Former assistant challenges DA

• By JASON BROWN
• Advocate Acadiana bureau
• Published: Aug 20, 2008 - Page: 1BA - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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For the first time since being elected 12 years ago, 13th Judicial District Attorney Brent Coreil has a challenger for the upcoming election in October.

Trent Brignac, a former assistant district attorney in Coreil’s office, is challenging his former boss for the six-year position.

Coreil declined to comment on his opponent and instead chose to discuss his office’s successes in the past 12 years.

Coreil said his office is experienced in prosecution, investigations and the general running of the office itself.

“I think I run a very good office here,” Coreil said.

During his tenure, Coreil said his office has prosecuted doctors, lawyers and elected officials.

“We’ve had some remarkable cases that have come through …” Coreil said.

“We treat everyone the same. We see to it that justice is done in Evangeline Parish.”

He said justice is delivered on a fair basis without discrimination.

“I think that the expertise and efficiency we have proved to the people warrant keeping this team in office for an additional six years,” Coreil said.

“We have a very strong work ethic and an open-door policy to all — rich or poor, black or white, young or old — and we will continue to maintain that policy during the next term.”

Meanwhile, Brignac said he feels it’s time for a change in the parish.

Brignac said he started as a city prosecutor for Ville Platte before serving as an assistant district attorney under Coreil for the past 11 years.