NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) – Friday Iberia parish Sheriff Louis Ackal was found not guilty on all charges and residents in the area are shocked at the outcome.

Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal has been in the spotlight for months. He was accused of conspiring with other sheriff’s office employees in the beatings of jail inmates.

“I don’t think it’s really fair because if he did what he did he should be punished just like everybody else as if it were I, myself or anyone else,” said a New Iberia resident.

Ackal was charged with two counts of conspiracy and two counts of deprivation of human rights. Ten deputies pleaded guilty and testified against Ackal during the trail, but after five days of court, Ackal was found not guilty on all four charges.

New Iberia resident Jimmy Sanders said he’s not happy with the verdict.

“They need a change with the law because brutality and all that stuff that shouldn’t ever happen. If they had one man they found guilty that went along with him and he confessed it, he was there and testified against it so I think he should be held accountable just like the other ones did,” said Sanders.

Roy Williams feels the jury made a mistake.

“I think that they made a mistake.”

While many were unhappy with the verdict others were relieved to hear the news.

“I’m happy he was found not guilty on all four counts. It’s awesome. I’m happy,” said an anonymous resident.

Sanders said even though he is not pleased with the outcome of the trial he hopes to see change in the future.

“I just hope that there will be a change in New Iberia.”