Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced the arrest of a Thibodaux Police officer in connection with an internal investigation. Paul Thibodeaux (age 38) of Jefferson, La. is charged with Malfeasance In Office, Injuring Public Records & Second Degree Battery.
Through a Thibodaux Police Department Internal Affair’s investigation, it was learned that Thibodeaux had violated policy and state criminal law while conducting an arrest on August 27, 2021. Following a criminal investigation into this matter, a warrant was obtained for Thibodeaux’s arrest. On Friday, October 29, 2021, Thibodeaux was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the warrant. Thibodeaux was later released after posting a $30,000.00 bond.
Chief Zeringue stated, “We were notified of allegations of wrongdoing by one of our Patrol Sergeants, Paul Thibodeaux. As the investigation progressed, a warrant was obtained. Thibodeaux has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending a loudermill hearing. “This is not just a violation of the law and agency policy, but a violation of the community trust.” Chief Zeringue continued. “Trustworthiness is one of our core values, and a cornerstone that the culture of this agency is built upon. It was a promise that if something was ever identified that violated the trust of those we serve, it would be dealt with and the wrongdoer would be held accountable.” Chief Zeringue added, “We hope that this serves as an example that the Thibodaux Police Department will not tolerate this type of conduct and will hold ourselves accountable.”