JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — After weeks behind bars, a man accused of impersonating a federal agent in Jefferson Parish is back on the streets.
On Thursday, 45-year-old William Gilchrist appeared in Federal Court, where a judge released him on a $25,000 bond.
“We’re thrilled that he’s going to be able to deal with this at home, rather than in a jail cell,” Gilchrist’s lawyer Bradley Phillips said.
While he’s out on bond, Gilchrist will undergo mental health treatment, can’t possess a firearm, and is banned from working any job in law enforcement.
“I think these conditions are completely appropriate for Mr. Gilchrist,” Phillips said.
This comes after he allegedly tried to pull over a car along an airport access road in Kenner last month. His pickup truck was outfitted with blue lights and a siren.
The car he pulled over happened to be a JPSO officer. Investigators say he was found with a firearm, handcuffs, a fake badge, and a fraudulent ID.
Gilchrist’s lawyer Bradley Phillips says the terms of his release are sufficient and says he doesn’t pose a threat to the public.
Legal analyst and attorney Craig Mordock disagrees with him.
“I think a person from out of state coming into Louisiana pulling people over with bubblegum lights is a danger to the community,” Legal analyst and attorney Craig Mordock said.
Mordock says Gilchrist probably isn’t considered a flight risk, something he believes played in his favor in court today.
Gilchrist was reminded that adding law enforcement lights or signage to any vehicle moving forward will have serious consequences.
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