Gold, one of Shreveport-Bossier's best-known criminal defense attorneys, was arrested last week on identity theft charges alleging he used his ex-wife's name and Social Security number to get a $71,000 line of credit.

He spoke to reporters today for the first time since his arrest and said he will be vindicated at trial.

He also lashed out at Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator's office, calling the investigation by the financial crimes unit "unprofessional."

"The powers that be decided to take the word of a very bitter ex-wife who hates me and hates my 'significant other' even more," Gold read from a prepared statement at his lawyer's downtown Shreveport office. "They chose to believe an ex-wife with a history of bitter accusations without even asking me to come in and give my side of the story."

Gold would not answer questions from reporters, on advice of his attorney.

Deborah Gold's divorce attorney, Nyle Politz, was unavailable for comment this afternoon.

Prator declined comment, saying he stands by the arrest.

Gold decried the impact his arrest had on his four children, particularly his 11-year-old daughter.

The Golds are divorced but child custody is still an issue, court records show. They are scheduled to be back in family court next month.

The Caddo district attorney's office has recused itself from prosecuting the case, citing a close working relationship with Gold over the years. The attorney general's office is handling the case.