St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith turned himself in Thursday after claims he attacked a man at a Madisonville restaurant last week, and issued a public apology.
(Below is footage WWL obtained of Sheriff Randy Smith exiting the police station after turning himself in Thursday)
Smith surrendered at the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office.
Smith was booked on one count of second degree battery and two counts of disturbing the peace.
Local podcaster Bobby Couvillon said that he and his wife were celebrating his birthday Friday at Keith Young's Steakhouse in Madisonville when Smith physically assaulted him.
"We're sitting there, we weren't there ten minutes, and all of the sudden, somebody came up from behind and started choking me," Couvillon said in an interview with WWL-TV.
Couvillon says he has been critical of the sheriff on his podcast.
The Louisiana Attorney General's office said the charges come after a thorough investigation.
Sheriff Smith released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
I would like to begin by publicly expressing a heartfelt apology to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish; the dedicated men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; the owners, staff and patrons of Young’s Steakhouse; and anyone else affected by this incident. To my family, and especially my wife, Adele, I apologize for the stress and burden caused to them by this situation.
As an elected public official and as a lifelong public servant, I fully understand and accept the fact that with this position comes not only great responsibility but also heightened public scrutiny. I understand and respect that the actions I take as Sheriff are open to examination, question and criticism. I accepted this fact when I put on the badge, and I know that it is one of the unfortunate aspects of public service. All law enforcement officers know and accept this, as they also know and accept the daily threat to their personal safety. It comes with the job.
Another unfortunate aspect of public service is the effect such public scrutiny and criticism can have on one’s family. This too, is accepted and endured by the family…to an extent.
For the past ten years I have ignored hundreds of personal attacks directed at me by an individual who hides behind a computer screen. His actions were direct and intentional. As Sheriff, I have ignored the attacks, threats and lies directed at me. As a husband and father, the continued and worsening public harassment of my wife, the false statements against her and the body shaming of her are not only despicable, but unacceptable. Seeing the frustration and pain caused to your wife and family is something much harder to ignore.
In closing, I would like to thank our friends, family and the many citizens of St. Tammany Parish who have reached out with prayers, encouragement and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion means more to my family than words can adequately express. To the men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, keep your heads up and continue to perform the excellent work you always do.
As I continue through this, I want to make a few things very clear. Actions have consequences. I will fully address my actions through the legal process. While doing so, I remain committed serving the citizens of St. Tammany Parish as your elected Sheriff.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Randy C. Smith
