TANGIPAHOA PARISH, Louisiana (WVUE) – Donald Hammons, 56, a former Tangipahoa Parish maintenance employee, was arrested and charged with abuse of office on Friday, August 16.

Hammons was employed by Tangipahoa Parish and was responsible for performing maintenance at the parish jail from 2010 until the sheriff’s office changed administration in July.

When Sheriff Gerald Sticker’s administration took over, “it was revealed that in 2021, Hammons had brought a trustee from the prison to his apartment to purchase weapons from him.”

A spokesman for the sheriff’s office clarified that the weapons were firearms.

Hammons was brought in for questioning and reportedly admitted to the charges. He surrendered the weapons and was released, Sticker says.

“I am deeply disappointed in the conduct of this former employee. However, there is no place for this kind of behavior in Tangipahoa Parish Government,” said Parish President Robby Miller.

Sticker says prison security has been his office’s biggest challenge and top priority.

“As part of our efforts to improve safety, we have not only made staffing changes, but have also enhanced training and certifications, and implemented changes to general access for community employees,” Sticker said. “Our citizens should be encouraged that our leadership team identified this crime and that our partnership with community management resulted in swift action to address this specific situation. Together, we will continue to work to improve safety at the jail.”

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