LSP Lieutenant Placed on Leave Following South Dakota Arrest

Published: 09-21-2022 | Category: Statewide


LSP Lieutenant Placed on Leave Following South Dakota Arrest

Baton Rouge, LA – Following a sex crime investigation initiated by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in Rapid City, South Dakota, 44-year-old Kirk Thibodeaux has been charged with Hiring for Sexual Activity.  Lt. Kirk Thibodeaux, currently assigned to the Transportation Safety Services/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the criminal and administrative investigation.  Thibodeaux, employed with LSP since 2002, was in South Dakota attending a work related conference. 

According to information released by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 3:00am on September 20, 2022 at a local hotel.  The South Dakota charge of Hiring for Sexual Activity is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.  The criminal case has been handed over to the Pennington County States Attorney’s Office.  

Contact Information:
Lt. Melissa Matey 
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202 
[email protected]