LSU School of Veterinary Medicine employee Marc Boudreaux has been fired after weeks of sexual abuse allegations and delayed court hearings.
University Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard confirmed Wednesday that Boudreaux was no longer employed by the University.
But Wednesday’s court hearing to decide further legal action against Boudreaux was postponed for the second time, now rescheduled for Nov. 17.
Boudreaux, who was accused of the sexual abuse and harassment of graduate student Elizabeth Lum, was served a restraining order on Oct. 17.
Further legal action against Boudreaux was supposed to be decided in a court hearing on Oct. 26, but the decision was delayed until Nov. 9.
Judge Pamela Baker of the East Baton Rouge Family Court granted a second continuance Wednesday — requested by Lum’s attorney — on whether to grant a protective order for Lum.
Jill Craft, Boudreaux’s lawyer, said she and Boudreaux were ready to go to trial Wednesday.
“We are looking forward to trial so Marc can defend himself against these false and defamatory allegations,” Craft said.
Boudreaux was given a modified temporary restraining order during Wednesday’s hearing. The adjusted order includes details about the retrieval of Lum’s personal items, including a bike pump, clothing and shoes.
The judge said because both parties work at the same place, the restraining order was altered so it wouldn’t interfere with employment, but the new order may have little effect now that Boudreaux is no longer employed at the University.
Craft said notification of his termination was received after the continuance was granted for Wednesday’s court hearing. The notice cited “an issue with a male supervisor” as reason for termination. The conflict had resulted in Boudreaux filing a human resources complaint against the supervisor, Craft said. The allegations of sexual abuse were also mentioned in the notice.
Boudreaux received notice last week that his termination was being considered, she said.
Craft said many inconsistencies emerge when considering all of the condemning evidence against Boudreaux.
The Oct. 17 restraining order was granted to Lum after she accused Boudreaux of breaking into her apartment on Oct. 14 and stealing two laptops and a journal containing proof of his abuse. Craft said Boudreaux denies breaking into the apartment, and there are witnesses and electronic evidence that account for his whereabouts “for every minute of the day” on Oct. 14.
She said it’s also significant that the alleged break-in took place only hours after Lum’s first request for a restraining order was denied. The order was denied because of a lack of sufficient and recent evidence that Boudreaux was a threat to Lum, she said.
Boudreaux provided no comment for weeks concerning his allegations, which Craft called “ludicrous, fabricated and ridiculous.”
“He is devastated by this whole situation,” Craft said.
Craft said she also questions why allegations are being made now when the initially consensual relationship and alleged abuse occurred 14 months ago.
Craft said multiple witnesses who could provide evidence discrediting the allegations against Boudreaux were ready to testify during the court case slated for Wednesday and will provide testimony during the Nov. 17 hearing.
If a protective order is granted on Nov. 17, Craft said the ruling will be appealed. She said grounds for an order require present threat to the individual asking for protection, but there is no proof of immediate danger in this case.
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Boudreaux loses job amid allegations
November 9, 2011