Peter LaFuria, right, and attorney Glen Vamvoras appear in this American Press file photo.
Five years later, LaFuria going to trial
Last Modified: Thursday, August 16, 2012 1:19 PM
By Johnathan Manning / American Press
A Nov. 5 trial date has been set for a local gynecologist accused of secretly photographing the genitals of his patients, District Attorney John DeRosier said on Wednesday.
Peter LaFuria, who was arrested in 2007, was indicted on 267 felony counts and originally scheduled to go to trial in 2008. Proceedings, though, have been repeatedly held up by evidence issues.
LaFuria was charged with 186 counts of video voyeurism, 78 counts of sexual battery and five counts of molestation of a juvenile. Some of the women claimed LaFuria inappropriately touched them.
LaFuria’s attorneys have argued the warrant used by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies to search the defendant’s home did not extend to the CDs, hard drives and other storage devices seized that contained the photos.
DeRosier said the evidence issues do not appear likely to be resolved “anytime soon.”
DeRosier said a motion was filed Wednesday to sever the charges. He said he plans to go ahead with the 78 sexual battery and five molestation of a juvenile charges, which don’t depend on the disputed evidence.
DeRosier said 20 of the cases will be prosecuted on Nov. 5.
“We’re ready, willing and able to prosecute each of these counts, and we will do that if necessary,” DeRosier said.
DeRosier said one of the molestation of a juvenile charges involves an alleged victim under 13 years of age. A conviction on the charge would carry a penalty of not less than 25 years in prison.
LaFuria is free on $1.29 million bond and is reported to be living in Texas.
Cynthia Killingsworth and Hugo Holland will prosecute the case, with Killingsworth as lead counsel, DeRosier said.
Both LaFuria and his insurance companies have agreed to civil settlements in regards to the accusations.
Get Social With Us!
+Share