The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested Louisiana State Police Trooper James Jefferson III on March 31 for multiple charges, including domestic violence and obstruction of justice.
Jefferson, age 41 and a resident of Lake Sherwood South in Baton Rouge, is accused of committing several incidents of domestic abuse against his spouse during 2025. The investigation began after a referral from the Louisiana State Police to Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office. Agents reviewed evidence related to physical abuse and alleged attempts by Jefferson to interfere with law enforcement investigations where he was the suspect.
Investigators found that Jefferson provided false information in records filed with the 19th Judicial District Court and made false statements during law enforcement investigations. They also discovered evidence that he destroyed materials documenting acts of domestic violence. At the conclusion of their inquiry, agents secured an arrest warrant charging Jefferson with aggravated second degree battery, filing false public records, obstruction of justice, domestic abuse battery in the presence of minors, and domestic abuse battery by strangulation.
Attorney General Liz Murrill said, “It’s always unfortunate when we have to arrest a law enforcement officer, but no one is above the law. Thank you to Colonel Hodges and State Police for fully cooperating with our ongoing investigation. Thank you as well to District Attorney Hillar Moore and his office for collaborating with my office on this case.”
Colonel Robert Hodges, Superintendent of Louisiana State Police said: “Our mission demands that every member of the Louisiana State Police exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and integrity. The residents and visitors of Louisiana should expect nothing less, and we will continue to hold ourselves accountable to those standards every single day.” He added: “We appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and we value our cooperative, working relationship with them. We fully support their ongoing investigative process.”
No bond has been set yet for Jefferson who remains at East Baton Rouge Correctional Facility awaiting further proceedings.
The case highlights how state agencies like the Louisiana Department of Justice work statewide under an independently elected attorney general—currently Liz Murrill—to provide legal services focused on protecting constitutional rights for citizens while preserving state culture through legal efforts according to its official website. Murrill has led challenges against federal overreach in more than 35 cases as reported by its official website.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.