Elayn Hunt master sergeant still on state payroll despite 4th DWI arrest within 13 months

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ST. GABRIEL — A master sergeant at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center is still employed there despite a fourth DWI arrest in 13 months.

The WBRZ Investigative Unit found that Tramon Ferrell has worked at Hunt since 2023 and frequently drives as part of his duties as master sergeant.

Ferrell's first DWI came on July 26, 2025. It is unclear whether that case is still pending or was not prosecuted.

Less than two months later, on Sept. 28, he was found sleeping in a running vehicle that was in gear, according to a probable cause form. He admitted to a deputy that he had taken multiple shots of vodka and an Ambien and said he did not remember leaving his house. He blew a .2 on a breathalyzer.

His third arrest came on Dec. 13, when LSU police arrested him for DWI and driving on a suspended license. A judge ordered him not to drive a motor vehicle while that case was pending.

Ferrell was then pulled over on Aug. 22 for going 72 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. A trooper said he was obviously intoxicated and failed a field sobriety test. He again admitted to drinking and taking an Ambien "hours before" and later blew a .123.

When the WBRZ Investigative Unit asked the Department of Corrections about his latest arrest, a spokesperson confirmed he is still employed.

"He was not at work when he was arrested," the spokesperson said. "He had a valid driver's license during his employment. No further comment."

Because all four arrests happened in a short period, Ferrell has not been convicted of anything yet as the cases remain pending in court.

Ferrell's attorney did not respond to a request for comment. He is currently being held without bond at the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail on a charge of fourth-offense operating while impaired and maximum speeding.

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