Jeanerette Cop, City Marshal Arrested For Fight At Precinct

A police officer and a city marshal have been arrested--and since released--on charges related to a fight at the police department late last month.

Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman Capt. Wendell Raborn says 25-year-old Jeanerette Police Officer Emanuel Butts and 39-year-old Jeanerette City Marshal Durell Thomas turned themselves in today.

The sheriff's office completed the investigation into the September 29 fight that occurred around 10 p.m. at the Jeanerette Police Department's parking lot. Investigators reported they believe the fight was caused by a personal conflict between the two men.

The District Attorney’s Office found evidence to issue warrants for Thomas for simple battery and Butts for three counts aggravated battery, aggravated assault and attempted disarming a peace officer.

Thomas was released on a misdemeanor summons.  Butts was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail where he posted a $5,000 bond and was released.

Any further disciplinary action for the officers will be determined by the Jeanerette Police Chief Jeff Matthews and Jeanerette City Marshal Fernest Martin.