The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, under Attorney General Liz Murrill, arrested a Cottonport Police Officer on March 17 for Trespass Against State Computers and Malfeasance in Office.
The arrest follows allegations that Officer Craig Smith, age 31, unlawfully accessed state law enforcement databases to obtain personal information about a former police officer. The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Louisiana Department of Justice to uphold legal standards among law enforcement personnel.
According to the investigation, former Cottonport Police Chief Earnest Anderson requested assistance after learning that Smith allegedly provided false statements to Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s dispatchers in order to conduct an unauthorized search. Agents found that Smith obtained restricted information and sent it via mobile phone to a private email belonging to a local Alderman in another town. Neither Smith nor the Alderman were authorized to access this information. During an interview with investigators, Smith admitted he had deceived dispatchers and shared confidential data. The Alderman was reportedly unaware that the information was restricted.
Smith was arrested pursuant to a warrant from the 12th Judicial District Court on one count each of Trespass Against State Computers and Malfeasance in Office. He was booked at Avoyelles Parish Jail without incident. “It’s always unfortunate when we have to arrest law enforcement officers for misconduct, however no one is above the law in Louisiana,” said Attorney General Murrill.
The officer remains employed while the matter is reviewed by the Interim Chief of Police. The investigation is ongoing.
The Louisiana Department of Justice serves as the primary legal office for the state under an independently elected attorney general according to its official website. The department provides services statewide and focuses on protecting constitutional rights and providing legal resources for citizens according to its official website. It also works to preserve Louisiana’s culture and heritage through legal efforts according to its official website. Liz Murrill leads the department as attorney general and has challenged federal overreach in more than 35 cases according to its official website.