ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. — Three former employees at the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office were arrested on Thursday, according to Sheriff Greg Champagne.
Former Chief Deputy Rodney Madere, Jr., former Captain Derek Pertuis, and former Sergeant Zain Stillinger were arrested on "an outstanding warrants," authorities said.
Madere, Pertuis, and Stillinger were booked at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center in Killona. All three were released after posting a $100k bond.
"The allegations involve the misappropriation/misuse of Sheriff’s Office resources, equipment, and manpower. No other prior or ongoing criminal matters are affected," the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said in a release.
The arrests come after a lengthy criminal investigation by investigators at the sheriff's department.
Madere was charged with one count of Abuse of Office, one count of Theft Over $25,000, one count of Obstruction of Justice, and 26 counts of Public Payroll Fraud. He resigned in February while under investigation.
Pertuis was charged with one count of Abuse of Office, one count of Theft Over $25k, and 26 counts of Public Payroll Fraud. He was terminated from the sheriff's office in March.
Stillinger was charged with one count of Abuse of Office, one count of Theft Over $25k, and 26 counts of Public Payroll Fraud. He resigned in February while under investigation.
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