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    40 views28 pages

    Louisiana State Police Ronald Picou Complaint

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    mcooperkplc
    Louisiana State Police Ronald Picou complaint

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Jon Bet Eowaros Micsuits. D. Eossoxson, Coronet Goveanon Deputy Secuersny State of Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Public Safety Services January 27, 2016 TO: Major Catherine Flinchum Command Inspector, Internal Affairs Section FROM: Sgt. Eddie Daigle Sgt. Donny Guitreau Internal Affairs Section SUBJECT: Allegations of Neglect of Duty and Violations of Secondary Employment on the part of Trooper Ronald Picou - Troop D. CASE#: 15-028 COMPLAINT SUMMARY In 2015, the Louisiana State Police Internal Affairs Section began a series of investigations into possible misconduct on the part of multiple troopers at Troop D. During this period, the intemet website Louisiana Voice made allegations against Tpr. Ronald Picou regarding potential payroll and secondary employment issues. The article also referenced “fellow troopers” being aware of Tpr. Picou’s behavior. On September 22, 2015, Internal Affairs initiated an investigation into possible misconduct on the part of Tpr. Ronald Picou, Troop D - Lake Charles, LA. The investigation focused on Tpr. Picou working secondary employment while on-duty. In addition, investigators reviewed statements Tpr. Picou made to QAI 6.1502. « Nov-1A investigation concerning similar allegations in 2013 As instructed by Colonel Michael Edmonson, an Internal Affairs investigation was conducted into the allegation of Neglect of Duty and Violations of Secondary Employment on the part of Trooper Ronald Picou ~ Troop D. Lieutenant Aaron Marcelle assigned the case to Sgt. Eddie Daigle and the Internal Affairs investigation began September 22, 2015. Ms. Cathy COURTESY LOYALTY SERFICE in Equal Opportunity Employer P.O, BON 60614. BATON ROUGE, LOUIS WA 70896 Case 15-028 Derbonne, Executive Director of the Louisiana State Police Commission, granted a 15 calendar day extension which expired on December 6, 2015. The Louisiana State Police Commission also granted an additional 60 calendar day extension to complete the investigation which expired on February 4, 2016. INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS In 2015 the Louisiana State Police Internal Affairs Section was assigned multiple investigations which ultimately required that all Troop D personnel as well as some former Troop D personnel be interviewed. Shortly after those investigations began, Internal Affairs also jated an investigation on Tpr. Picou. As part of the investigations, Troop D personnel were asked if they had knowledge of Tpr. Picou sleeping on-duty or working secondary employment while on-duty, Regarding the allegation that Tpr. Picou slept on-duty, investigators reviewed the activities from Tpr. Picou’s Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), Troop D Desk log entries, Troop D Radio logs, Tpr. Picou’s Daily Activity Reports (DARS) and the Troop D Ticket Accountability database for January 2013 to September 2015. Investigators discovered that there were multiple shifts when Tpr, Picou had no activity or imited activity. When investigators reviewed Tpr. Picou’s DARS for 2013, 2014 and 2015, numerous days were discovered where Tpr. Picou did not have any enforcement activities (moving hazardous citations, non-moving citations, ot criminal arrests). For example; in 2013, there were 36 days were Tpr. Picou claimed enforcement hours, but no enforcement activity was found. In 2014, there were 21 days that Tpr. Picou claimed enforcement hours, but no enforcement activity was found. In 2015, there were 13 days that Tpr. Picou claimed enforcement hours, but no enforcement activity was found. While reviewing Tpr. Picou’s MDT messages, several messages suggested that Tpr. Picou rested or took a “safety nap”. April 1, 2013 @ 1327 Hours: And on the top of that, I was just about to take my safety nap. August 12,2013 @ 1448 Hours: How can a person even think about sleeping with all this noise on the radio? January 9, 2013 @ 1451 Hours: Been at the house all day. Not to bad though. I need 10 get off the couch, my back was starting to hurt May 12, 