| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6487 | 2015-12-29 | Statewide | Troopers Arrest Independence Police Officer on Felony Charges |
HEADQUARTERS - NEWS RELEASE December 29th, 2015 Troopers Arrest Independence Police Officer on Felony Charges Independence, LA- On Monday December 28th, 2015, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigative Division arrested 25 year old Laquinton Banks following an investigation into a criminal complaint received through the Independence Police Department. Banks, who had served as an Independence Police Department Officer for five months prior to his arrest, was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail for Felony Theft, Malfeasance in Office, and Hate Crimes. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation by the Independence Police Department and the Louisiana State Police. The investigation began on Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 when the Independence Police Department received a complaint alleging Banks used his position as a sworn police officer to steal currency from motorists during the course of several traffic stops. Immediately after becoming aware of the alleged wrongdoing, Independence Police Chief Edwards placed Banks on leave and contacted the Louisiana State Police to investigate the allegations. Through investigative efforts, Troopers were able to corroborate the information received from the complainants. Troopers learned that a total of $1,600 was stolen by Banks from non-English speaking Hispanic males during the course of traffic stops on four separate occasions. The investigation remains on-going and any subsequent charges will be referred to the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office. Anyone with information pertaining to this case should contact the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigative Division, Region 1 Detectives at 985-543-4197. The Louisiana State Police on-line reporting system is also available to the public through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting www.lsp.org and clicking the Suspicious Activity link. Contact Information: | |||
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