Spyboy Ricky Gettridge, a New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian associated with the Yellow Pocahontas, tried to vote on May 16, 2011. He was denied the right to vote and arrested shortly after.

Spyboy Ricky Gettridge (in black). Photo by Charles Silver.

According to Delores Antoine, Ricky’s former spouse and now close friend, “In 2002, Ricky was placed on probation for two years for writing a bad check in Orleans Parish. Ricky thought his parole was over in 2004. However, in 2006, after Hurricane Katrina, Ricky was placed on a five-year probation and an arrest warrant was sent out, but he never received it.” Ricky was registered to vote, but when he tried to do so on May 16, 2011 he was told to go to prove his eligibility and obtain his criminal record. Norris Henderson, director and founder of Voice of the Ex-Defender said that, “Ricky was a member [of Voice of the Ex-Defender] and he went with another member to vote and was told there was a flag on his record. Ricky went to the Parole and Violations Office to get the flag removed and was arrested.” He was arrested when he arrived at the second office in violation of his 2006 probation.

Ricky has been in jail since May 16. He was transferred from Orleans Parish Prison to the Jefferson Parish Jail on May 23. As of Ricky’s hearing this past Monday, June 6, no bail has been posted. However, the court is requiring a $2,000 restitution and $6,000 in parole penalties and court costs for his release. If these fees aren’t paid, Ricky will spend ten years in jail.

As a way to raise the funds, the Big Indian Practice Fundraiser for Spyboy Ricky is being held this Friday, June, 17 at the Golden Feather Mardi Gras Indian Gallery and Restaurant at 704 N. Rampart St. The event will be held from 7-10 p.m. Free drinks will be provided with the purchase of red beans and rice for $3. The gallery and restaurant is owned by members of the Mardi Gras Indian community, and the event will also feature a silent auction of artwork by Ivan Watkins, the artist behind the Mardi Gras Indian Walk of Fame mosaic project on Washington Avenue.

The event is to “raise awareness on impediments in the community that prevent members from acting in the community,” said Henderson. The goal of the Voice of the Ex-Defender is to “encourage members to get back in the mainstream and get them do to things like vote,” Henderson said, “and the event will encourage people to help Ricky in any way they can.” For those who can’t attend, everyone is encourage to donate any amount to [email protected].