2015 @ 1541 Hours: Jook, I'm actually working at this time of the day! Page | 2 Case 15-028 ‘pr. Picou told investigators that he did not remember making those specific comments; however, he joked more about taking safety naps than he actually took them. Tpr. Picou admitted to investigators that there were times when he felt tired and went to a secluded location to rest or take a safety nap, but could not recall how often it occurred, Tpr. Picou could not say how long he slept each time, but remembered that the longest he has ever slept was for 20 minutes. Several of Tpr. Picou’s former co-workers at his secondary employment, Bois Clair LLC, stated that Tpr. Picou had mentioned safety naps before, but did not have much information about them, When investigators questioned Troop D personnel, nobody could provide any specific information regarding Tpr. Picou sleeping on duty or taking safety naps. Most stated that it was rumored or they heard of it through the online blog. ‘Tpr. Picou denied that he slept on-duty so he could work at his secondary employment at the end of his shift. However, he admitted that he has slept while on-duty on occasions when he became tired. Tpr. Picou told investigators that he often joked to others about taking “safety naps” while on-duty. Although there were occasions when ‘Tpr. Picou had limited or no activity on his shift, investigators were unable to conclusively determine that Tpr. Picou was not performing his duties. Furthermore, there was no patter suggesting that Tpr. Picou’s lack of activities were related to his secondary employment. However, Tpr. Picou admitted that there were times that he took a safety nap while on-duty, but it was typically only for a few minutes with the longest he could remember being 20 minutes. Tpr. Picou did not notify his supervisors whenever he took a safety nap, but noted that he has been told by just about every supervisor he has worked for that he could stop and rest if needed, so he would not wreck his unit. It was determined that Tpr. Picou violated LSP Policy and Procedure Order, 901-11, Neglect of Duty, which states in part; 11. NEGLECT OF DUTY ii) Officers shall remain awake and alert while on-duty or if unable to do so, shall report to his superior officer, who shall determine the proper course of action. Therefore, the allegation that Tpr. Picou violated LSP Policy and Procedure, Neglect of Duty is SUSTAINED; There is sufficient evidence to prove a procedural or criminal violation, Page |3 Case#t 15-028 When investigators compared the days that Tpr. Picou claimed enforcement hours, but no enforcement activity was found on his DARS to the activity on his MDT, investigators discovered that Tpr. Picou frequently logged off his MDT hours prior to the end of his shift. “Date Beginy Ending ‘Time Logged Shift Shift on January 2, 2013 1700 0500 2203 January 13,2013 «170005002056 February 10, 2013 1700 0500 2327 February 18, 2013 1700 0300 ~ 2343 March 10, 2013 1700 0500 2057 April2i,2013, 0500 _ 1416 ~ May 18,2013 05001300 Sune 1, 2013 1700-0500 1500 70500) 1700 0500 June 30,2013 July 3, 2013 ~ July 28, 2013, August 7, 2013 August 8, 2013 August 17, 2013 “August August 30, 2013 September 13,2013 1700 September 15,2013 1700 ~ September 19, 2013 0500 _ October 3, 2013 1700 0100 jetober 12,3013 «17000500 1700 0500 December 7, 2013-1700 0500 ~ December 8,2013_ 17000300 “January 19, 2014 0500 1700 February 28,2014 0500 March2,2014—=«1700_~SS—0S00 March 16, 2014 05001700 March 20, 2014 1700 0100 ~ March 30, 2014 1700 “April 27, 20141700 April 30, 2014 0500 Page | 4 Caselt 15-028 May 25, 2014 June 6, 2014 October 8, 2014 October 18, 2014 “December 3, 2014 December 14, 2014 December 18, 2014 December 27, 2014 January 15, 2015 February 3, 2015 April 27, 2015 May 3, 2015 Suly 29, 2015 July 30, 2015 When questioned about the practice of logging off his MDT before the end of his shift, ‘Tpr. Picou stated that he was unaware that he was required by policy to remain logged on to his MDT the entire tour of duty, Tpr. Picou noted that since this investigation began, he has read policy and now knows that he is required keep his MDT logged on the entire tour of duty. When asked by investigators, Tpr. Picou related that there was no connection between him logging off his MDT and allegedly sleeping while