Established in 1978, the 38th Judicial District of the 42 Louisiana District Courts has judicial jurisdiction over the entirety of Cameron Parish. The District Courtroom and offices are housed in the Cameron Courthouse. Built in 1937 and one of the more historic in Louisiana, the recently restored courthouse stands as the icon of courage and resiliency of the residents whom it has served, including those who sought refuge from Hurricane Audrey in 1957. Today, Judge Penelope Richard and her staff stand readily available to serve the citizens of Cameron Parish with professionalism and integrity

Judge Penelope Richard

Judge Penelope Richard is in her 15th year of a third unopposed term as the 38th Judicial Judge. She followed Judge Ward Fontenot after his retirement in 2008. A lifelong resident of Cameron Parish, Judge Richard previously served as Cameron Parish Indigent Defender and as a Judicial Fellow with the Louisiana Bar Foundation. She is active in the Cameron Lions Club and was named an International Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellow for her dedication to serving others. Judge Richard serves on the Pastoral and Finance Councils, as a lector, as a member of Court St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Martha’s Guild, and the Ladies Altar Society, all at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Creole. Judge Richard is also active in Catholic Charities Southwest Louisiana activities. She and her husband Darren reside in Creole.

Joby Richard

Joby is a Law Clerk for the 38th Judicial District Court. He was born and raised in Creole, Louisiana. He graduated summa cum laude in mathematics education from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches in 2008. He returned home to teach for six years at South Cameron High School. In 2017, Joby graduated from the LSU Law Center with his Juris Doctor and learned hands-on about public policy and community outreach while working part-time at Louisiana Sea Grant. Joby is now also a school counselor at Hathaway High School

Jaclyn Richard

Jaclyn was born and raised in Cameron. She has enjoyed working alongside Judge Richard, as her secretary, for the past 15 years. Jaclyn serves at the 38th Judicial Court Bookkeeper and handles the Court’s calendar for all Civil, Criminal and Juvenile hearings.

Kaylee Livingston

Kaylee is a lifetime Cameron Parish resident, She has been with the 38th Judicial District Court for the past 12 years. Her duties include civil and petit jury duty service and helps inmates seek substance abuse treatment. Kaylee is also on the FINS panel.

Roxane Boudoin

Roxane, a resident of Creole, has been the Certified Court Reporter for the 38th Judicial District Court since August of 2007. She has enjoyed the last 16 years of being the record keeper for the Court and transcribing such recordings upon request.

In Memoriam: Walter Soileau

• CPSO Deputy • Bailiff • Drug Court Officer • Misdemeanor Probation Officer