Ex-Zachary Fire Captain Avoids Prison in Molestation Case

Knight pleads guilty, receives suspended sentences and probation instead of jail time.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:10pm

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A close-up photograph of a police evidence marker, such as a numbered placard or tag, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh lighting and stark contrast of this evidence marker conceptually illustrates the grim realities of sexual abuse cases and the need for thorough investigation.Baton Rouge Today

A former Zachary Fire Department captain, Jonathan Knight, has pleaded guilty to charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile and molestation of a juvenile. As part of a plea agreement, Knight received suspended sentences and will serve five years of probation instead of prison time. A second suspect, Tara Bizette, is also facing charges in the same case and is due in court next month.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse and misconduct, even among those in positions of public trust. The lenient sentencing has raised concerns about accountability and the protection of vulnerable victims.

The details

Knight, who resigned from the Zachary Fire Department shortly after his arrest in April 2025, initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, he later reversed his plea during a motions hearing, pleading guilty to the two charges. As part of the plea agreement, a third charge of computer-aided solicitation of a juvenile was dismissed. Knight was sentenced to seven years suspended for the indecent behavior charge and 10 years suspended for the molestation charge, to be served consecutively. In lieu of prison time, he will serve five years of probation, register as a sex offender, undergo treatment, pay fines, and complete community service. The victim also has a permanent protective order against Knight.

  • Knight was arrested in April 2025.
  • Knight pleaded guilty and was sentenced on April 17, 2026.
  • Tara Bizette, the second suspect, is due in court on June 15, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Knight

A former captain with the Zachary Fire Department who pleaded guilty to charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile and molestation of a juvenile.

Tara Bizette

A second suspect who was reportedly in a relationship with Knight at the time and was later indicted on two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.

Hillar Moore

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Knight.

Judge Carson Marcantel

The judge who presided over the case and accepted Knight's plea agreement.

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What’s next

Tara Bizette, the second suspect, is due in court on June 15, 2026 to face her charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse and misconduct, even among those in positions of public trust. The lenient sentencing of the former fire captain has raised concerns about the justice system's ability to hold perpetrators accountable and protect vulnerable victims.