on-duty. It was determined that Tpr. Picou’s actions violated LSP Policy and Procedure Order, 1109.1, MDT, MVR, Internet/Intranet - Mobile Data Terminals, which states in part; 1, MOBILE DATA TERMINALS i) Equipment a) At the start of each shift, officers shall check the mobile data terminal while completing the regular vehicle equipment checks. Officers shall log onto the assigned mobile data terminal and remain active on the system for the duration of their tour-of-duty. Any problems and/or damage to any mobile data terminal shall be immediately reported to the Information Technology Services help desk. ‘Therefore, the allegation that Tpr. Picou violated LSP Policy and Procedure, 1109, MDT, MYR, Internet/Intranet ~ Mobile Data Terminals is SUSTAINED; There is sufficient evidence to rove a procedural or criminal violation. Page |5 Caset 15-028 Investigators also reviewed MDT messages sent by Tpr. Picou from January 2013 to September 2015. There several occasions when pr. Picou used profane or inappropriate language in his messages. May 24, 2013 @ 0206 Hours: June 14, 2013 @ 1526 Hours: January 24, 2014 @ 0206 Hours: March 5, 2014 @ 1851 Hours: December 22, 2014 @ 1021 Hours: January 19, 2015 @ 1403 Hours: February 22, 2015 @ 1803 Hours: May 20, 2015 @ 1019 Hours: June 9, 2015 @ 0841 Hours: Yep. That QP cursed me out, MM was going southbound. (pr. Picou remembered the comment.) It's hotter than two goat pin a pepper patch. (pr. Picou remembered the comment.) (Ipr. Picou did not remember the comment.) ro 7 (Tpr. Picou remembered the comment.) Oh @ I forgot about that. (Tpr. Picou remembered the comment.) Caught youre, trying to slip off to the house. (Tpr. Picou did not remember the comment.) Must be some good a (Tpr. Picou did not remember the comment.) Will go in low and fast, hit them hard, then pull out, Never mind, I’m getting that mixed up with what I did last night with Ja (Tpr. Picou remembered the comment.) Happy birthday, you old > (Tpr. Picou remembered the comment.) ‘Tpr. Picou admitted that he must have made all of the comments because no one else has used his MDT. pr. Picou acknowledged that he violated policy when he used profane or inappropriate language on his MDT. Page | 6 Casett 15-028 Based on the aforementioned information, Tpr. Picou violated LSP Policy and Procedure Order, 1109.10, MDT, MVR, Internet/Intranet - Computer Compliance provisions, which states in part; 10, COMPUTER COMPLIANCE PROVISIONS viii) Electronic messages shall not contain offensive or harassing statements including disparagement of others based on their race, color, religion, marital status, creed, political affiliation, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap or age. ‘Therefore, the allegation that Tpr. Picou violated LSP Policy and Procedure, 1109, MDT, MVR, Internet/Intranet - Computer Compliance Provisions is SUSTAINED; There is sufficient evidence to prove a procedural or criminal violation. During the course of the investigation, investigators reviewed Tpr. Picou’s secondary employment status and the Non-IA investigation conducted by [ASA in 2013 Which focused on Tpr. Picow allegedly committing payroll fraud by conducting secondary employment (Bois Clair LLC) while on-duty. Investigators leamed that Tpr. Picou was an equal member/manager of Bois Clair, LLC, along With SD od SAMMY. Bois Clair LLC was organized by Tpr Picou, SAD, and SAREE with the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office on May 24, 2012, The company engaged in tree/brush removal from residential and commereial property. In December 2014, Tpr. Picou signed a buyers/seller agreement to sell his share of Bois Clair LLC to GMMR Tpr. Picou was compensated for his share of the company in March 2015. ‘On June 6, 2013, Tpr. Picou was interviewed (recorded) by @QUQUMIEMBP during the Non-IA investigation. WMMEMP asked Tpr. Picou “How long have you been employed with your secondary job?” Tpr. Picou answered, “December 1", sometime in December of 2012.” (RD 2116 QMPMMMI both told investigators that Bois Clair LLC started performing work soon after it was formed in May 2012. Bois Clair LLC bank statements, obtained frome @@, revealed that there were 21 deposits totaling $52,595.00 and 68 withdrawals/payments totaling $37,966.69 from May 2012 to November 2012. Of the 68 