Couvillion Responds After Sheriff Randy Smith’s Arrest: “The Truth Is Undeniable”

Couvillion Responds After Sheriff Randy Smith’s Arrest: “The Truth Is Undeniable”

Bobby Couvillion is speaking out after St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith was arrested in connection with an alleged attack at Keith Young’s Steakhouse in Madisonville.

Couvillion said the apology issued by Smith did not feel genuine.

“Thank you to all of those who are supporting me and my family through this difficult time,” Couvillion said. “The ‘so-called’ apology was disingenuous and very misleading. It sounded more like a defense of a specific person’s negative actions.”

Smith turned himself in Thursday after an investigation by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. He was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on one count of second-degree battery, a felony, and two misdemeanor counts of disturbing the peace.

Bond was set at $10,000.

According to the arrest warrant, Couvillion told investigators he was sitting at the bar when Smith allegedly grabbed him from behind, placed him in a chokehold, threw him to the floor, punched and kicked him, and threatened to kill him.

Records say Couvillion suffered a concussion, lacerations, contusions, and displaced front teeth.

“I don’t think anyone should get physical for any reason, especially the highest-ranking, most powerful law enforcement officer in St. Tammany Parish,” Couvillion said.

The warrant says witnesses corroborated that Smith allegedly initiated the attack from behind without any prior confrontation. Surveillance video was also obtained by police.

Emergency records show first responders were dispatched around 4:36 p.m. Firefighters arrived within minutes, while deputies reportedly arrived around 5:05 p.m.

The warrant also referenced a $346.21 receipt that included 18 alcoholic drinks. It was not clear how many were consumed by Smith. The sheriff’s office said no taxpayer dollars were used on the tab.

“The public needs to know,” Couvillion said.

Smith later issued a public apology to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish, the sheriff’s office, Keith Young’s Steakhouse, his family, and others affected by the incident. In the statement, Smith also referenced years of personal attacks and criticism toward him and his family.

Couvillion pushed back on the tone of that statement, saying he believes the apology was misleading and shifted focus away from the alleged attack.

“The most shocking thing was the behavior,” Couvillion said. “This is something you couldn’t believe if you just told someone.”

Couvillion said he still has faith in the investigators and the judicial system.

“I look forward to my day in court,” he said. “The truth is and always is undeniable.”

Smith remains the elected sheriff of St. Tammany Parish as the legal process continues.

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