The Hammond Police Department arrested a former Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Deputy in connection with an investigation involving child pornography.
34 YO Brent Ridder from Hammond was booked on August 22, 2024 on one count of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Malfeasance in Office.
HPD detectives were conducting an unrelated investigation involving Brent Ridder when they uncovered evidence of child pornography on an electronic device belonging to Ridder. With the assistance of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, search warrants were subsequently conducted on Ridder’s residence and other electronic devices were seized to be processed and evaluated.
Ridder was booked into HPD Jail for one count of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Malfeasance in Office. Chief Bergeron said people who prey on children are the lowest of the low. He also thanked Sheriff Sticker and his agency for their cooperation in the investigation.
Upon notification of the initial investigation, Sheriff Gerald Sticker immediately placed Ridder on administrative leave, which included the surrender of his uniforms, gear and unit. Sheriff Sticker stated that Brent Ridder has been with the agency for 6 years. Ridder was terminated from TPSO and was booked into the HPD Jail and transferred to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Sheriff Sticker said the people who represent his agency are better than this and he will continue to ensure those who wear the badge are worthy to do so.
