HAMMOND, La. — A Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Deputy has been arrested in connection with an investigation involving child pornography, the Hammond Police Department announced Thursday.
Brent Ridder, 34, of Hammond, was arrested and booked on charges of Possession of Child Pornography and Malfeasance in Office. The arrest followed an unrelated investigation by HPD detectives, during which they discovered evidence of child pornography on an electronic device belonging to Ridder.
With assistance from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, search warrants were executed at Ridder’s residence, and additional electronic devices were seized for further analysis. Ridder was initially booked into the HPD Jail and later transferred to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.
“It is important that all agencies work together to ensure that those victimizing our children are held accountable,” said Hammond Police Chief Bergeron. “People who prey on the children of our communities are the lowest of the low. We would like to thank Sheriff Sticker and his agency for their cooperation in this investigation.”
Upon learning of the investigation, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker placed Ridder on administrative leave. Ridder, who had served with the agency for six years, was terminated after his arrest.
“These allegations make me sick,” said Sheriff Sticker. “The standards at this agency are better than this. The people who represent this agency are better than this. The public that this agency serves deserves better than this. I will continue to ensure those who wear our badge are worthy to do so.”
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