Addressing local voters directly this week, Monroe City Marshal candidate Chris Lewis set out to answer two persistent questions surrounding his campaign: whether he meets the legal requirements for the office, and whether he possesses the necessary law enforcement experience to serve.
“A lot of people have inboxed me and saw me in public and want to know the answer to these two questions — qualifications and my experience,” Lewis said in a statement. “We’re going to dive right into it.”
However, behind the candidate’s pitch lies a complex trail marked by a prior criminal record, unresolved certification questions, and scrutiny over professional credentials.
A History of Convictions and Unverified Claims
Court records show Lewis was charged in 2007 on charges of illegal carrying of a weapon and drug distribution, conspiracy and attempt. In a plea bargain deal, he avoided jail when he was sentenced to five years of probation; however, two years into the probation, he was arrested again on drug charges. His probation was revoked, and he was ordered to serve three years in prison, though official public records contain no documentation showing he actually served that time.
When asked to where he actually served the three years, Lewis told the Free Press that he didn’t want to talk about that portion of his life because it represented a dark time. He said he preferred to focus soley on the November 3rd election
Sheriff’s department officials report that Lewis was a confidential informant and mainly “informed on his competition.”
Although Lewis’s criminal record has since been expunged from public view, it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies under Louisiana law.
In campaign announcements, Lewis stated he is a licensed private investigator. However, state records show no history of him obtaining a Louisiana private investigator license. Neighboring states offer no indication of credentials either: Texas and Arkansas statutorily prohibit individuals with felony convictions from obtaining private investigator licenses, and Mississippi does not issue state-level private investigator licenses.
Despite these hurdles, Lewis has found backing among prominent local figures. Republican community leaders, including Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis and former Chamber of Commerce President Roy Heatherly, have actively worked to secure a gubernatorial pardon for Lewis. To date, there is no public record indicating a pardon has been signed by the governor.
After completing his criminal sentences, Lewis entered local commerce, purchasing the West Monroe Coney Island, a trucking firm, and most recently a boys’ home in West Monroe. He also sat on a special advisory committee convened to assist in selecting the West Monroe Police Chief and serves on many boards in the parish.
The Legal Framework and the POST Challenge
Lewis maintains that he fulfills all legal requirements to appear on the ballot under state law.
“Louisiana law sets a clear bar for anyone seeking the office of marshal: candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a GED or high school diploma, and have lived in the district without interruption for the past five years,” Lewis said. “I meet all those qualifications.”
Addressing his background directly, Lewis acknowledged his lack of standard law enforcement credentials.
“It is true, I have very little law enforcement experience,” Lewis admitted. “But where I lack in experience, I make up in integrity. I don’t have the amount of law enforcement experience that my opponent had, because — respectfully — I’m not 71 years of age.”
Lewis pointed to the structure of the office itself, arguing that law enforcement experience is secondary to administrative skill in managing one of the state’s highest-paid local seats—a position grossing between $250,000 and $270,000 annually.
“In my opinion, it’s the reason why the state does not require the sheriff and the marshal to be POST certified, because 90% of that role is a leadership and administrative role,” Lewis said. “It’s leading an office, managing personnel, and balancing budgets which I’ve been doing for nearly twenty years. You’ve never seen Marshal Highshaw, Jay Russell, Richard Fuel, or Mark Mitchell, while serving in that capacity, out chasing bad guys.”
Twenty years ago, Lewis was seventeen and was a drug dealer.
However, Ouachita Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw offered a starkly different legal reality regarding POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification. Sheriff Mashaw stated that due to Lewis’s felony criminal background, Lewis will be ineligible for POST certification through any law enforcement certification agency if elected.
Under Louisiana law, uncertified marshals have one year to become post certified; if not they stripped of active law enforcement authority, leaving them unable to execute arrest warrants, carry firearms on duty, or conduct field operations.
If elected, Lewis can still hold the title of marshal, but will have a $250,000-a-year desk job. He won’t be able to carry a weapon, issue warrants, or make arrests. However, he can delegate all of those functions to his deputies.
A Calling to Serve
Despite the legal and political obstacles, Lewis framed his candidacy as the natural evolution of two decades of local community work. He is an active presence at many civic activities and often gives $1,000 donations from his non-profit called “Chris Lewis Outreach.” He. entertains seniors, speaks at schools and hosts watermelon giveaways regularly.
“I’ve watched the marshal’s office for nearly twenty years, and I believe it’s time for new energy and fresh ideas,” Lewis said. “Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to serve in the military or serve my community in a law enforcement capacity. Life took me in a different direction, but the good part about it — it never changed my heart.”
Closing his statement, Lewis asked voters to weigh his personal trajectory and community investments when casting their ballots.
“I know a lot of promises are made during political season, but I ask that you take a look at what I’ve already done and let the work I’ve done speak for me,” he said. “Whether I win or whether I lose, I’m going to continue to serve the people, because this is truly my calling.”
