Public Trust Tested in Avoyelles: Two Arrested Over Misconduct

Two public-safety employees working in Avoyelles Parish were arrested last week in separate and unrelated cases involving allegations of official misconduct according to statements released by state investigators and law-enforcement agencies.

One case involves a Cottonport police officer accused of improperly accessing restricted law-enforcement information. The other involves a former juvenile justice employee in Bunkie who authorities say had an inappropriate relationship with a youth offender. Officials emphasized that both cases remain under investigation and all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Officer charged after state investigation

According to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Cottonport Police Officer Craig Smith, 31, was arrested March 17 after investigators determined he allegedly accessed restricted state law-enforcement databases without a legitimate purpose.

Authorities said the investigation began after former Cottonport Police Chief Earnest Anderson requested assistance regarding possible misconduct. Investigators allege Smith provided false information to dispatchers in order to gain access to confidential computer systems and obtain personal information about a former police officer.

Agents further allege that the information was later sent from Smith’s cellphone to a private email belonging to an alderman in a neighboring town despite neither individual being authorized to access the data. Smith was charged with one count of trespassing against state computers and one count of malfeasance in office.

Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement that cases involving law enforcement officers are handled in the same manner as any other criminal investigation.

"It’s always unfortunate when we have to arrest law enforcement officers for misconduct. However, no one is above the law in Louisiana," the statement said.

Officials said Smith remains employed and the matter is also under administrative review.

Juvenile justice employee arrested in Bunkie

In a separate incident, a juvenile corrections specialist at the Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie was arrested March 18 following an internal investigation by the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice.

Authorities identified the employee as Kailey Francis, 27, who was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Jail on charges of malfeasance in office involving alleged sexual misconduct and possession of contraband.

According to officials, the investigation found Francis allegedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a youth offender at the facility. The Office of Juvenile Justice reported its findings to the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office and Francis was terminated from her position.

Louisiana law prohibits corrections or juvenile justice employees from engaging in sexual conduct with individuals in custody. A conviction can carry penalties of up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Officials have not released details about the contraband involved. The case remains under investigation and no court ruling has been made.

Prior incidents at youth facility

The arrest at the Acadiana Center for Youth follows several similar cases reported over the past year involving employees accused of misconduct at the same facility according to prior reports and official statements.

In those cases, the Office of Juvenile Justice reported findings to law enforcement and the employees involved were terminated following the investigations. Authorities have stated the agency maintains strict policies prohibiting any personal or sexual relationship between staff and youth in custody.

Moreauville official under review

In a separate matter, the Village of Moreauville confirmed that Assistant Police Chief Craig Lee is under administrative review following a recent ruling by the 12th Judicial District Court involving an expungement case.

According to a statement released by the Office of Mayor Beryl Holmes, the underlying arrest dates back to 1997 and was expunged in 2022. The court has since vacated that expungement prompting a review by town officials. Village leaders said the matter is being evaluated in consultation with legal counsel and appropriate oversight authorities. No final administrative decisions have been made.

"The Village of Moreauville places the highest priority on public trust transparency and accountability particularly within its law enforcement leadership" the statement reads.

Officials emphasized that the review is ongoing and that additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

State police discipline case draws attention

In a separate public-safety matter a Louisiana State Police trooper assigned to Troop E was recently promoted following the reversal of prior disciplinary action related to a use-of-force incident at the Avoyelles Parish Jail.

According to reports the incident involved a handcuffed suspect during a 2022 arrest and was previously reviewed internally by State Police. The disciplinary action was later overturned. Surveillance footage of the incident was released following a court ruling requiring the agency to provide the video after a legal challenge.

Officials have not announced any new charges related to the incident. The matter has drawn public attention amid ongoing discussions about law enforcement accountability and transparency.

Investigations ongoing

Officials emphasized that the recent arrests are unrelated but said both cases involve allegations concerning the misuse of authority by individuals in positions of public trust.

Both matters remain pending in court and additional administrative action could occur depending on the outcome of the investigations.