The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office is investigating an incident involving the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
According to a statement issued by the sheriff’s office, Randy Smith has been accused in an incident at a Madisonville-area restaurant.
The attorney general’s office is investigating the matter to ensure an impartial review of the incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
“We have received a referral regarding an incident involving St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith. We have accepted the referral,” Attorney General Liz Murrill said. “Because this is an open investigation, we will have no further comment.”
The sheriff issued the following statement regarding the incident:
“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining the public’s trust. Sheriff Smith and the agency will fully cooperate with any investigation conducted by outside authorities.
“Due to the matter being an active and ongoing investigation, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office cannot comment further at this time.”
The victim Bobby Couvvillion says he has several lacerations and contusions throughout his body.
The Covington resident says he was at Keith Young’s restaurant in Madisonville to celebrate his birthday when the incident allegedly happened.
He claims the sheriff surprised him from behind with a chokehold and started punching and kicking him. He was taken to a hospital Friday night to be treated.
Couvillion is a longtime critic of the Sheriff.
On his podcast and online posts he has frequently accused the sheriff of being corrupt and a drunk, claims that have been unsubstantiated.
While there have been verbal jabs in the past, Couvillion he claims he did not provoke the physical attack on Friday.
READ MORE:Sheriff Randy Smith accused in incident at Madisonville restaurant
