Senior Command Staff

Robley Picard is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 28 years of service at the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Picard has held a variety of roles that have significantly contributed to the safety and wellbeing of the community. Previously, he served as the Corrections Division Commander, where he oversees the operations and management of the Correctional Facility, Civil Department, and Courthouse/Transportation Unit.

His extensive experience includes pivotal positions such as Warden, where he was responsible for maintaining security and order in the facility, and Corrections Support Services, where he focused on improving operational efficiency. Additionally, Chief Picard has contributed to the safety of the community as Patrol Commander, leading efforts to ensure public safety and effective law enforcement.

In recognition of his commitment to professional development, Chief Picard attended the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session 254, in Quantico, Virginia and completed the FBI Trilogy leadership Training Program for Law Enforcement ProfessionalsThis experience not only enhanced his leadership skills but also expanded his knowledge in law enforcement practices on a national level.

Chief Picard’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in law enforcement.

Major Ellis James Melancon, Jr. has been employed with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office for 30 years. He is a lifelong resident of St. Martin Parish, is married to his wife Brandi Melancon, and is the father of two children.  

Prior to his appointment to Support Services Commander, he previously held the title of Warden and Enforcement Commander.

During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, he has held various positions, including Criminal Investigator, Narcotics Agent, Patrol Supervisor, and Warrants Service Bureau Supervisor. He was also a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, the Louisiana Sheriff’s Task Force, and the United States Marshal Gator Task Force. He was also an Instructor at the St. Martin Parish Training Academy.

Additionally, he is also an 11-year Veteran of the Army National Guard, where he served as a Mechanized Infantry Soldier. During his military career, he was deployed to Belize in Central America on a peacekeeping mission in 1997. In 2004, he was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his military career, he has received numerous service medals, two Army Achievement Medals, Army Accommodation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, Army Service Ribbon, Louisiana War Cross Medal, and Louisiana Emergency Service Medal. In March 2005, he fulfilled his military obligation and was honorably discharged.

He completed the FBI Trilogy Leadership Training Program for Law Enforcement Professionals and is a graduate of the FBI Five-Star Training Program.

He looks forward to continuing to serve the citizens of St. Martin Parish in his new role.

Donna Albert Lasseigne has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. She is a graduate of St. Martinville Senior High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in 2005. She has been a licensed CPA since 2007 and worked in public accounting for 7 years after obtaining her degree. She also served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of St. Martinville for 6 years before joining the sheriff’s office in 2018. Donna has served as both Staff Accountant and Accounting Director during her years with the Sheriff’s Office.

Chester Cedars has over 48 years’ experience in the general practice of law. During his career, he has represented numerous public entities including the City of Breaux Bridge, Hospital Service District No. 2 of St. Martin Parish, St. Martin Parish Assessor’s Office, St. Martin Parish Civil Service Board, St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court’s Office, St. Martin Parish Fire Service District, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Martin Parish School Board, St. Martin Parish Government and several other state and local boards and commissions. In 1984, Mr. Cedars was hired as an Assistant District Attorney of the 16th Judicial District where he oversaw all prosecutions and served as the supervisor of St. Martin Parish, one of the three parishes in the 16th Judicial District. During his tenure, Mr. Cedars prosecuted countless felony cases including homicides, rapes, and major drug offenses. He retired from the District Attorney’s office in July of 2016. Thereafter, he worked for the Louisiana Department of Justice under the direction of the Attorney General as Director of the Civil Division. Mr. Cedars served as Parish President of St. Martin Parish from March 2, 2018, until January 8, 2024. He was elected to that position by a vote of 74% and ran unopposed for a second term. He chose not to seek a third term. Mr. Cedars has spoken at numerous state conferences on topics including Public Records, Open Meeting Laws, Criminal Justice Reform, Public Body Immunity, Local Governmental Structure, and Unfunded Mandates. He has also recently served as the Chairman of the State Opioid Abatement Taskforce, President of the Acadiana Crime Lab Commission, Vice Chair of the Acadiana Planning Commission, and was a member of the Louisiana Commission on Justice System Funding. Last October, he was selected by the Louisiana Supreme Court to speak at its Judicial Fall Seminar. He has recently been appointed a board member of the newly established Acadiana Juvenile Justice District.

Jordan Lippincott serves as the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer.She is responsible for media relations, press releases, social media, and videography.

 A Metairie, Louisiana native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette in 2015. Following an internship and upon graduation, she began her professional career at KATC in Lafayette. Through her work there, she frequently covered stories in St. Martin Parish, where she developed a strong connection to the community and an appreciation for its culture.

 Most recently, she was a former television news reporter for WGNO in New Orleans. There, she furthered her journalism experience by covering breaking news, severe weather events, and personal interest stories regarding the people in her hometown.

 Her background in journalism, along with her connection to law enforcement shaped both by family ties and professional experience, enables her to effectively connect law enforcement, the public, and media partners.

 In her free time, she supports her husband’s Lafayette based business, Pelican State Running, by creating content for their social media platforms. She is an avid traveler with many of her vacations centering around marathon destinations.

 She is also a recent graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Media Relations Course.

Troy Guidry joins the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office following a distinguished 45-year career with Acadian Ambulance Service.

He is a graduate of Teurlings Catholic High School and previously served as a St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy from 1986 to 2006.  While a reserve deputy, he was also a member of the Special Weapons and Tactical Team.

Following graduation, he embarked on a distinguished 45-year career with Acadian Ambulance Service, ultimately retiring recently as Vice President of Joint Operations.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and demonstrated a proven track record of leadership, relationship-building, innovation, and organizational growth. In addition to his professional achievements, Troy has served as a law enforcement officer, volunteer firefighter, and medical examiner for the St. Martin Coroner’s Office.

He is dedicated to excellence and continues to drive strategic impact while fostering collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. His extensive training has thoroughly prepared him for his responsibilities as Executive Officer to the Sheriff.

He is married to Amy Guidry and has three children.

Sandy Trosclair is a life-long resident of St. Martin Parish and graduated from St. Martinville Senior High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as the University of Louisiana – Lafayette) in 1997.

 She currently serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant to Sheriff Becket Breaux and prior to that she dedicated nearly 19 years of service to the nursing home industry. She served as an Assistant Administrator, oversaw daily operations, managed staff, ensured regulatory compliance, and provided high-quality care for residents.

 Her extensive experience in healthcare management and leadership provided her with a strong foundation in organizational administration, problem-solving, and effective communication.

 These skills proved invaluable when she transitioned to the Sheriff’s Office in 2021, where she continues to apply her expertise to support the agency’s mission and operations.

 She also completed the FBI Trilogy Leadership Training Program for Law Enforcement Professionals.