Parish couple involved in divorce complex proceedings

The legal troubles of a couple affiliated with St. Bernard Parish continue to attract media attention. Dave Peralta, president of St. Bernard Parish, indicated he still intends to seek re-election next year, in spite of dramatic accusations made by his wife. She accused him of raping her on her birthday in their Meraux home. The couple is in the midst of a divorce.

The man has steadfastly maintained his innocence in the “baseless” accusations of his soon-to-be ex-wife. In a recent statement, he prefaced his words with an apology to the citizens of his Parish so that he could clear his name and theirs.

While Peralta took the parish job following his marriage, the board of ethics felt this union represented no breach in ethics that would prohibit him from compromising himself politically.

Despite mutual restraining orders, originally filed in Orleans Parish civil court, the judge dismissed the orders and several county judges also recused themselves due to conflict of interest.

In a recent statement, Dave Peralta said he’ll continue to work for parish residents and serve the community.

Mr. Peralta’s wife suit asserted that she suffered harassment on the job due to her rape allegations. She claimed she was later suspended from her job after she refused to acquiesce to his sexual advances. Some workers suspected she had a gun on the job to protect herself.

It appears this issue may be finally put to rest. The man has agreed to pay almost $5,000 in spousal support. The courts agreed to the arrangement based onto the short length of marriage and a prenuptial agreement. However, it will be the only spousal support the ex-wife will receive, per the court.

Divorce in Louisiana, like many other states, can be complicated, especially when spousal support is involved. Since family law differs from state to state, it is wise to seek a knowledgeable individual, well-versed in divorce, alimony and family law in the state of Louisiana to protect your rights while dissolving a marriage.

Source: The Times-Picayune, “St. Bernard Parish President Dave Peralta will pay $4,750 in spousal support” Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, Feb. 20, 2014