This photo appeared on the float along with the caption, “A face only a dady could love.” (Photo: NOLA)
Stephanie Ford spoke out on Tuesday about a police float in Baton Rouge’s Spanish Town parade that poked fun at the alleged abusive relationship she had with her father, accused child rapist Will Hayden.
Ford, who starred alongside Hayden on the reality TV show “Sons of Guns,” said she will be taking legal action against the police officers responsible for the float, which included a unflattering photo of Ford with the caption, “A face only a dady (sic) could love.”
“It’s a major step back for victims of sexual abuse,” explained Ford to WAFB. “There are so many girls out there who have been hurt and they are terrified to come forward.”
“I’m doing this [taking legal action] because it was really wrong, and because if it’s okay this time, they’ll think it’s okay again,” she added.
The officers who pulled the float have been identified as Douglas Atkins, Byron Fontenot, and Donald Young. Currently, all three hold the rank of Sergeant with the force and one, Young, used to work in the sex crimes division of the Baton Rouge Police Department.
Internal Affairs is investigating the matter. So far, no one involved in the incident has been punished.
“There are policy violations that may have occurred. That is part of the investigation. If there are any violations proven from that point then we will handle that accordingly. That could range from a letter of reprimand to a suspension,” said Chief Carl Dabadie.
Investigators should wrap up the probe within 60 days.
These girls have enough on there plate. Why are our law inforcement take it appone themselfs to drag these young girls through the mud an media again. Of course, if it were there girls or wife, and this had happen to there families I don’t think they would like it one little bit. Being its our law Inforcement they think they can do what ever they want an no repercussions, CAUSE there the law, it seems like the law breaks more laws then anyone. All these men need to lose there jobs no matter what. What kind of message are they sending to the public, that it’s alright for them to do as they please. NOT. I hope Stephanie gets justice out of this, because all the police across our country will think that they can do what ever, as well. What is going on in this country today, is just saying the LAW can do as they please. Come on America let’s speak out for our children, women, an men as well going through this type of ordeal an stop them. These cops are just no different then the people doing these acts of sexual abuse or abuse to anyone. So are they going to get a slap on the hand a few days off with pay. I don’t put anything pass the law Inforcement in that town, after that. If nothing happens to these men. This country needs to take a stand, and rally at the White House. THESE MEN NEED TO LOSE THERE JOBS. That’s the bottom line. We watched the show faithfully, and even purchased merchandise. We still wear it proudly an we feel real bad for what those two girls are going through. Good luck Stephanie Our prayers are with you,your sister and family. And I love your AR necklace. And hope to see more of your merchandise on line. You have good ideas an taste, I hope to see more of your hard work before all this happened. Again God bless
All I can say is it is sad.That growen men that should be serving there community and help others takes a sick and unprofessional path. Those in charge has a duty to terminate there employment and open those jobs up to men and woman that are professional and sensitive to the victim. I ask you is this the type of person you want walking around with a firearm?????? You cant slander all police officers for the action of a few, but you sure can strip the ones found negligent or unlawful and hold them responsible for them action just like we do citizens.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is called “Victim Shaming.” It is morally repugnant, and in some areas, subject to legal ramifications. On top of that, they defamed her, not Mr. Hayden. Now let’s add the cherry to the apex of this “hot mess sundae of wrong.” One of the idiots involved is a former sex crimes detective. I have to wonder how many inmates will be filing against Louisiana now. When the detectives/officers involved in investigations are proven to have publicly committed any derogatory actions directly related to the position, the paper will fly. It doesn’t really matter what side of the fence it falls on, defense attorneys will pounce on it.
There are 50,000 good comedians begging for work & these brain-dead fools are trying to break into the business with a bad act.
With actions like that, it’s no wonder he is a FORMER sex crimes detective. He should be a FORMER cop after that.
Why do we allow idiots to have jobs? If they worked for any other company and did this, they would be fired on the spot!
That young lady is quite pretty for one thing, i guess they’re hatin’ because she wouldn’t go out with dumb, fat cops?
Isn’t Chief of Police or Sheriff an elected official in LA? Someone with some brains and morality needs to run for that office and on day 1, i would fire the people responsible, or make them crossing guards, with no gun privileges.
Agreed, she is beautiful. So the slogan itself is rendered meaningless. But the intent of the crime was cruel, and had she actually been less attractive, would likely have suffered more strenuous damage. She’s right; all women will look at that action and say, “What if that happened to me?” She should move forward with as much force as she can muster, and encourage other victims to step out and say, “Enough!”
I fully agree that these fools should not be working in an “upholding the law” office, paid by the people they abuse, as such people are in contempt of the position to which they’ve been entrusted.
I was wondering where their supervisors were to view and approve the float before the parade, and the people in charge of the parade. All this should have been taking care of pre- parade.
What’s she gonna sue for….character defamation. Everyone in Louisiana knows about him and his “character.” That should be worth $1 (at most).
Trying to make a joke about rape and incest at the expense of the victim? I hope she sues the heck out of those sick, uncaring cops. I was going to say police, but they don’t deserve any respect. People want to know why rape victims don’t come forward.
Here’s your answer. I hope this young woman sues these guys for whatever they have, the police dept. they work for too. Officer Young worked in a sex-crimes division? Wow! I see a huge out-of-court settlement for this stupidity.
Bill, they defamed a sexual assault victim….not Will Hayden. Bill, reading is fundamental.
You can not fix STUPID
Bill Boyd, those police officers made rape a laughing matter, and her getting raped by her father a joke… So open your eyes, shut your mouth, and pull your head out.
Don’t bash the state, and all police for the stupidity of a few. At the very least, the officers should not hold the rank of Sergeant. Whatever happens to them, whether they be reprimanded or sued, they deserve it.
LOUSYana
Land of corruption in high places, especially the police force.
NO the worst part is not thier damn spelling,I get so sick of hereing about people’s spelling or grammer police crap,everyone understands the message even when spelled wrong,I’m not very book smart and always’s spell wrong but my message is alway’s understood! The worst of it definately is people making a joke of such sickening crime! I hope alot of jobs are lost over this and all involved with this garbage are also hit’s where it will hurt them the most ,thier pocket book! City officials who allowed this should really pay the price along with the trash who made light of this situation!
Couldnt have said it better myself.
Could’ve spelled it better though…
The worst part is that they can’t even spell “Daddy” correctly. 🙁
“a daddy” You don’t capitalize Daddy when it is preceded by “a”
Wow! As if the cops aren’t taking enough heat right now….these guys have to go and to something stupid and pointless. Seriously, guys??!! Grow up and be professional!