Denham Springs, LA (5/6/2024) – A Livingston Parish Deputy finds himself on the other side of the law after the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from an inmate at the Livingston Parish Detention Center.
Sheriff Jason Ard emphasized the importance of their grievance system, stating, “This system is in place for this reason – it’s a formal means of delivering complaints and concerns from a prisoner to the administration. As grievances are received, we investigate.”
Following an investigation prompted by the inmate’s grievance, evidence emerged implicating one of their own deputies. Sheriff Ard revealed, “Deputies were assigned to look into this grievance received last week. During our investigation, evidence led to an arrest & charges on one of our deputies for striking an inmate in our custody.”
Michael Williams, 40, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was subsequently arrested and charged with Simple Battery and Malfeasance in Office.
Sheriff Ard reiterated the department’s commitment to taking all complaints seriously, underscoring the significance of their grievance system in ensuring accountability and transparency.
Williams, who had been employed with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office since January 2023 and was assigned to the Livingston Parish Detention Center, has since had his employment terminated in light of the charges.
As the investigation unfolds, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to upholding the integrity of their department and the safety and well-being of those in their custody.
