William Washington
FRANKLINTON—A Washington Parish jury found William Washington, 60, of Franklinton, guilty Tuesday of attempted simple burglary for an incident in June when he was discovered in Alderman T.J. Butler’s garage without permission. Washington’s sentencing hearing has been set for Jan. 22 before District Judge Richard Swartz, Jr.
Franklinton police were called to Butler’s home on June 18 this year, shortly after Butler walked into his garage and found an intruder, attempting to steal items. Butler, a retired principal, recognized Washington and ordered him to “get out.” Washington fled without taking anything, but a knife that had been removed from a shelf was later found on the garage floor.
Butler provided a detailed description and Washington’s last name to Cpl. Clay Arceneaux, who investigated the case for the Franklinton Police Department. With the help of witnesses, Arceneaux tracked down Washington and arrested him.
A six-member jury deliberated an hour Tuesday before returning the guilty verdict.