St. Tammany Parish Sheriff charged after recent alleged attack
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith faces one felony and two misdemeanor charges related to an alleged fight (Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office)
ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA (WXXV)– The sheriff of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana is facing charges of battery and disturbing the peace after allegedly attacking a man at a Madisonville-area steakhouse last Friday.
Specifically, Randy Smith faces one felony count of Second Degree Battery, and two misdemeanor counts of Disturbing the Peace by engaging in a Fistic Encounter and Disturbing the Peace Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition.
He was booked and later released Thursday at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on these charges.
WDSU-TV in New Orleans spoke to the alleged victim, Bobby Couvillon, who says he was at Keith Young’s restaurant to celebrate his birthday when the incident allegedly happened the afternoon of May 29.
He claims the sheriff surprised him from behind with a chokehold and started punching and kicking him.
He was taken to a hospital to be treated.
Sheriff Smith also released a statement today on the matter, saying:
“I would like to begin by publicly expressing a heartfelt apology to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish; the dedicated men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; the owners, staff and patrons of Young’s Steakhouse; and anyone else affected by this incident. To my family, and especially my wife, Adele, I apologize for the stress and burden caused to them by this situation.
As an elected public official and as a lifelong public servant, I fully understand and accept the fact that with this position comes not only great responsibility but also heightened public scrutiny. I understand and respect that the actions I take as Sheriff are open to examination, question and criticism. I accepted this fact when I put on the badge, and I know that it is one of the unfortunate aspects of public service. All law enforcement officers know and accept this, as they also know and accept the daily threat to their personal safety. It comes with the job.
Another unfortunate aspect of public service is the effect such public scrutiny and criticism can have on one’s family. This too, is accepted and endured by the family…to an extent.
For the past ten years I have ignored hundreds of personal attacks directed at me by an individual who hides behind a computer screen. His actions were direct and intentional. As Sheriff, I have ignored the attacks, threats and lies directed at me. As a husband and father, the continued and worsening public harassment of my wife, the false statements against her and the body shaming of her are not only despicable, but unacceptable. Seeing the frustration and pain caused to your wife and family is something much harder to ignore.
In closing, I would like to thank our friends, family and the many citizens of St. Tammany Parish who have reached out with prayers, encouragement and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion means more to my family than words can adequately express. To the men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, keep your heads up and continue to perform the excellent work you always do.
As I continue through this, I want to make a few things very clear. Actions have consequences. I will fully address my actions through the legal process. While doing so, I remain committed serving the citizens of St. Tammany Parish as your elected Sheriff.”
Due to the nature of the incident, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office is handling the investigation.
