St. Landry Parish, LA – An Opelousas Police Department sergeant was arrested on a domestic abuse charge following an investigation by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division. The officer, 39-year-old Romalis Thomas, was involved in an off-duty domestic violence incident outside the Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on April 20, 2025.
According to a spokesperson for the Louisiana State Police, the investigation was launched after a request from Opelousas Police Chief Graig Leblanc. As the probe unfolded, troopers with the Gaming Enforcement Division were able to secure an arrest warrant for Thomas, who was subsequently charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery.
Thomas voluntarily turned himself in at the St. Landry Parish Jail on April 21, 2025, where he was processed. In response to the arrest, Chief Leblanc expressed a commitment to transparency and accountability within the department. “I have requested the Louisiana State Police to conduct this investigation to uphold transparency and reinforce the trust our community places in us,” Leblanc said in a statement. “In line with our departmental policies and as part of our commitment to a thorough process, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave while we conduct an internal investigation.”
The arrest of a law enforcement officer on such serious charges has raised concerns regarding domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues head-on. The Louisiana State Police have emphasized the availability of resources for victims of domestic abuse. Those in need of support are encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential assistance.
For those who wish to report suspicious activities or incidents, the Louisiana State Police has also provided an online reporting system, which can be accessed at https://speed-online.dps.la.gov/SuspiciousActivity/SAR.
The investigation into Thomas’s actions is ongoing, and both the Louisiana State Police and Opelousas Police Department are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process.