Report: Hearing is set in Melancon's horse-stimulation case

A pre-trial hearing was set for jockey Gerard Melancon in connection to charges of "unnatural stimulation of horses" after his arrest in August 2022.

The hearing is set for Dec. 18 in the 27th Judicial District Court in St. Landry Parish, according to Paulick Report. Docket sounding and pleas will be heard Feb. 6 and 7, according to the report, and jury selection is scheduled for March 18.

Charles Gardiner, executive director of the Louisiana State Racing Commission, told Paulick Report last year that the investigation was centered on the “possible possession of an electrical device.” The use of an electrical device on horses is prohibited by Louisiana law.

Melancon has continued riding the Louisiana circuit, posting a record this year of 298: 23-38-38 and earnings of $798,175. The state's racing commission has taken no action against him, Paulick Report noted.

Executive director Charles Gardiner III told Paulick Report that the commission does not take action in a case while criminal charges are pending.

Melancon attorney Richard Haik told Paulick Report that his client is not guilty of the charges.