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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 35
BY SENATOR HODGES
A RESOLUTION
To commend Sheriff Jason Ard and the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office for their
exceptional efforts in combating illegal narcotics trafficking and protecting children
through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
WHEREAS, the protection of the residents of Louisiana, particularly children, from
the dangers of illegal narcotics and exploitation, is one of the most solemn responsibilities
of law enforcement and the state; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Sheriff Jason Ard, the Livingston Parish
Sheriff's Office has demonstrated unwavering commitment to public safety through
aggressive enforcement, strategic partnerships, and proactive investigative efforts; and
WHEREAS, in February 2026, the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics
Division conducted a historic seizure of approximately three hundred sixty-one pounds of
methamphetamine, valued at an estimated four million dollars, representing the largest drug
seizure in the agency's history and one of the largest in the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, this significant operation resulted in the confiscation of additional
evidence including digital weighing scales, packaging materials, United States currency, and
a vehicle, further disrupting a large-scale drug trafficking enterprise; and
WHEREAS, the success of this operation was made possible through collaboration
with multiple law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the
Houston Police Department High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, the Splendora
Police Department in Texas, and the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office; and
WHEREAS, in December 2024, the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office achieved the
largest fentanyl seizure in the parish's history, removing approximately one hundred
thousand lethal doses of fentanyl from circulation and thereby preventing potentially
catastrophic loss of life; and
WHEREAS, this extensive investigation, spanning over two years, resulted in
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SR NO. 35 ENROLLED
multiple arrests and the seizure of fentanyl, oxycodone, methamphetamine, and vehicles
connected to narcotics distribution, reflecting the diligence and persistence of the narcotics
division; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Ard has continued to strengthen the narcotics division by
increasing personnel and resources, enhancing the agency's ability to identify, investigate,
and apprehend individuals engaged in illegal drug activity; and
WHEREAS, in October 2023, under Sheriff Ard's leadership, the Livingston Parish
Sheriff's Office launched and expanded its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in
partnership with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office; and
WHEREAS, investigations conducted by the task force in 2024, extended into
twenty-four states and five countries, highlighting the widespread and borderless nature of
internet-facilitated crimes against children; and
WHEREAS, a three-day sting operation conducted by the task force in February
2025, resulted in the arrest of eleven individuals facing charges related to child exploitation;
and
WHEREAS, the sting operation was conducted in collaboration with Chris Hansen,
widely known for his work on Dateline NBC and the investigative segment To Catch a
Predator, as well as his web series Takedown with Chris Hansen produced for the streaming
service TruBlu; and
WHEREAS, during 2025, Sheriff Ard, the Livingston Parish Internet Crimes Against
Children Task Force, and Chris Hansen collaborated multiple times to conduct sting
operations, with the collaborations not only seeking to support law enforcement efforts, but
to educate the public regarding tactics used by online predators and the evolving dangers
children face in digital spaces; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Ard and his team have emphasized the importance of
community education, interagency cooperation, and the use of advanced technology in
addressing evolving threats to children and communities; and
WHEREAS, the combined efforts of narcotics enforcement and child protection
initiatives have significantly enhanced the safety and well-being of the residents of
Livingston Parish and the state of Louisiana.
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SR NO. 35 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Sheriff Jason Ard and the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office for their
outstanding achievements in combating illegal drug trafficking and protecting children
through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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