Sterlington alderman resigns, town to hold special election

Sterlington Alderman Trey Vocker III resigned this week.

Vocker was appointed as the interim alderman on May 12, 2020 to fill the vacancy created when former alderman Benjamin Hobson moved to West Monroe and resigned his position in April 2020.

He told The News-Star that he doesn't see eye to eye with Mayor Caesar Velazquez and has concerns that everything being handled through the mayor's office is not procedurally sound. He said that's a larger concern in light of the previous mayoral administration.

Former Mayor Vern Breland is still facing malfeasance in office charges.

In November 2019,  the Louisiana Legislative Auditor released a report stating Breland and the town's former financial advisor, Aaron Fletcher, might have violated state laws.

Specifically, Breland was accused of spending bond proceeds for inappropriate purposes, and Fletcher might have submitted overstated revenues and understated expenditures to financial institutions in order to secure more funds.

Breland's next court date is set for Aug. 3.

August:Former Sterlington mayor in OCC on malfeasance charge

Vocker was one of two who volunteered for the alderman position. The other was Mara Romo.

He was the only candidate who qualified for the Nov. 3 special election.

Town attorney Devin Jones said another special election will be scheduled once the town has a notarized copy of Vocker's resignation to forward to the Louisiana Secretary of State.