The trial took all of two days, jury deliberation took just 35-minutes, the sentence will take the next 40-years. Joseph Picard, the man arrested for trying to kidnap young women and girls in Metairie, will be 82 when released.
It began June 15, 2017 when juvenile victims reported Picard approached them, asking if they wanted to do work for him for $100.00. The victims notified an adult of the activity, who then called 911 with a physical description of the subject and his vehicle. A few hours later Picard attempted to kidnap a 15-year old girl by grabbing and trying to force her into his SUV. 45-minutes later the suspect tried to kidnap a 28-year-old woman. Picard was identified as the man who slashed at the woman, who was able to escape. Picard was taken into custody by Jefferson Parish SWAT team officers in Kenner.
After hearing impact testimony from the 28-year-old victim, Judge Henry Sullivan on Monday sentenced Picard to 20 years for each second-degree kidnapping count. He ran the sentences consecutively. In explaining his sentencing decision, Judge Sullivan noted the undue risk that Picard would commit more crimes and that he is in need of correctional treatment.
Picard is a repeat offender with multiple arrests for burglary, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, possession of crack cocaine, possession of narcotics, illegal use of a firearm and parole violation.