Retail Theft Diversion Court

The Retail Theft Diversion Court (RTC) is a pretrial diversion program established within the 19th Judicial District Court (JDC) and in cooperation with CJCC, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, and East Baton Rouge Office of the Public Defender. The program is designed to support individuals charged with retail theft by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to these behaviors. RTC connects participants with critical resources, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, counseling, job training, housing assistance, and transportation support.

Eligible individuals are invited to participate by the District Attorney’s Office and are represented throughout the process by the Office of the Public Defender, ensuring access to legal guidance and advocacy. Upon successful completion of the program, the District Attorney’s Office dismisses the participant’s charges, creating a pathway toward rehabilitation while reducing recidivism.

Chief Judge Donald Johnson presides over the RTC Program. The CJCC provides the case manager who conducts needs assessments and coordinates individualized services for each participant. The program launched in September 2024.