Video: Louisiana mayor charged for allegedly smacking phone out of woman's hand, justifies actions because she's a mother

A Louisiana mayor has been charged for an alleged physical altercation with one of her constituents. However, the mayor has attempted to justify her actions by saying that she is a mother.

Chaos erupted during a recent council meeting in Elton, Louisiana. Elton Mayor Kesia Lemoine engaged in a shouting match with a local resident at the end of the council meeting on Monday.

The verbal argument escalated into a physical confrontation when Lemoine allegedly smacked the phone out of the hand of the woman.

Video surfaced online of the alleged incident.

Lemoine is arguing with several local residents after the council meeting. The mayor apparently smacked the phone out of the hands of a woman recording the volatile situation.

The woman yells at Lemoine: "Keep your f***ing hands off of me!"

A police officer intervenes and separates the women.

The woman was escorted out of the city hall building by police.

The alleged victim, Heidi Newell, said she was simply recording the meeting as she regularly does.

“I was videoing like we normally do because of situations, and she basically turned around and hit me in the chest and got my phone out of my hand,” Newell said.

Lemoine claimed that someone was threatening her and her family.

“Just recently we had a council meeting and they edited the clip and just showed my actions ,” Lemoine told KLFY. “They did not show the beginning when Mr. Williams tried to attack.”

Lemoine attempted to justify her actions by saying that she is a mother.

“As a mother, I’m a protector, and that really made me come out of character,” Lemoine said.

“So, I do apologize for my actions because I am the mayor, and they hold me to a different standard. But also I am human, and I do have feelings,” Lemoine added.

Citing the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, KPLC-TV reported that Mayor Lemoine was charged with simple battery for "hitting the cell phone out of the hands of a person recording her arguing with other meeting attendees."

Tensions reportedly flared during the council meeting on the topic of grants. However, things escalated after someone asked about Lemoine’s compensation. Lemoine reportedly fired back at the constituents being “worried” about how she gets paid.

The bickering spilled over into the hallway.

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