An officer with the Ville Platte Police Department was arrested as a result of an arrest warrant secured by Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation.

In June of this year, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) agents received a complaint of official misconduct involving evidence that went missing from the Ville Platte Police Department. Agents learned that shell casings recovered at the scene of a shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in Ville Platte were removed from the police department. 

During the investigation, LBI agents also learned that Ville Plate Police Officer Issac Johnson had participated in a scheme to frame another officer who was subsequently arrested and accused of tampering with the missing evidence.

Agents learned Johnson had provided false evidence in the form of a written statement to the Ville Plate City Marshall’s Office after they began an investigation into the missing evidence. Johnson’s statement was used as evidence by the City Marshal’s Office, which led to the arrest and resignation of the other officer, who was innocent. Johnson also lied to LBI agents about his involvement with the missing evidence.     

As a result of evidence obtained during this investigation, LBI agents secured an arrest warrant for Johnson on charges pertaining to Malfeasance in Office, Filing False Public Records, and Obstruction of Justice.

"I have confidence in our police, as they put their lives on the line for us every day. It's unfortunate when someone breaches the public's trust in this manner, and we will hold them accountable," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Johnson was booked by deputies at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s office.   

His bond has reportedly been set at $25,000.

The investigation is ongoing.

*All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.