Political science professor Kevin Mulcahy, who was arrested Friday for unauthorized entering of an inhabited dwelling, may still face prosecution charges from a misdemeanor incident two years ago.Mulcahy was issued a misdemeanor summons Sept. 15, 2006, when a University student claimed Mulcahy followed him to his apartment while walking home. Mulcahy was arrested and accused of being a peeping Tom, said City Prosecutor Art Boudreaux. If convicted, the sentence can carry up to a maximum $500 fine and six months in jail.Prosecutors did not move forward with the case, and Mulcahy was not convicted then, Mulcahy’s lawyer, Drew Louviere, told The Daily Reveille.Mulcahy, who has taught at the University for 28 years, agreed to receive treatment after the 2006 incident and then later discuss the case after the prosecutor’s office watched his progression. Boudreaux said he was uncomfortable giving details of the treatment.”After the treatment was done, we were going to decide if we were going to move forward with the case,” Boudreaux said. “Of course, we never reached that point because now he has additional problems.”But almost two years later, the prosecutor’s office said the case is still open. Boudreaux said he does not yet have a final plea arrangement.Boudreaux said his outlook on Mulcahy’s first case may change considering his second arrest, and Mulcahy could now be prosecuted on charges from both incidents.Boudreaux will discuss the city court case with Mulcahy’s lawyer within the next 10 days. However, Mulcahy’s most recent arrest is being handled by the 19th Judicial District Court. Louviere said it could be two to four weeks before that case is reviewed.During the Friday incident, Mulcahy was drinking with Eldon Birthwright, assistant English professor, and a neighbor outside Birthwright’s apartment, Louviere said. Mulcahy was then hit with the sudden urge to use the bathroom.Mulcahy got up abruptly and walked into Birthwright’s apartment, according to a police affidavit.In an e-mail, Birthwright said Mulcahy broke into his apartment and began taking off his own clothes while grabbing onto Birthwright’s housemate. Birthwright said this was a forced entry and at no point was Mulcahy invited into the apartment.”He just had to get there, or he would go to the bathroom all over himself,” Louviere said. “I would say that throughout our culture in South Louisiana, most people would think it would be OK to walk in their host’s door and use their bathroom.”Mulcahy is not aware he came in contact with Birthwright’s housemate when he entered the unlocked door, Louviere said.Louviere said Birthwright allegedly held a butcher knife against Mulcahy’s throat, forcing him to leave the apartment. Mulcahy was “frightened and shocked” but didn’t plan on pressing charges against Birthwright, Louviere said.”He went home and went to bed,” Louviere said. “He was just going to let it go like most people would.”But Mulcahy was surprised when the Baton Rouge Police Department later showed up at his home to arrest and book him into parish prison.”I think it’s absolutely absurd that he was charged with this crime,” Louviere said. “He is 60-plus years old and not in any physical condition to pose as a threat to someone.”Kristine Calongne, University spokesperson, told The Daily Reveille on Saturday Mulcahy was put on paid administrative leave, pending University review, effective last Friday.Louviere said he wanted the University and “proper authorities” to also investigate Birthwright.
 
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Contact Lesle Presnall at [email protected]