State Police Arrest Former Avoyelles Police Officer

Avoyelles Parish – Earlier today, Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigation/Alexandria Field Office (LSP AFO) arrested Joseph Johnson (B/M 47 yrs) of Mansura, LA for malfeasance in office and public payroll fraud (30 counts).

In December 2015, Bunkie Police Chief Bobby Corner contacted LSP and requested assistance involving a criminal complaint regarding one of his former police officers, Joseph Johnson.

According to the complaint, Johnson was employed part-time for both the Bunkie Police Department and the Cottonport Police Department.  It was discovered, that on several occurrences, Johnson was on duty at both departments at the same time.  Johnson was subsequently paid for these hours, by the departments, through payroll checks.

Based on information obtained from the investigation, Troopers were able to secure an arrest warrant charging Johnson with malfeasance in office and public payroll fraud (30 counts).  Troopers arrested Johnson and booked him into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center.

The Louisiana State Police online 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.