Three former high-ranking deputies from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, who were arrested this summer on allegations of theft and payroll fraud, have pleaded guilty in the case, the St. Charles Parish District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.
Former Chief Deputy Rodney Madere Jr., who served as second-in-command of the department for 10 years, Captain Derek Pertuis and Sgt. Zain Stillinger pleaded guilty to one count each of felony theft between $5,000 to $25,000, abuse of office and public payroll fraud.
Judge Connie Aucoin of the 29th Judicial District Court suspended prison terms for the men, instead ordering them to serve three years of active probation, as part of a plea agreement, according to the St. Charles District Attorney Joel T. Chaisson III.
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