Independence, LA- On Monday December 28th, 2015, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigative Division arrested 25 year old Laquinton Banks following an investigation into a criminal complaint received through the Independence Police Department.
Banks, who had served as an Independence Police Department Officer for five months prior to his arrest, was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail for Felony Theft, Malfeasance in Office, and Hate Crimes.
The arrest is the result of a joint investigation by the Independence Police Department and the Louisiana State Police.
The investigation began on Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 when the Independence Police Department received a complaint alleging Banks used his position as a sworn police officer to steal currency from motorists during the course of several traffic stops.
Immediately after becoming aware of the alleged wrongdoing, Independence Police Chief Edwards placed Banks on leave and contacted the Louisiana State Police to investigate the allegations. Through investigative efforts, Troopers were able to corroborate the information received from the complainants.
Troopers learned that a total of $1,600 was stolen by Banks from non-English speaking Hispanic males during the course of traffic stops on four separate occasions.
The investigation remains on-going. -LSP
