JEANERETTE, La. — The Jeanerette Police Department has announced the arrest of a former department employee following an investigation into allegations involving the disclosure of private images.
Former Communications Officer Javier Hall was arrested and booked on charges of nonconsensual disclosure of private images and malfeasance in office, according to the department.
Police said the allegations involve private images belonging to an individual who was not arrested, detained, investigated or otherwise involved in a law-enforcement matter connected to the investigation.
The department said the decision to arrest one of its own employees was not taken lightly, but stressed that laws and standards of accountability apply regardless of a person’s position or employment with law enforcement.
In a statement, the department said, “No one is above the law—not even one of our own.”
Officials also emphasized that the filing of charges does not constitute a finding of guilt. Hall is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Because of the sensitive nature of the allegations, police said they will not release or discuss the contents of the private images involved in the case.
The department said the alleged actions of one individual should not reflect on the agency as a whole or on the officers and employees who continue to serve the Jeanerette community.
Jeanerette Police said additional information will be released when it can be done legally and without compromising the judicial process.
K
The investigation remains subject to further court proceedings.
