Attorney General’s investigation led to felony charge against sheriff and arrest of second suspect
MADISONVILLE — A physical altercation occurred between St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith and local podcaster/blogger Bobby Couvillion on May 29, 2026, at Keith Young’s Steakhouse in Madisonville, according to the state Attorney General’s Office and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation.
According to the LBI’s affidavit, multiple 911 callers reported that one man had placed another in a chokehold. Investigators say surveillance video, witness statements and medical records support the allegation that Smith approached Couvillion from behind without warning, placed him in a chokehold, pulled him from a bar stool, threw him to the floor and struck him while he was on the ground.
- Read the Attorney General’s Official report on Randy Smith with affidavit and arrest warrant…
- Read the Attorney General’s Official report on Gregory Saurage with affidavit and arrest warrant…
- OPINION | Public office requires restraint, especially from a sheriff
Investigators concluded the attack appeared “unprovoked” and that Couvillion had little or no opportunity to defend himself before the physical confrontation began.
Why is this a major story?
Randy Smith is not merely a private citizen. He is the elected sheriff of Louisiana’s fourth-largest parish and the highest-ranking law enforcement official in St. Tammany Parish.
Because Smith was the sheriff, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office turned the investigation over to Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to avoid any conflict of interest.
What injuries were reported?
According to investigators:
- Couvillion suffered a Level 2 concussion.
- Two front teeth were displaced.
- He suffered multiple cuts, bruises and abrasions.
- Investigators documented injuries through photographs and medical records.
The arrest affidavit argues those injuries meet Louisiana’s definition of “serious bodily injury,” which is required for the second-degree battery charge.
What are the charges against Sheriff Smith?
The Attorney General’s office charged Smith with:
- Second-degree battery (felony)
- Disturbing the peace by engaging in a fistic encounter (misdemeanor)
- Disturbing the peace while appearing in an intoxicated condition (misdemeanor)
The warrant lists a $10,000 bond and a condition prohibiting contact with the alleged victim.
Why was a second man arrested?
Investigators later arrested Gregory Jules Saurage.
LBI alleges surveillance video shows Saurage walking past Couvillion, identifying or indicating Couvillion’s location to Smith, and making an aggressive fist gesture shortly before the attack occurred. Investigators interpreted that gesture as encouraging or signaling Smith to confront Couvillion.
Saurage, who according to media reports is a bail bondsman and was with Smith at the time of the altercation, is charged with:
- Principal to second-degree battery (felony)
Under Louisiana law, a “principal” is someone who aids, encourages, assists or participates in the commission of a crime, even if that person does not personally commit the physical act.
Saurage reportedly told investigators that another man had warned Smith to “watch your back” because Couvillion was in the restaurant. He acknowledged motioning toward Couvillion but denied signaling Smith to attack him.
What role did alcohol allegedly play?
The arrest affidavit repeatedly references alcohol.
Investigators noted:
- Witnesses reported smelling alcohol on Smith’s breath.
- A restaurant receipt allegedly showed a tab of $346.21.
- The tab reportedly included multiple glasses of wine and numerous mixed drinks purchased over several hours.
The affidavit cites those facts as support for the disturbing-the-peace/intoxication charge. Smith has not publicly admitted being intoxicated.
What does Sheriff Smith say?
Smith’s public statement does not directly address the factual allegations in detail.
Instead, he:
- Issued a public apology to citizens, restaurant patrons and his family.
- Said public service brings heightened scrutiny.
- Referenced years of attacks and criticism directed at him.
- Claimed false statements had been made about his wife.
- Said he would address the matter through the legal process.
- Stated he remains committed to serving as sheriff.
Notably, Smith’s statement does not expressly deny that a physical altercation occurred.
What does Bobby Couvillion say?
Couvillion has portrayed himself as the victim of an unprovoked assault.
He argues:
- Smith’s apology was not sincere.
- The attack stemmed from Smith’s anger over criticism.
- Nobody should be physically attacked because of speech or criticism of public officials.
- He has confidence in the judicial process and intends to pursue the case through court.
The larger context
The political backdrop is difficult to ignore.
Couvillion has spent years criticizing local government and particularly Sheriff Smith through podcasts, social media and online commentary. Smith’s statement strongly suggests he believes some of that criticism crossed personal lines and affected his family.
The Attorney General’s investigation, however, appears focused on a much narrower question: whether Smith physically attacked Couvillion and whether Saurage encouraged or facilitated that attack.
At this stage, investigators say the answer is yes. The arrest warrants rely heavily on surveillance video, eyewitness accounts, photographs and medical records. Smith and Saurage, however, remain accused — not convicted — and will have the opportunity to challenge that evidence in court.
Early voting for the June 27 Second Party Primary and Municipal General Election begins Friday, June 12, with St. Tammany Parish voters set to decide several races and propositions, including a renewal of a sheriff’s office property tax. The ballot includes a proposal to renew a 4.31-mill tax that the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says helps fund approximately 140 deputy positions. Election Day is June 27.
- Read the Attorney General’s Official report on Randy Smith with affidavit and arrest warrant…
- Read the Attorney General’s Official report on Gregory Saurage with affidavit and arrest warrant…
- OPINION | Public office requires restraint, especially from a sheriff
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