Police officers are held to a higher standard, especially when it comes to avoiding any participation in criminal activity. When rumors surface of an officer facing accusations for criminal conduct, the public is often quick to judge before the evidence is presented. Recently, a Louisiana police officer was named after an investigation into suspected illegal activity. The officer is now facing drug charges and other accusations.
The state police refuse to divulge where they received the information that led to the officer’s arrest. However, the officer has apparently been under investigation for about a month. Police reports indicate that he allegedly distributed a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance while on duty. The 42-year-old officer also faces felony charges of possessing drugs while carrying a firearm. Additionally, the officer’s alleged relations with a woman while on duty constitutes malfeasance in office.
The investigation is still underway, but the officer has already been booked and released on bond. He is currently on administrative leave. While the local police chief issued a statement expressing the department’s desire to seek the truth, he also assures the public he will support the findings of the Louisiana State Police in their investigation.
Law enforcement officers must be above reproach to gain respect and credibility in the eyes of those they serve. When faced with accusations of drug charges and other crimes, police officers maintain the same rights as other citizens, particularly the rights to due process and legal representation. The assistance of an attorney at times like these could prove invaluable.
Source: thetowntalk.com, “Alexandria police officer charged with drug, other offenses“, Melissa Gregory, Sept. 14, 2017