor and allegations concerning confrontations with neighbors. Borghardt emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to address competing claims and evidence.