ST. MARY PARISH - Sheriff Blaise Smith was hospitalized and is receiving treatment for an "undetermined illness."

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's office stated the following in a Friday release:

"The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office confirms that Sheriff Blaise Smith is suffering from an as-yet-undetermined illness and is seeking in-patient medical evaluation and treatment at a medical facility at the present time.

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing to operate as normal in providing full-service law enforcement services. The Administrative staff is in contact with Sheriff Smith and his family on a regular basis to stay up to date with his status and to advise and consult with the Sheriff on office matters.

The Sheriff’s staff looks forward to his full recovery."