A Louisiana police chief has been convicted of serious crimes, including taking money seized in narcotics investigations and stealing a family’s COVID-19 stimulus money, resulting in their homelessness.
Why Does Louisiana Police Chief Convicted?
Louisiana police chief, Mitch Bratton was found guilty of possession of controlled dangerous substances, felony theft, and malfeasance in office by a jury, KATC News reported.
During his time as chief of police, Bratton was responsible for over $10,000 in missing narcotics funds between 2016 and 2019. The investigation also revealed that the Louisiana chief police had stolen money from a mother and son during an arrest, which included their COVID-19 stimulus funds. As a result, the family was unable to pay their bills and lost their home, leaving them homeless to this day.
State Police discovered loose Xanax and Suboxone inside Louisiana Police Chief Bratton’s vehicle during a search, which are pieces of evidence from other drug cases that had not been properly documented.
The conviction raises questions about the Louisiana police chief’s status in Grayson, as officials from the village and police department were not available for immediate comment.
Louisiana Police Chief Sentencing Schedule
The Louisiana police chief is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19 and may face up to five years in prison for every count. The conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and integrity within law enforcement and the severe consequences that can result from abusing one’s position of power.
The case highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in police departments to ensure the public’s trust and maintain the integrity of law enforcement. It also emphasizes the significance of proper oversight and protocols in handling seized funds and evidence to prevent misuse or theft.
As the legal process moves forward, the community and authorities will be closely watching the outcome of the sentencing and any further actions taken against Louisiana Police Chief Mitch Bratton.