Viral video subject now a burglary suspect

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Terrebonne deputies are seeking a fourth suspect in connection with a December burglary that resulted in the death of a German shepherd and thefts of firearms in a Houma subdivision.

And the fourth suspect is well known to officers.


Christopher Verdin, 20, of 5020 Bayouside Drive in Chauvin was the handcuffed young man who appeared in a 2017 viral video that showed a uniformed deputy manhandling and cursing him. The incident included removal of Verdin’s handcuffs by the deputy, who then challenged the teen to strike him. It occurred during a field investigation into allegations that Verdin, then 18-years-old, had assaulted a family dog and threatened relatives with a firearm in Dulac. A lawsuit was later filed against the Sheriff’s Office, alleging that Verdin’s civil rights were violated, and is still pending at U.S. District Court in New Orleans.

Two deputies, Joseph Cehan III and Charles Cook Jr., lost their jobs after an internal investigation determined that both had violated Sheriff’s Office policy through “conduct unbecoming of a police officer.” A third deputy, a rookie at the time, was disciplined for not disclosing relevant facts during an internal affairs investigation.

Chief Deputy Terry Daigre confirmed on Thursday that a warrant was issued for Verdin on a charge of illegal possession of a stolen firearm.


Detectives began investigating a burglary on New Year’s Eve that occurred in the Broadmoor subdivision. At the time Sheriff Jerry Larpenter said suspects forced entry into a home while its residents were on vacation. The suspects are acused of stealing a variety of items from the residence including firearms, electronics and cash. During the burglary the suspects allegedly severely beat the family dog, which later died as a result of the injuries.

Through surveillance footage and witnesses, detectives were able to identify 3 suspects.

Joshua Verdin, 19-years-old of Dulac, Jacoby Trosclair, 18-years-old Houma, and Gage Lowery 19-Years-old of Houma, were charged. Gage Lowery is Christopher Verdin’s brother. It is not known if Joshua Verdin is a relative. He was located on Jan. 10 and questioned, then booked for simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.


Detectives later received information of some of the stolen items being stored at Gage Lowery’s parents’ residence in Grand Caillou. A search warrant was executed on this property and multiple firearms stolen during the burglary were recovered.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Gage Lowery and Jacoby Trosclair for one count each of the identical burglary charge and one count each of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Subsequent to that the warrant was issued for Christopher Verdin.


Sheriff Larpenter said the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, (985)876-2500, or Crime Stoppers, 1(800)743-7433, and may become eligible for a cash reward.

Suspects