Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain could receive a life sentence prison after his conviction for sex crimes on Monday.
The jury found Strain guilty of all the charges brought against him, including four counts of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated incest, one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile, and one count of sexual battery. Some of the crimes took place more than 40 years ago.
Five victims, including some who were related to Strain, testified at his two week trial.
The jury deliberated nearly five hours before convicting Strain.
Current St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith said the verdict proved no one is above the law.
"I am glad to see justice served for the victims and their families, but I would be remiss if I did not express sympathy for the community, and the men and women who have served this great agency for many years. All of you are victims too of the former Sheriff’s wrongful and criminal acts. As Sheriff, I will continue to commit myself and my administration to work together so that we, as a community, can move past this," said Smith.
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