OPELOUSAS, La. — A St. Landry Parish Animal Control officer has been arrested following allegations that he stole a saddle while assisting in the seizure of animals from a petting zoo.
Khayri Thomas, 27, of Lawtell, is facing charges of malfeasance in office and misdemeanor theft, according to News 15. Authorities say the incident took place on Mulberry Road in Opelousas, where officers were removing animals from a property under investigation for animal cruelty and poor living conditions.
Earlier this year, a woman at the same property was arrested on multiple charges after authorities found animals living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. After the animals were seized, someone noticed a saddle was missing from the property.
That discovery prompted an internal investigation by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, which ultimately led to Thomas’s arrest.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz addressed the situation, stating, “It is regrettable that agents entrusted to enforce regulations violate the law, but we will investigate every complaint and occurrence to ensure that the integrity of every element of government remain beyond reproach.”
The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation. Tips can be reported directly to the Sheriff’s Office or through Crime Stoppers.
This case remains under active investigation. For updates, the public is encouraged to follow local outlets or download the KPEL News app for real-time alerts and community updates.
