ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. — A shake-up in command at the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office is causing some disappointment after some say it came later than expected. Recently, the sheriff's office announced the arrests of three deputies who were top of command.
According to the sheriff's office, former Chief Deputy Rodney Madere, former Captain Derek Pertuis, and former Sergeant Zain Stillinger were arrested and are now facing charges including abuse of office and payroll fraud.
At the time of the announcement, the sheriff's office didn't say much except that allegations "involve the misappropriation/misuse of Sheriff’s Office resources, equipment, and manpower." But now, a letter obtained by WWL Louisiana details more of the allegations.
"Dear Sheriff, This is being sent to you in hopes of exposing to you what is happening within your agency. It is imperative that you take this seriously and take appropriate action. This is not to shame you in any way as everyone knows these things are happening without your knowledge. But it is incumbent upon you to protect the taxpayers that keep you in office," the first paragraph of the letter reads.
The letter, which does not name an author, claims a stolen piece of heavy machinery, called a skid steer, was recovered as stolen by the sheriff's office and was taken by Madere to his camp in Mississippi. The letter also claims the deputies had employees create and print fake LSU football parking passes on sheriff's department equipment.
According to the President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Rafael Goyeneche, the sheriff was given the letter in May of 2023. Goyeneche says he received the letter in July of 2023. He questions why it took so long for the sheriff to take action.
"The sheriff I think owes the public an explanation yes they were arrested but they were arrested last week," Goyeneche said. "Why did it take 14 months from the time the sheriff was put on alert to the time it took to arrest these individuals."
Goyeneche says this is a betrayal of trust not just within the department but for the community as well.
"It’s always embarrassing when someone in any business or any agency betrays that trust and commits a crime it’s even more troublesome when it’s law enforcement that does it," Goyeneche said.
The sheriff's office declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation and court case. Madere's lawyers also declined to comment.
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