STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Feds Clear Baton Rouge Police Action After Katrina

BATON ROUGE, La. – The U.S. Justice Department has cleared Baton Rouge police officers of accusations that they had harassed African Americans, used unnecessary force and conducted illegal searches in the days after Hurricane Katrina.

The department's finding, initially reported Tuesday by Louisiana broadcaster WAFB-TV, was confirmed by current interim chief Charles Mondrick and former chief Jeff LeDuff. Their statement said they were pleased but not surprised by the federal finding.

Public records showed New Mexico and Michigan state police raised accusations after withdrawing troopers who briefly assisted Baton Rouge police dealing with thousands of evacuees from flood-ravaged New Orleans, 70 miles to the southeast, in 2005.

The Justice Department had no immediate comment.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.