Former radiation oncologist Glenn Stewart, the 55-year-old real estate investor who was indicted last September on a count of simple battery by a Lafayette grand jury, is facing a misdemeanor trial today stemming from a Mardi Gras 2012 incident in which he punched a woman unconscious.
Photo by Robin May
Stewart, center, leaves the Lafayette Parish Courthouse Thursday morning with attorneys.
Former radiation oncologist Glenn Stewart, the 54-year-old real estate investor who was indicted last September on a count of simple battery by a Lafayette grand jury, is facing a misdemeanor trial today stemming from a Mardi Gras 2012 incident in which he punched unconscious Erin May Fitzgerald. Stewart was originally arrested on a felony second-degree battery charge for the incident, which occurred at Pontiac Point downtown as a float he entered in the parade was set to begin its trek along the parade route.
Stewart's assault sent Fitzgerald - the daughter and stepdaughter, respectively, of IND Monthly co-publishers Steve May and Cherry Fisher May - to the hospital to seek treatment for her injuries. She was knocked out after attempting to remove offensive banners from Stewart's float.
Stewart is being prosecuted by the state Attorney General's Office after local prosecutors recused themselves from the case because some of the witnesses to the incident have a relationship with members of the 15th Judicial District Attorney's office. Stewart was in court early Thursday morning for preliminary discussions among attorneys. His trial is set to commence at 1:30 p.m.