Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigating Allegations of Child Abuse; Two Arrested

 July 15, 2026

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet has confirmed that the TPSO Special Victims Unit has arrested two individuals following an extensive investigation into allegations of child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, and sexual offenses involving minor children.  Thomas J. Tucker III, 57, of Houma, and Sharotta L. Lewis, 47, of Houma, have been arrested on numerous felony charges in connection with the investigation.

The investigation began when Special Victim’s Unit Detectives were made aware of child abuse allegations reported to The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), involving juveniles residing within Terrebonne Parish.  As Detectives worked closely with child protection investigators, interviews were conducted, evidence was collected, and the safety and wellbeing of the involved children became the highest priority.

As the investigation progressed, Detectives learned of child abuse and sexually motivated allegations, where Tucker was identified as a perpetrator.  Detectives developed information related to the involvement of Lewis, who allegedly witnessed the physical and sexual abuse, which went unreported.  SVU Detectives also uncovered additional information that Tucker was a self-identified pastor of the “Outcast of Society Ministries” in Thibodaux, La, where allegations of abuse took place under the suspicion of the church.  Ultimately, Detectives developed probable cause that led to the issuance of arrest warrants for two adult suspects.

Later, Thomas J. Tucker III and Sharotta L. Lewis were brought in for questioning in connection with the investigation.  During separate interviews, both Tucker and Lewis denied the allegations, but were subsequently arrested for warrants connected to the case.    

Thomas J. Tucker III, 57, of Houma, was jailed on charges of Cruelty to Juveniles, Simple Battery, Sexual Battery (Felony), Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (2 Counts), and Sexual Battery (Misdemeanor).  Tucker remains jailed at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on a $602,000.00 bond by local judges.

Sharotta L. Lewis, 47, of Houma, was jailed on charges of Cruelty to Juveniles, Principal to Sexual Battery (Felony), Principal to Indecent Behavior with Juveniles 2 counts), Principal to Sexual Battery (Misdemeanor), and Simple Battery. Lewis remains jailed at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on a $602,000.00 bond by local judges.

Because this remains an active criminal investigation involving juvenile victims, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing the identities of the children or discussing specific details regarding the allegations.

The children have since been placed in a safe environment.

“Protecting children is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a law enforcement agency”, said Sheriff Soignet.  “These investigations require patience, compassion, and a tremendous amount of work by our detectives and our partner agencies. We are committed to holding anyone accountable who victimizes a child, while ensuring every child involved receives the protection and support, they deserve.”

During the course of this investigation, Detectives have reason to believe there may be additional victims or individuals with knowledge relevant to this case. 

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or anyone with credible information related to this investigation, to contact the Special Victims Unit at (985) 876-2500, or submit information anonymously through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers.

ALL ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

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