NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Former St. Bernard Parish President David Peralta pleaded no contest today to felony malfeasance and abuse of office and misdemeanor stalking charges as part of a plea deal that will mean no jail time.
Peralta was indicted in August 2015 on 22 charges, including malfeasance in office, obstruction of justice, extortion and stalking. Today, 19 of those charges were dismissed.
Peralta agreed to $2,500 in fines, two months of house arrest and two years of probation, according to The New Orleans Advocate.
His legal troubles began in 2013, when his now ex-wife Sharon Schaefer accused him of raping her in their home.
Those charges were dismissed last year, but he faced additional charges in other parishes.
He ran for re-election while under indictment, but placed fifth out of seven candidates.
