Story perspectives

St. Tammany Sheriff Pleads Guilty, Resigns; Interim Appointed

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty to battery and disturbing the peace for the May 29 assault, resigns June 24, 2026, and will enter an 18-month treatment program that could reduce the felony.
Deputy Chief Bret Ibert was promoted to chief deputy and will serve as interim sheriff.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and District Attorney Collin Sims praised plea, noting Smith’s pension stays intact, an alcohol monitor may be required.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 LAPD Officer Rafael Perez pleaded guilty to cocaine theft and, in exchange for leniency, exposed the Rampart CRASH unit’s corruption, implicating roughly 70 officers and sparking internal investigations and civil settlements. The June 2026 guilty plea of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith, which let him keep his pension while entering an 18-month treatment program, echoes the same pattern of plea bargains shielding law-enforcement benefits.

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Story summary

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty to battery and disturbing the peace for the May 29 assault, resigns June 24, 2026, and will enter an 18-month treatment program that could reduce the felony.
Deputy Chief Bret Ibert was promoted to chief deputy and will serve as interim sheriff.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and District Attorney Collin Sims praised plea, noting Smith’s pension stays intact, an alcohol monitor may be required.

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