An emergency protective order against Sulphur Mayor Jacob Stutes has been dismissed, according to his attorney.
The mayor’s wife, Teresa Stutes, filed for divorce earlier this month while also filing an application for a restraining order, in which she alleged that he had choked and strangled her, shoved her, threatened her with bodily harm and thrown objects at her. Fourteenth Judicial District Judge Cynthia Clay Guillory granted a temporary restraining order.
Randy Fuerst, one of the attorneys representing Jacob Stutes, said the protective order was dismissed Tuesday by 14th Judicial District Judge Bill Cutrera at the mutual request of both parties.
“Despite speculation over the last week, the family took a substantial step forward in court today, including dismissing the protective order and working toward a more normal and peaceful co-parenting plan,” Fuerst wrote in an email to The Advocate | The Times-Picayune. “The parties are working amicably to resolve these matters for the best interests of their family.”
Tuesday’s hearing was closed to the public. Fuerst said the closed-door nature of the proceeding was to protect the family, including their minor child.
John Fourcade, the attorney representing Teresa Stutes, did not immediately return a phone message Tuesday afternoon.