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Bobby Couvillion Sues Former St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith Over Steakhouse Attack
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ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. — Bobby Couvillion and his wife have filed a federal lawsuit against former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith and others over the May confrontation at Keith Young’s Steakhouse that ultimately led to Smith pleading guilty and resigning from office.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and names Randy Smith, Gregory Saurage, Troy Sider and interim Sheriff Bret Ibert as defendants. Ibert is named in his official capacity and is not accused of participating in the physical confrontation.
The case stems from the May 29 incident at Keith Young’s Steakhouse in Madisonville.
According to court records from Smith’s criminal case, Smith approached Couvillion from behind, grabbed him around the neck, pulled him to the ground and struck him multiple times before others intervened.
Couvillion suffered a concussion and injuries to his teeth that required medical treatment.
Lawsuit Makes Broader Allegations
The newly filed lawsuit goes beyond the physical confrontation itself.
Couvillion alleges Saurage singled him out to Smith and helped incite the confrontation. The lawsuit also accuses Sider of preventing bystanders from intervening while the incident unfolded.
Couvillion has been a longtime and outspoken critic of Smith and his administration, frequently discussing the former sheriff through online posts, blogs and podcasts.
The lawsuit alleges that the May confrontation was part of a broader pattern of retaliation against Couvillion during Smith’s time as sheriff.
Those allegations are part of the civil lawsuit and have not been proven in court.
Smith Pleaded Guilty And Resigned
The confrontation ultimately resulted in criminal charges against Smith.
In June, Smith pleaded guilty to felony second degree battery and misdemeanor disturbing the peace through public intoxication.
As part of the plea agreement, Smith resigned as St. Tammany Parish Sheriff, ending his tenure leading one of the largest law enforcement agencies on the Northshore.
The new lawsuit now moves the controversy into federal civil court.
Couvillion and his wife are seeking monetary damages, and a jury trial has been requested.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has previously characterized the underlying confrontation as a personal dispute involving private individuals and has indicated it intends to defend against claims involving the agency.
The lawsuit remains pending, and the defendants will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations through the federal court process.
TRH News will continue following the case as additional court filings and responses become available.
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