Former Tangipahoa Parish Representative Arrested for Child Pornography and Abuse of Office

HAMMOND, Louisiana (WVUE) – A former Tangipahoa Parish sheriff's deputy was arrested Thursday (August 22) after an investigation turned up evidence of child pornography.

Hammond police arrested 34-year-old Brent Ridder on charges of possession of child pornography and abuse of authority.

Hammond Detectives were conducting an independent investigation into Ridder when they discovered child pornography on an electronic device belonging to him.

The discovery led to further action and, with the assistance of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, search warrants were executed on Ridder's residence. Additional electronic devices were seized for investigation.

In response to the findings, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker placed Ridder on administrative leave and required him to surrender his uniforms, equipment and vehicle.

Sheriff Sticker later fired Ridder, who had served with the sheriff's office for six years.

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