St. Landry Sheriff: Here's why trustee dorm is not open
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- The dispute between the St. Landry Parish Sheriff and the parish president over the new trustee dormitory at the parish jail continues.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said the issue needs clarification after Parish President Jessie Bellard told News 10 Nov. 26 that the facility was ready in October of last year.
"I have evidence that is incorrect," Guidroz said. "This document right here shows construction workers of Bertrand Contractors. This was taken 9/25/24. Construction crews were still working in the building."
Guidroz said crews are still working on issues including live wires hanging from the ceiling and uncovered electrical outlets to mattresses yet to be delivered. Guidroz said there are still critical steps needed before the facility can open.
The facility was built to help with the parish jail’s overcrowding issue. Right now, inmates are sent to other facilities. This costs the parish over a million dollars a year, according to Guidroz.
While the dorm is yet to open, the parish jail remains overcrowded. In the meantime, Guidroz said he has attempted to help parish government cover the cost of feeding the state inmate kept in the jail, pending the proper paperwork.
"I told the parish president and parish government that I will do what I can to help them when I didn't have to," Guidroz said. "But I needed receipts. I needed that for documentation. But he's not done that. And he's not going to get a dime from me unless he gives me the documentation that I asked for."
Bellard told News 10 he will provide that documentation to the judge when the case is taken to court.