Baton Rouge, LA – A lieutenant with the Louisiana State Police has been arrested following an alleged off-duty domestic violence incident that occurred on February 5, 2025. James Jefferson III, a 40-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, was taken into custody by the Baton Rouge Police Department around 11:30 pm outside a residence in the city.

Jefferson has been with the Louisiana State Police since 2007 and is currently assigned to the agency's headquarters. He faces charges under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:35.3.I, which pertains to domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. This statute addresses situations where domestic violence occurs in the presence of a child.

Following his arrest, Jefferson was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. The Louisiana State Police has placed him on administrative leave while both criminal and administrative investigations are underway. In accordance with standard procedures, all law enforcement property assigned to Jefferson will be recovered pending the outcomes of these investigations.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.