Former St. Landry Parish Animal Control Director Stacey Sonnier Alleman McKnight, 53, was arrested Friday on multiple charges, according to a news release from St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
Guidroz stated deputies began investigating on Oct. 20, 2020, regarding numerous theft complaints involving livestock, files and parish property.
A representative with the St. Landry Parish Animal Control Center reported three horses were missing, he stated. The horses were described as a black and white (paint) Tennessee Walker, a gelding palimino quarter horse, and a sorrel quarter horse.
The representative stated that the Tennessee Walker was medically treated by a veterinary school in 2019. The palimino and sorrel were medically treated at a local veterinary center from 2016 until 2019. St. Landry Parish Government paid for all medical services at the time of treatment. The representative also reported that several cattle / horse panels, fencing and kennels were missing from the center.
“Upon investigation by detectives, it was discovered that the horses were removed from the Animal Control Center during the tenure of Stacey Sonnier Alleman McKnight, who was the director of St. Landry Parish Animal Control from February 3, 2015 – March 8, 2020,” Guidroz stated.
“Information was also obtained which states that Stacey McKnight was seen removing the three (3) horses, files and other property from the Animal Control Center during March 7 – 9, 2020. All property was taken to her home located at 8618 Highway 955 East in Ethel, Louisiana and have remained at the residence since the end of her tenure until present date. Stacey McKnight also posted photos of the horses on her personal Facebook page, which were dated from July 2020 – September 2020,” he stated
Guidroz stated McKnight admitted to possessing and/or removing the following property from the St. Landry Parish Animal Control Center: birds – four peacocks and four geese; several animal carriers; several case files; employee files; miscellaneous animal documentation; keys; shirt collar insignia pins; insurance cards for parish vehicles; and a logbook pertaining to donations, belonging to St. Landry Animal Control.
“Multiple interviews were conducted with St. Landry Parish Animal Control personnel and St. Landry Parish Government officials. It was determined that Stacey Sonnier Alleman McKnight did not have permission and/or authorization to remove any property from St. Landry Parish Animal Control,” he stated.
On Friday, McKnight turned herself in at the St. Landry Parish Jail and was charged with eight counts of theft, injuring public records and malfeasance in office.
Bail was set at $29,500.
