1997-02-00: Boulder authorities also don't think there's any connection

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By Marilyn Robinson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Feb. 14 - The father of a child beauty pageant contestant has been arrested in Louisiana on suspicion of indecent behavior with children, but authorities say there's nothing to link him to the murder of Little Miss Colorado JonBenet Ramsey.

David Haynes, 42, was arrested earlier this week in West Monroe, a city of 18,000, about 100 miles from Shreveport.

Boulder police investigating 6-year-old JonBenet's murder recently received an anonymous letter with a Shreveport postmark. Investigators said the letter contained information that could be important to the case and pleaded for the writer to come forward. No one has.

"We have not developed any information, none, to connect him (Haynes) to the letter from Shreveport or to the case in Boulder," said West Monroe Police Chief Larry LaBorde. "This man is associated with beauty pageants, but our investigation did not indicate any problems associated with beauty pageants. Our investigation centered on things that were happening in this city and at his residence."

Haynes, a West Monroe resident, is suspected of indecent behavior with teenage boys, LaBorde said.

Boulder authorities also don't think there's any connection.

"That incident doesn't appear to be related to the JonBenet Ramsey case, and we don't plan to send anyone to Louisiana," said Boulder police spokesman Kelvin McNeill.

Haynes and his young daughter - somewhat older than JonBenet - have been heavily involved in children's beauty contests for years, according to Louisiana sources.

A former attorney and regional Parent-Teacher Association officer, Haynes was on probation in a forgery case. He was accused of using former clients' money and forging endorsements on checks.

Marilyn Robinson can can be reached at newsroom@denverpost.com.