| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7990 | 2014-12-12 | Troop L | Town of Franklinton Employees Arrested for Stealing Utility Payments |
TROOP L - NEWS RELEASE December 12, 2014 Town of Franklinton Employees Arrested for Stealing Utility Payments Franklinton, LA – In June 2014, the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations Hammond Field Office received a complaint from the Franklinton Town Clerk’s Office following the discovery of billing and payment irregularities in the town’s water utility bills. The complaint alleged that two town employees were suspected of mishandling funds collected from Franklinton residents for water and utility service payments. During the course of the investigation, an audit conducted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office brought to light suspicious activity by two employees, Carmen Freeman (W/F 39) and Caprice Dawson (B/F 42) both of Washington Parish. Freeman’s and Dawson’s official duties included processing the billing and payments of all customers utilizing the town’s water services. The audit indicated that from January 2013 to February 2014, Freeman and Dawson processed over 230 payments amounting to over $22,000; however, the funds were never deposited into the town’s account. Further investigation by LSP Detectives revealed that both Freeman and Dawson fraudulently mishandled and diverted the payments for their own personal gain. Subsequently, arrest warrants for Freeman and Dawson were issued by the 22nd Judicial District Court on charges of Felony Theft, Computer Fraud, Second Degree Injuring of Public Records, and Malfeasance in Office. Freeman turned herself in on December 10, 2014 and Dawson turned herself in on December 11, 2014. Both were booked without incident at the Washington Parish Jail in Franklinton. Louisiana State Police are committed to investigating criminal or suspicious activity. Anyone wishing to report such acts to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations, Hammond Field Office is urged to contact detectives at 985-543-4182. Citizens can also utilize the Louisiana State Police on-line reporting system, which is available through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators by visiting www.lsp.org and clicking the Suspicious Activity link. Contact Information: | |||
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