St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith says justice is served for the victims of former parish sheriff Jack Strain.
On Monday, a jury convicted Strain on eight counts of sex crime charges involving juvenile boys and relatives dating back when Strain was a teenager up to his term serving as parish sheriff.
“I am very pleased to see our court system worked as it is designed to and justice to be achieved for the victims. The verdict delivered last night proved that no one is above the law,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “I have worked hard, along with my administration, over the past five years to rebuild the public’s trust.
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“From day one as Sheriff, I have worked with Federal and State partners, who were already investigating criminal acts of the prior Sheriff. That is why I committed myself and my administration to change so many things with your St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office – from uniforms and vehicles to the ethical and moral values represented throughout the agency. I am glad to see justice served for the victims and their families, but I would be remised if I did not express sympathy for the community and the men and women who have served this great agency for many years. All of you are victims too of the former Sheriff’s wrongful and criminal acts. As Sheriff, I will continue to commit myself and my administration to work together so that we, as a community, can move past this.”
Strain could serve multiple life sentences in a state penitentiary when he is sentenced on January 18. Strain was transported from the St. Tammany Parish jail where he was being held after his trial, to a Plaquemines Parish jail.