Interim Cottonport Police Chief Taronda Jacobs to Resign June 19

Interim Cottonport Police Chief Taronda Jacobs is resigning from her position, effective June 19, 2026, following several months of public discussion surrounding the Cottonport Police Department.

Jacobs’ resignation comes after the Cottonport Town Council previously reviewed personnel recommendations involving several officers. At a May 13 meeting, the council voted to terminate Officer Craig Smith and Officer Craig Lee. The council did not terminate Officer Michael Hullett, citing a lack of supporting documentation, and tabled a decision involving Detective Jordan Santoyo.

Santoyo had challenged the recommendation to terminate his employment, saying he believed he was being retaliated against after reporting alleged misconduct involving other officers. Jacobs denied that the recommendation was retaliatory and said her concerns involved chain of command and job performance.

The matter drew public attention after Santoyo said records he requested from the department did not show disciplinary actions, complaints, evaluations or other documents supporting claims of poor performance.

The council’s decision to table the matter left Santoyo’s employment status unresolved while additional information was reviewed.

Jacobs was later connected to another agenda item involving Santoyo’s compensation, but sources familiar with the meeting said she was not present when the matter was discussed.

As of publication, Jacobs has not publicly stated the reason for her resignation. Town officials have not announced who will take over as interim chief or whether the town will begin searching for a permanent police chief.

The situation leaves questions about the future leadership of the Cottonport Police Department and how the town will handle remaining personnel matters moving forward.