Vernon Parish, Louisiana - A former Allen Parish Sheriff's Office deputy faces felony charges after Louisiana State Police investigators determined he illegally accessed a restricted law enforcement database and shared confidential information that later appeared on social media.
Winston Lambright, who previously worked as a deputy with the Allen Parish Sheriff's Office, was arrested Nov. 7, 2025, and charged with unlawful search and dissemination of criminal history information, trespass against state computers, and malfeasance in office. He was processed at the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office following his arrest.
The investigation began Nov. 5, 2025, when the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division – Alexandria Field Office. Officials were investigating the unauthorized use of the Louisiana Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, known as LLETS, and the subsequent sharing of law enforcement information on social media platforms.
LLETS is a secure computer network that allows authorized law enforcement personnel to access sensitive criminal justice information, including criminal histories, warrants, and driver's license data. Access to the system is restricted to certified law enforcement officers and other authorized personnel who have completed required training.
According to the investigation, detectives determined Lambright collected information from LLETS and provided it to a private citizen. That individual then posted the confidential information on a social media platform, making it available to the public.
The charge of malfeasance in office applies to public officials who intentionally violate their duties or commit illegal acts while performing their official responsibilities. Trespass against state computers involves unauthorized access to or use of government computer systems.
Louisiana State Police will serve as the lead investigative agency for the case. Once the investigation is complete, it will be submitted to the Vernon Parish District Attorney's Office for review and prosecution.
Authorities have not released additional details about the nature of the information that was shared, which social media platform was used, or the identity of the private citizen who allegedly posted the information. Information about whether Lambright was still employed by the Allen Parish Sheriff's Office at the time of the alleged violations has not been disclosed.
Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana use LLETS to perform critical public safety functions, and unauthorized access to the system can compromise ongoing investigations and violate the privacy rights of individuals whose information is stored in the database.
Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division – Alexandria Field Office at (318) 487-5245. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.