Pete was accused of robbing a man, Roy Delafosse, in his home late in the evening of June 30, 2012. Delafosse related to authorities that a tall, skinny black male entered his home wearing dark jeans, a flannel shirt and a ski mask. He said a knife was held to his throat as his assailant demanded money. Pete then took Delafosse’s wallet, an antique pistol and his cell phone.
The investigation by the Ville Platte Police Department subsequently led officers to the victim’s former girlfriend, Phyllis Serie, who was supposed to meet him that evening. Instead, Pete convinced Serie to set up the robbery.
The flannel shirt and black jeans the defendant was wearing during the commission of the crime were recovered from his residence. Testimony from the state’s primary witness, Phyllis Serie, exposed the plan and Pete’s involvement. In addition, phone records of the victim were introduced as evidence that Pete made approximately 45 phone calls from the victim’s phone to Serie after the robbery. In addition, there were calls made to Pete’s girlfriend. Serie, whose trial is pending, will be represented by attorney Kelly Tate.
As a result of the guilty verdict, Pete faces up to 30 years in prison for the aggravated burglary, up to 99 years for the armed robbery and up to 20 years in prison for the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The presiding judge, 13th Judicial District Judge Thomas Fuselier, scheduled sentencing for July 25. Pete was also convicted of first-degree robbery in Calcasieu Parish in 2007.
Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac commended the efforts of lead prosecutor Timmy Fontenot and Shelley DeVille, who assisted him, as well as his staff for their support during the trial. Brignac also extended his thanks to all of the jurors selected, as well as all the other prospective jurors for their time and effort. Finally, Brignac expressed his appreciation for the time and effort put forth by the Ville Platte Police Department in this investigation.
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