DeSoto Parish LACE Update

DeSoto deputies under investigation resign, retire from sheriff’s office

By Vickie Welborn – KTBS TV3

Three DeSoto Parish sheriff’s deputies who were the subject of an internal investigation into possible payroll padding in an off-duty traffic enforcement detail have left the sheriff’s department.

Stephanie White filed for retirement, and Annette Carter and Shawn Parker resigned.

Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle declined to release the names upon advice of his attorney. KTBS confirmed their identities independently.

Arbuckle said his investigation was into violations of department policies. He said any criminal charges may be up to the state attorney general’s office.

He referred the case to State Police for a criminal investigation. Troopers have not said whether they have opened an investigation.

The three deputies were identified by state auditors, who have been in DeSoto Parish for weeks conducting an investigative audit of the LACE (Local Agency Compensation Enforcement) program there. That audit is focused on how the sheriff’s office, district attorney’s office, Police Jury and criminal court fund administer the program.

A review of time cards and LACE tickets by the auditors led to Arbuckle placing the deputies on paid administrative leave three weeks ago.

A fourth officer, who left the sheriff’s department earlier, is also under review by auditors.

Arbuckle pulled his deputies off of working LACE last year — prior to the start of the audit.