On October 23, 2024, 54-year-old Wade Joseph Melancon of 39421 Richardson Rd. Prairieville, LA, was found guilty of Aggravated Battery by an Ascension Parish jury. Melancon was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Adam Koenig and Lana Chaney. Presiding over this matter is the Honorable Judge Steven Tureau. 

            On September 21, 2023, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Prairieville residence in reference to a physical altercation. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a male victim who had a bandage wrapped around his head. Deputies learned that the victim was working on a vehicle at the residence when Wade Melancon came over to assist. Shortly after, a verbal argument ensued between Melancon and the victim. Melancon stated to the victim, “If you don’t Move, I will hit you”. Shortly after, Melancon struck the victim in the face with a pipe like lever from a tire jack causing a laceration to the victim’s facial area. Deputies made contact with Melancon, who admitted to striking the victim. Melancon was arrested and transported to the Ascension Parish Jail and booked accordingly. 

           Upon the jury rendering a guilty verdict in this matter, sentencing was deferred to a later date. Melancon faces up to 10 years in state prison. The District Attorney’s Office intends to file a habitual offender bill in this matter.