October 5, 2022
The following is a statement from Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz to the citizens of St. Landry Parish.
Seventeen years ago when I announced my candidacy for Sheriff, I told the citizens of St. Landry Parish that I would be honest, fair and provide equal justice to all, which included my employees. I said that I was ‘Committed to a Higher Standard’ as it applied to my job and responsibilities as Sheriff of St. Landry Parish!
When I was sworn in, I held my hand on the bible in the presence of my wife, children, grandchildren, and hundreds of onlookers.
I took the oath of office promising that I would adhere to the constitution and the laws of the United States, and the constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana to the best of my abilities so help me God!
That oath holds true today as it did 16 years ago.
I said in my acceptance speech that I would be transparent and accountable to the citizens of St. Landry Parish….l kept my promise!
In those 16 years as Sheriff, I had to investigate and arrest 20 of my department employees on assault and battery, domestic violence, theft, malfeasance, and in rare cases dismiss employees on Administrative Policy violations that warranted dismissal from office.
Today I am here because one of my employees, one that I admire and trusted with a big responsibility violated my trust in him.
On October 2, 2022, I received a formal complaint from a local business man that brought forth an accusation and evidence of an alleged crime that was perpetuated against him in November, 2020.
In September 2022, my detective division initiated and investigation on Major Eliot P. Bertrand. This investigation has resulted in charges of (1) count of Felony Theft; (1) count of Felony Injuring Public Records; and, (1) count of Felony Malfeasance.
Today, October 5, 2022, Eliot P. Bertrand was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail. Bond has been set at $8,000 dollars.
This investigation continues as information continues to come to investigators attention for review.
*******************************************************************************************************
ARRESTED
Elliot Patrick Bertrand, age 37 – 268 North Bobcat Drive Eunice, La. 70535
CHARGE
1 Count Felony Theft
1 Count Felony Injuring Public Records
1 Count Felony Malfeasance
BOND: $8,000
*********************************************************************************************************
According to Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, “The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated a criminal investigation on September 21, 2022 after a complaint was made by a local business man on a St. Landry Parish Sheriff Department employee. The complaint was made on Major Eliot Bertrand who was responsible for Fleet Operations and Search and Rescue.”
According to the allegation, Major Bertrand used his position as a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office diver for personal gain on November 7, 2020. Major Bertrand was immediately put on paid administrative leave until information received could be reviewed for authenticity.
On October 3, 2022, Major Bertrand willfully arrived at the St. Landry Parish Public Safety Complex, Criminal Investigations Division and spoke to detectives. Major Bertrand was advised of his Miranda Rights. Major Bertrand was advised of the complaint filed on him in reference to a payment that was paid directly to him for services rendered by a local wrecker service. Major Bertrand admitted to taking direct payments for dives from wrecker drivers for off duty dives involving submerged vehicles. Major Bertrand acknowledged the check and receiving financial gain by cashing the check. Major Bertrand admitted that he was the only person compensated for the dive relative to the removing of the submerged vehicle.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz stated, “The invoice for services provided should have been handled by the Sheriff Department accounts receivable personnel for diver(s) and/or department equipment billing. Additionally, the dive for water recoveries must be approved by supervisor(s) and the Sheriff should have been notified of such a recovery attempt. Major Bertrand’s failure to submit said documents, payment for use of department equipment, and receiving personal compensation rises to the level of intentionally concealing documents from a public entity, which would be subject to public records.”
“It is a sad day when I have to arrest one of my own for the mishandling of public funds. I have always been and will always be transparent especially when it comes to the public’s equipment and public funds, Guidroz added.”
On behalf of Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz this is Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux. All persons are presumed innocent until guilty in a court of law.
