NATCHITOCHES, La. (KSLA) - A Natchitoches Police officer, who was placed on administrative leave during an internal investigation, has been arrested by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. On Oct. 2, an officer with the Natchitoches Police Department (NPD) was arrested by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO). The officer had previously been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation involving the possible illegal distribution of anabolic steroids by the NPD. The investigation began when the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff detectives received a tip about an NPD officer allegedly selling the illegal steroids, used to increase lean muscle mass and enhance athletic performance, in the Natchitoches area. A thorough investigation led to sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain arrest warrants for Jonas McFerrin, 36, says the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. McFerrin was transported and booked for two counts of distribution of CDS III anabolic steroids and one count of malfeasance in office.
Statement from NPD chief of police:
In Louisiana our Law enforcement officers swear an oath to uphold the laws of the Federal, State, Parish, and local jurisdictions. Law enforcement are public servants who are dedicated to serving and protecting the communities within their respective jurisdictions on a daily basis and are held to a higher standard. The actions of any law enforcement officer that violate the law and abuse the public’s trust are unacceptable and require swift action. Law enforcement has the responsibility of investigating all complaints of illegal activities when they are reported. I commend the actions of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and their investigators. The arrest of the officer is not reflective of the hard work and dedication of both the men and women of the Natchitoches Police Department who provide services to the communities of the City of Natchitoches on a daily basis. Natchitoches Police Department Chief of Police Nikeo Collins