OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- A former employee of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office has been convicted of theft and malfeasance in connection with crimes committed in 2022, prosecutors said.

Maj. Eliot Patrick Bertrand, who served as fleet operations manager for the sheriff’s office, was convicted Wednesday of malfeasance in office, attempted malfeasance in office, theft greater
than $1,000 but less than $5,000 and theft greater than $5,000 but less than $25,000.

Prosecutors said Bertrand used his supervisory position to improperly receive a personal payment for services and for selling several loads of scrap metal belonging to the sheriff’s department for personal gain. The evidence also showed that Bertrand used his position to illegally purchase equipment and supplies through the Sheriff Department’s purchase order system to enhance and remodel his own personal property, officials said.

Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz said the investigation into Bertrand resulted from a tip from a citizen.

“On Oct. 2, 2022, I received a formal complaint from a local businessman that brought forth an accusation and evidence of an alleged crime that was perpetuated against him in November, 2020,” Guidroz said.

Bertrand faces up to ten years imprisonment on the charge of theft greater than $5,000, up to
five years on the charge of theft greater than $1,000, up to five years on the malfeasance
conviction and up to 2.5 years on the attempted malfeasance charge.

Bertrand is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on Sept. 11.

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