By JIM BUTLER

Three decades ago Ricky Swafford was on the right side of the law in a notorious case. Today, he’s again not.

Swafford, 43, of Pineville was booked Friday on charges of aggravated kidnapping, resisting arrest and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

He’s been jailed several times on felony counts this decade alone and in custody of DOC on a regular basis as an adult.

He was 14 when he told investigators of hearing a group of teens and adults talk about planning to rob an elderly woman in the neighborhood.

He subsequently testified in their trials for the murder of Rita Rabalais in her Kelly Street home, a crime motivated by robbery and gang initiation.

Eight teenagers and young adults were either convicted or pleaded guilty in the case.