Former Sheriff’s Office official announces sheriff candidacy

A veteran Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office official who was laid off by Sheriff Jerry Larpenter in June has announced that he will seek the incumbent’s job in this year’s upcoming election.

Speculation that Mike Solet may run for the top law enforcement post in the parish intensified since his layoff, which Larpenter attributed to necessary cost-cutting measures but which Solet alleged was politically motivated.

Larpenter, who has held the job for a 22-year period, has not stated whether he will run for re-election.

Solet is the first of current or former lawmen believed to have similar plans to formally announce. He has not yet reported contributions, loans or other campaign finance information to the Louisiana Office of Ethics, Administration.

“I worked for Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office for 38 years, starting in 1979,” Solet said in his announcement. “My work experience prior to the Sheriff’s Office was Benoit Machine Works, Terrebonne General Emergency Room and Acadian Ambulance Service. For my entire adult life, I have worked to serve the citizens of our community. Whether serving in the capacity of health care or public safety, my passion has been and will always be to give 100 percent to the people of Terrebonne.”

As a deputy, Solet said, his duties included patrol of assigned areas, investigation of crimes, arresting of suspects and response to all nature of emergency calls. He has been certified by the state’s Police Officer Standards and Training program since 1980, receiving his training at Nicholls State University. Solet said his law enforcement certifications include traffic radar, motorcycle safety instructor, completion of an 80-hour police motorcycle operator course and emergency vehicle extrication.

As a TPSO detective Solet held the rank of lieutenant, and became an internal affairs investigator. From 1981 to 1994 he served as a SWAT team member. Additional training as a TPSO deputy included stress analysis, or lie detector operation, interview and interrogation techniques, handwriting analysis and forgery, defensive tactics, dive rescue and underwater investigation, and homicide and armed robbery courses.

In 1995, Solet was assigned to the narcotics division as its commander, reaching the rank of Captain and then Major.

“I am proud to say that I headed that division for 13 years, longer than any other commander,” Solet said. “I worked with a dedicated team to aggressively fight the never-ending drug problem that plagues our streets. Narcotics investigations have many aspects from business finances, tactical officer coordination, critical incident management, to safety.”

A complete list of Solet’s training was included in his campaign announcement. Highlights include threat and risk assessment from the US Department of Homeland Security, cross-training from U.S. Customs, and grant writing.

In 2008 Solet was named Chief of Detectives and in 2010 promoted to the position of Assistant to the Sheriff by former Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois. Bourgeois had taken the reins of the Sheriff’s Office when Larpenter left the post to run for parish president, an election he lost to Michel Claudet, who served two terms in that position. In 2012 Bourgeois yielded to Larpenter, who was elected to the top spot without opposition and held it ever since.

“As Assistant to the Sheriff, I served as office administrator, providing direction and general oversight for daily operations, under the direction of the sheriff,” said Solet, who continued that post under Larpenter. “I also responded to and resolved difficult inquires and complaints brought to the office by the general public. I organized and attended Neighborhood Watch meetings in order to keep open lines of communication with law enforcement for the benefit of public safety.”

“Throughout my thirty-eight years regardless of my position, I worked Mardi Gras Parades patrolling the parade perimeter or providing motorcycle/car escorts. Also, because of our geographical location, I have been ‘boots on the ground’ or, should I say, ‘boots in the water’ for every hurricane that impacted Terrebonne Parish since 1979, strengthening my emergency management and rescue skills.”

Solet has received numerous letters of commendation during his career.

“As Sheriff of Terrebonne Parish, protecting and serving our citizens will be my primary goal,” Solet said. “My commitment will be demonstrated everyday by dedicated professional employees of the sheriff’s office. My experience and training will allow me to lead Terrebonne Sheriff’s Office with a new vision and new direction.”

Among opponents Solet will likely face – in addition to the incumbent Larpenter, should he choose to run again – is Blayne Bergeron former resident agent in charge for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. Bergeron has filed campaign finance reports with the state, though not formally announced. Col. Terry Daigre, who currently holds the post of Chief Deputy at TPSO, is said to be considering a run. Mark Pitre, an investigator for District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr., has been mentioned as a potential candidate but also has not announced.

The scheduled election date is Oct. 12. If more than two candidates run, and one garners 50 percent of the votes plus one, that person will be the winner. If that doesn’t occur then the two candidates with the greatest number of votes will face a run-off on Nov. 16, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

All persons desiring to run must qualify between Aug. 6 and Aug. 8.

Mike Solet