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SBSO SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS AGENTS HONORED BY CRIMESTOPPERS
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize two Special Investigations Division agents who were honored alongside representatives from several local, state and federal agencies for their role in assisting with the arrest of Orleans Parish Prison escapees, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Sgt. Jonathan Smith and Sgt. Richard Scheuermann were among those who received Awards of Excellence at the 41st Annual Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans Awards Luncheon held Friday, April 10, at the Sheraton New Orleans. The awards recognized partnerships with Crimestoppers in handling anonymous tips that developed into critical intelligence leading to multiple arrests.
Other participating agencies in the effort included the Louisiana State Police, New Orleans Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
In May 2025, 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center after breaching a cell wall and scaling a fence, prompting a large-scale manhunt. All 10 inmates were recaptured in the months that followed.
Sergeants Smith and Scheuermann directly contributed to the apprehension of the final escapee, Derrick Groves, who had been in custody for murder, ultimately helping bring the months-long manhunt to a close.
Sheriff Pohlmann praised the agents for their work.
“I’m incredibly proud of these two deputies and the role they played in helping bring these individuals back into custody,” the Sheriff said. “Their dedication, along with strong partnerships and the use of critical intelligence, made a real difference in this case.”
Col. Daniel Bostic Jr., commander of the Special Investigations Division, said this accomplishment highlights the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies.
“Sgt. Smith and Sgt. Scheuerman did an outstanding job turning tips into actionable information that helped bring this case to a close,” Col. Bostic said.
Sgt. Jonathan Smith, with the Sheriff’s Office since 2008, will celebrate 18 years in law enforcement this May. Sgt. Richard Scheuermann, who began his career in 2013, has nearly 13 years of experience.
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