Baton Rouge, La. (BRPROUD) — Four Baton Rouge police officers named in the June 25 indictment will be arraigned on Aug. 15, according to the 19th Judicial District Clerk of Court.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore held a press conference and announced that all of the charges were felonies. The Baton Rouge police officers indicted on Tuesday include Troy Lawrence Sr., Todd Thomas, Douglas Chutz Jr. and Martele Jackson.

“Charges of obstruction of justice, criminal conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office,” said Moore.

The internal BRPD investigation began 10 months ago. It led to a criminal investigation. Four officers were arrested and placed on leave in September 2023.

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One of those indicted was former deputy chief, Lawrence Sr., who was later demoted to lieutenant. The whistleblower in this case, Jackson, was placed on leave in May and was indicted Tuesday. Jackson is expected to turn himself in on July 2, according to Moore.

BRProud learned the indictments stem from a 2020 incident involving Charles Brown. Brown was allegedly beaten after he refused to be strip searched at a BRPD precinct. Body camera footage was recorded, but taken by another officer, and a story was fabricated saying it was lost.

Moore said the incident did not happen at the Brave Cave, a police facility that was shut down after allegations of beatings and illegal strip searches. Moore said despite the four defendants being police officers, they will not get special treatment.

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“The case is also particularly difficult because the people that are involved are people that we know, that we worked with, have respect for, however, we also have a job to do,” said Moore.

Jesse Barcelona, one of the officers charged in September 2023, was not indicted. The other four officers have been placed on leave and could face time behind bars if convicted.

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