Four Baton Rouge police officers indicted, one cleared by East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Four Baton Rouge police officers were indicted Tuesday, June 25 by an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury.
Douglas Chutz Jr. was indicted on obstruction of justice, criminal conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, and two counts of malfeasance in office. Troy Lawrence Sr. was indicted on criminal conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and four counts of malfeasance in office. Todd Thomas was indicted on obstruction of justice, two counts of criminal conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and three counts of malfeasance in office. Martele Jackson was arrested after becoming a target for the Grand Jury Proceedings. He was indicted and charged with one count of obstruction of justice and one count of malfeasance in office.
These charges stem from an incident that occurred in September 2020 that involved all four officers, according to court documents. BRPD released a statement saying that all officers are still on the force but have been placed on administrative leave until that time when due process has been completed in accordance with state law. Although indicted, Jackson currently has a warrant out for his arrest. Jesse Barcelona was another officer who was arrested in the 2020 incident but was later cleared by the grand jury.
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Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome released the following statement regarding the indictment.
“Today marks a significant development in our ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability within the Baton Rouge Police Department. The grand jury indictments of the officers following their arrests last fall underscores our unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of justice and integrity in our community.
“These indictments reaffirm our dedication to police reform and accountability. The indictments should not reflect on the vast majority of Baton Rouge Police officers who are committed to professionalism.
“Thank you to District Attorney Hillar Moore for his office’s thorough work in securing today’s outcome. We remain focused on ensuring justice and building trust throughout our community.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. released the following statement
“On June 25, 2024, the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office announced criminal indictments on BRPD Officers after several months of grand jury proceedings. The grand jury indictments were handed down on four of five officers based on alleged misconduct from September 28, 2020. The indictments come after the Baton Rouge Police Department launched it’s own criminal and administrative investigations, that led to BRPD arresting officers Troy Lawrence Sr, Jesse Barcelona, Todd Thomas, and Doug Chutz. All four of these officers have been on administrative leave since their arrest. Officer Martele Jackson was later placed on administrative leave when he also became a target of the grand jury proceedings.
“All five officers remain the subjects of an ongoing Internal Affairs investigation arising from this incident. Keeping with our commitment to increased transparency, the results of those internal affairs investigations will be communicated to the public upon the conclusion. All five officers will remain on administrative leave until that time when due process has been completed in accordance with state law.
“I want our community to know that this Department is filled with Law Enforcement Professionals that are doing great work around the clock. I ask that your view of those exemplary men and women is not tarnished by the alleged isolated and unacceptable actions of a few.
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr.
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