A total of 10 suspects including a Corrections Officer with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office have been arrested in connection with an investigation into an alleged contraband ring at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
In June 2026, detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office received information that packages of illegal contraband were being brought into the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center by a corrections deputy. An investigation into these allegations began.
Through the investigation, digital evidence was obtained, corroborating the claims that Corrections Deputy Ladday was indeed bringing contraband into the SMPLEC. Offenders who were requesting the items from outside individuals were also identified.
These individuals, identified as Stratton and Rollins, were cooperating with Ladday to complete the requests and deliver the items to Ladday, who would deliver to the offenders. Arrest warrants were subsequently obtained for Ladday and others who were involved.
On Monday, June 15, 2026, the Integrated Special Response Team was activated for an operation to execute the arrest and search warrants for Ladday at his residence. Contact was made with him, and he was taken into custody without incident. Ladday’s employment with the SMPSO was terminated upon his arrest.
Detectives also made contact with Stratton and Rollins and transported them to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Additionally, detectives met with the offenders at the SMPLEC and arrested them on the warrants as well.
Sheriff Gary Driskell commended the detectives for their work on the case.“It’s never a good day when we arrest one of our own, but the law is strongest when it applies to everyone, including my deputies. Integrity matters, especially when one wears the uniform. I would like to commend the efforts and due diligence of the detectives working this case.”
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are pending.
Sheriff Gary Driskell Concludes “Operation Bear Trap” With Arrests in SMPLEC Contraband Ring
Earnest Ladday, 49, Bayou Vista, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm for entering contraband (13 counts) and malfeasance (9 counts). Bail has not been set at this time.
Amber Stratton, 32, Bayou Vista, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm on a warrant for introduction of contraband. Bail has not been set at this time.
Kenneth Rollins, 31, Patterson, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm on a warrant for introduction of contraband. Bail has not been set at this time.
Christian Druilhet, 27, New Iberia, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm for possession of schedule III (Subutex) and entering contraband into a penal institution. Druilhet continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Elliot Broussard III, 62, Morgan City, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm for possession of schedule I (synthetic marijuana) and on a warrant for entering contraband into a penal institution. Broussard continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Brennan Tatum, 29, Pierre Part, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm on a warrant for introduction of contraband. Tatum continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Courtlin Carter, 37, Stevensville, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm on a warrant for entering contraband into a penal institution. Carter continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Christopher Woods, 34, Morgan City, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm on a warrant for entering contraband into a penal institution. Woods continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Rodrick Hunter, 34, Bayou Vista, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm on a warrant for entering contraband into a penal institution (4 counts). Hunter continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Jamari Tillman, 22, Morgan City, LA, was arrested on June 15, 2026, at 12:40 pm on a warrant for entering contraband into a penal institution, possession of schedule I (synthetic marijuana) with intent to distribute, entering contraband into a penal institution, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tillman continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
