LAFAYETTE, LA — A deputy with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) has been arrested on charges of felony cruelty to a juvenile after an investigation led by the Louisiana State Police (LSP). Matthew Frost, 28, of Lafayette, was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on March 3, 2025, following the investigation into the alleged incidents.
The investigation began when LPSO became aware of potential criminal activity involving Frost that occurred outside of his law enforcement duties. After receiving the initial information, the LPSO contacted the Louisiana State Police, requesting an official inquiry into the matter. Detectives with the LSP Bureau of Investigations subsequently launched their investigation, which revealed allegations of cruelty to a juvenile involving Frost.
According to authorities, the alleged offenses took place on two separate occasions in June 2024. Frost is accused of committing the acts against the same juvenile victim.
Following his arrest, Frost was placed on administrative leave without pay by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. The LPSO released a statement saying they took immediate action to address the matter and are fully cooperating with the investigation. “As soon as we were made aware of the situation, we contacted the Louisiana State Police to ensure a thorough investigation was conducted,” the statement read.
Frost now faces two felony counts of cruelty to a juvenile, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case or any other suspicious activity to report it through the Louisiana State Police’s online reporting system or by calling the LSP Suspicious Activity Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
The arrest has raised serious concerns within the community, particularly regarding the trust placed in law enforcement officers. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has pledged to uphold the integrity of the department throughout the ongoing investigation.
As this case continues to unfold, law enforcement agencies are reminding the public to report any potential criminal behavior using the resources available to them.