BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse and East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome shared statements following the indictments of four BRPD officers.
RELATED: 4 BRPD officers indicted, 1 cleared
The case had to do with the alleged coverup of the 2020 beating of a man in police custody.
The following statement was released by Chief Morse:
On 6/25/2024, 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 4 of 5 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
The following statement was released by the mayor:
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.
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