On October 23, 2023, it was reported to the Evangeline Parish Criminal Investigations Division that a corrections deputy in the Evangeline Parish Jail had struck one of the inmates multiple times with a closed fist.  During the investigation, video evidence was recovered proving that the allegations were in fact true. 

When questioning the inmate and the corrections deputy, it was discovered that the inmate made several racial comments to the corrections deputy. As a result, the corrections deputy struck the inmate multiple times in the face with a closed fist.  The corrections deputy (Keith Anthony Serie B/M DOB 06/16/1977 of Ville Platte was immediately put on administrative leave pending the investigation. 

On October 25, the investigation was completed and Serie was arrested and charged with malfeasance in Office and simple battery. He was subsequently booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail and released on an eleven-thousand-dollar bond.  He was also relieved of service and is no longer employed with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office.

As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their Investigation Department via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency's website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org.  Any person reporting information will remain anonymous. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.