THIBODAUX, La. (February 10, 2026) – Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division – Houma Field Office have arrested a former Thibodaux Police Department sergeant following an investigation into alleged theft from the Thibodaux Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #52.
Authorities say 53-year-old Shane Savant of Thibodaux was taken into custody on February 10, 2026, after an investigation revealed he fraudulently used a Fraternal Order of Police-issued bank card to purchase personal items.
The investigation began in January 2026 after members of the FOP executive board notified Thibodaux Police Chief Bryan Zeringue of possible thefts discovered during a review of the organization’s bank statements. At the time, Savant was serving as a sergeant with the department and as treasurer for the FOP lodge.
The Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division was requested to handle the case. Savant was immediately placed on administrative leave, and all department-issued property was recovered pending the outcome of the investigation.
Detectives later obtained an arrest warrant through the Lafourche Parish 17th Judicial District Court charging Savant with:
Theft Greater than $5,000 (La. R.S. 14:67) – 1 felony count
Illegal Transmission of Monetary Funds (La. R.S. 14:70.8) – 11 felony counts
Savant was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
Chief Bryan Zeringue stated that after being notified of the allegations, the FOP Board President requested an independent investigation by State Police into Savant’s actions related to his administrative role within the organization.
According to Zeringue, the investigation determined Savant violated state criminal law while performing off-duty duties connected to his FOP position.
On February 9, 2026, one day prior to his arrest, Savant submitted a letter of resignation, voluntarily ending his employment with the Thibodaux Police Department.
Chief Zeringue called the situation “a violation of the community trust,” emphasizing that trustworthiness is a core value of the department.
“We hope this serves as an example that the Thibodaux Police Department will not tolerate this type of conduct and will hold ourselves accountable,” Zeringue said.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
