Former Denham Springs officer pleads guilty after inappropriate relationship with minor, officials say
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (WAFB) - A former officer with the Denham Springs Police Department pleaded guilty after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor, according to 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux.
Perrilloux said Joseph “Reid” Copeland, 30, pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 30, to charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and malfeasance in office.
The investigation into Copeland began on Aug. 24, 2022, after the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report from a mandated reporter about the inappropriate relationship, according to the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Perrilloux said investigators learned Copeland met up with the victim in a parking lot. Officials said the two also communicated through Snapchat and Instagram.
Denham Springs Police Chief Rodney Walker said that after the allegations were made against Copeland, an internal affairs investigation was opened. He then resigned.
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a criminal investigation, which led to the warrant being issued for Copeland’s arrest.
The Louisiana State Police Fugitive Task Force and Irving Police Department Fugitive Unit tracked down Copeland and placed him in handcuffs after he fled the state.
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According to the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Copeland has been sentenced to five years with the Lousiana Department of Corrections, which was suspended, and three years of probation for the charge of carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He has also been sentenced to 10 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, which was suspended, and three years of probation for the charge of malfeasance in office.
Perrilloux said Copeland will serve his sentences concurrently. He must also register as a sex offender for 15 years.
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