The case of Randy “Country” Seal, Sheriff of Washington Parish, versus a local rancher, Jason Smith, is over.
Yesterday the Honorable Judge Alan Zaunbrecher, 22nd Judicial District Court, denied an attempt by Sheriff Seal to collect nearly $40,000 in back taxes and penalties from a Mt. Hermon rancher who sells meat from his own cows under a private label.
Sheriff Seal said he filed the lawsuit on behalf of the citizens of Washington Parish, all of whom benefit from the collection of sales tax which is distributed to various recipients, including school systems, parish and municipal governments, law enforcement agencies and other entities as specified by law. He said the litigation was filed on the advice of counsel and with no animus against any parish business.
Sheriff Seal, as Ex-Officio Tax Collector of Washington Parish, said he will abide by the court’s decision and plans no appeal.
