On September 24, 2024, three defendants pled guilty in connection with a brutal 2021 altercation with Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Deputies after deputies responded to a disturbance in a Sorrento neighborhood.
- Jose Ortiz, 434 W 12th San Juan, TX, age 39, pled guilty to Second Degree Battery.
- Juan Madera Ortiz Sr., 507 Wildwood Dr. Sorrento, LA, age 42, pled guilty to Attempted Manslaughter.
- Juan Ortiz Jr., 5071 Wildwood Dr. Sorrento, LA, age 19, pled guilty to Attempted Manslaughter.
These individuals were prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Charles “Chuck” Long and Assistant District Attorney Kristin Tregre. Presiding over this matter is the Honorable Judge Cody Martin.
On May 20, 2021, shortly after midnight, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence in the area of Wildwood Dr. Sorrento in reference to a loud music complaint. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with three Hispanic males who all appeared to be in an intoxicated condition. The male subjects were warned about the loud music complaint and deputies departed the area. Shortly after, deputies were dispatched to the same residence regarding loud music again. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the same three subjects who were identified as Jose Ortiz, Juan Madera Ortiz Sr., and Juan Ortiz Jr. At some point during the encounter, Juan Ortiz Jr. and Juan Ortiz Sr. attacked one of the deputies. The deputy was taken to the ground where he was placed in a chokehold, while being kicked and punched in the face and torso. At the same time, Jose Ortiz attacked the second deputy. This deputy was able to separate himself and deployed his department issued taser to no avail. This deputy subsequently discharged his firearm striking Juan Ortiz Sr. moments prior to the arrival of additional deputies. Juan Ortiz Sr. and the deputies were transported to area hospitals where they were all treated for significant injuries. Louisiana State Police was contacted in reference to the officer involved shooting and took over the investigation. Upon completion of an extensive investigation, Jose Ortiz, Juan Madera Ortiz Sr., and Juan Ortiz Jr., were all arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.
Upon entering guilty pleas to the above-mentioned charges, all three defendants were remanded into the custody of the Ascension Parsh Sheriff’s Office. Sentencing is tentatively set for October 24, 2024.