Ponchatoula’s signature Strawberry Festival is gearing up for rides, music and shortcake, but a viral rap video has pulled police work into the mix. A 19-year-old was arrested after a clip that name-checked the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival sparked alarm among organizers and law enforcement. Investigators say they traced the video to a Hammond home, where officers took a suspect into custody and seized electronic devices. The festival, scheduled for April 10–12, has barred the suspect from the grounds while authorities continue their probe.
According to WDSU, Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson said the clip, described as a rap video, included a lyric referencing the Strawberry Festival and had been viewed more than 80,000 times, stirring community concern. WDSU also reports that the person arrested is 19-year-old Amari Sexton, and that the Hammond Police Department helped seize several electronic devices from his home during the investigation.
Officials are asking anyone with information to call the Ponchatoula Police Department at 985-386-6548, according to the department’s contact page (Ponchatoula Police Department). Chief Bry Layrisson said the suspect is banned from the festival while the investigation is active, and local partners have been brought in to help monitor the event throughout the weekend.
Security Changes After 2025 Incidents
Festival organizers and city leaders previously shortened the event’s nightly hours after violent incidents forced the grounds to close early in 2025. As reported by WBRZ, the 2025 festival weekend saw shootings that prompted an early shutdown and later arrests. Per the City of Ponchatoula, officials worked with Police Chief Bry Layrisson and the Strawberry Festival Board on the changes, and the festival’s official site lists the 2026 hours as Friday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival).
Investigation Ongoing; Charges Not Yet Announced
So far, officials have not publicly detailed any charges tied to the arrest, and Layrisson told reporters the case remains under active investigation. As WDSU notes, investigators are reviewing the video and related posts to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Law enforcement has not provided additional information about when decisions on charges or release of evidence might be made.
The festival board and police say they are working to keep the event comfortable for families, vendors and visitors. The festival’s website highlights a strict no-weapons policy and notes that everyone is subject to search on the grounds, measures organizers describe as part of their safety plan for the weekend (Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival). Anyone with tips is again asked to contact the Ponchatoula Police Department at 985-386-6548.
