St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty today to one felony count of Second Degree Battery and one misdemeanor count of Disturbing the Peace by Public Intoxication, arising from an incident that occurred on May 29, 2026, at a local steakhouse.
The charges stem from an altercation in which the defendant approached the victim from behind, grabbed him by the neck, and pulled him to the ground before repeatedly striking him. As a result of the attack, the victim sustained a concussion and dental injuries.
The defendant was arrested following an investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. After reviewing the evidence, the District Attorney’s Office accepted the charges of Second Degree Battery and Disturbing the Peace by Public Intoxication and proceeded with prosecution.
The Court sentenced the defendant to two years at hard labor. The sentence was suspended, and the defendant was placed on two years of supervised probation. As a special condition of probation, the defendant is required to successfully complete a Specialty Court program that is expected to last between fifteen and eighteen months.
As part of the negotiated resolution, the defendant agreed to immediately resign from his position as Sheriff and plead guilty as charged to both offenses. In exchange, the State agreed that the Court would retain jurisdiction under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 881.1 for the period of probation, and upon successful completion of Specialty Court and compliance with all probationary conditions, the defendant qualifies to have his conviction for Second Degree Battery reduced to Simple Battery. Failure to successfully complete the program will leave the felony original conviction and sentence intact and may subject the defendant to revocation proceedings.
Because the judge who ordinarily supervises the Specialty Court program in the 22nd Judicial District recused herself from this matter, the defendant will participate in a comparable program in the Twenty-First Judicial District.
The District Attorney’s Office, when appropriate, utilizes Article 881.1 in cases to encourage rehabilitation and accountability through specialty court participation. This provision reflects a practice employed by this office in cases where long-term treatment and supervision can address underlying issues contributing to criminal conduct. Specialty courts have demonstrated a strong record of promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and improving public safety.
In reaching this resolution, prosecutors weighed the interests of accountability, rehabilitation, and the public’s interest in the prompt resolution of the case. The State considered that contested litigation involving an elected official could have been prolonged, delaying finality and potentially extending uncertainty regarding the defendant’s status in office. This outcome was also reached in consultation with the victim and with his approval. The negotiated plea secured the defendant’s immediate resignation from public office, a guilty plea to all charged conduct, a two-year probationary term, and participation in an intensive treatment-focused program.
District Attorney Collin Sims stated, “The resolution brings the case to a prompt and appropriate conclusion, secures the defendant’s immediate resignation, and provides the clarity needed for the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office to move forward and remain focused on their mission of protecting the public. The plea provides a path for the defendant to earn a reduction that addresses the sobriety issues that led him to this place, and in the event he does not successfully complete the treatment court, he will remain a convicted felon and face revocation and imprisonment.”
The District Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to Attorney General Liz Murrill and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation for its thorough investigation and remaining a collaborative partner from the case’s inception through prosecution.
Attorney General Liz Murrill stated, “I believe the plea agreement in this matter is fair and reasonable and I support the District Attorney. Sheriff Smith is taking responsibility for his actions and focusing on his sobriety. He is also doing what is right for the department and parish.”