withdrawals/payments, 31 were checks written by Tpr. Picou. Tpr. Picou also received eight checks, two of which were payroll checks for $400.00 each. Tpr. Picou admitted to investigators that he kept the checkbook for Bois Clair LLC at his residence and would sign most of the checks for the company. Page | 7 Casett 15-028 ‘Tpr. Picou admitted that Bois Clair LLC started removing trees for customers and completed jobs after the company was formed in May 2012. Tpr. Picou also acknowledged that he assisted in removing several of the trees. Tpr. Picou acknowledged receiving a $400.00 payroll check on August 14, 2012 and on October 16, 2012, and related that once Bois Clair LL started to make a profit from removing trees all of the owners (Picou M/MIN received payroll checks. ‘Tpr. Picou told investigators he did not intentionally lie to [AAMEBy when he told hhim that he (Picou) started his secondary employment in December 2012. Tpr. Picou was uncertain why he told with Samay ‘ANI provided investigators with a ledger showing where Tpr. Picou was issued 18 checks totaling $6,715.00 from April 2011 to July 2012, for cutting grass. ‘Tpr. Picou admitted that he did not submit a secondary employment application for cutting grass because he was not aware he was required to do so. Tpr. Picou admitted that even after he submitted a secondary employment application for Bois Clair LLC in December 2012, he did not submit one for his grass cutting business, Investigators requested Tpr. Picou provide his federal income tax returns for 2011-2014 ‘Tpr. Picou complied and the income tax returns revealed that he claimed the following income for cutting grass: 2011 $8,485.00 2012 - $7,020.00 2013 - $7,110.00 2014 - $7,165.00 Investigators determined that Tpr. Picou violated LSP Policy and Procedure Order, 234.4, Secondary EmploymentiPersonal Investments - Regulations Governing Secondary Employment, which states in part: 4, REGULATIONS GOVERNING SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT ii) No employee shall hold a secondary job or position without express written approval of the Superintendent and in the manner prescribed herein. Therefore, the allegation that Tpr. Picou violated LSP Policy and Procedure, 234.4, Secondary Employment/Personal Investments — Regulations Governing Secondary Employment is SUSTAINED: There is sufficient evidence to prove a procedural or criminal violation. Page | 12 Case#t 15-028, ‘The following individuals were interviewed during the course of this investigation: ” Deridder, Louisiana Leesville, Louisiana - Deridder, Louisiana - Deridder, Louisiana Deridder, Louisiana - Deridder, Louisiana = Deridder, Louisiana - Troop D Tpr. Ronald Picou - Troop D i INTERVIEWS The following information was obtained from TMM on Thursday, November 5, 2015, by Sgt. Eddie Daigle and Sgt. Donny Guitreau, SREP formed investigators that he TAM and Tpr. Ronald Picou were all owners/partners of Bois Clair, LLC M@QJQ@@ stated that now he is the sole owner of the company and SRR and Tpr. Picou have no involvement with the company. "ly MBBstated that the company was formed and obtained a LLC in May 2012. The company started completing “small jobs” after the LLC was formed, but most of the work began in December 2012, when they began a job for Beauregard Electric, QQ explained that the “small jobs” consisted of tree removal for private landowners. He also noted that all three owners of Bois Clair worked on the smaller jobs at any given time. SWIMM could not remember how many jobs Bois Clair had before December 2012, but said the company made about $15,000 prior to December 2012. QM related that he ultimately bought out Tpr. Picou’s share of the ownership of Bois Clair LLC for $115,000 in April 2015. Investigators asked QM if he had any knowledge of Tpr. Picou forming TRP Construction. QjQgg@Phad no information about TRP Construction. AJM further stated that since he bought out Tpr. Picou, he does not speak to him. Page | 13 Case#t 15-028 When investigators questioned 2090 about whether Tpr. Picou performed any work for Bois Clair LLC while he was on-duty with State Police, GRRMNPMated that he didn’t have any knowledge of Tpr. Picou doing so. SMMIBB noted that Tpr. Picou stopped by the job sites occasionally while he was on-duty, but it was just to talk. SMMNMMPstated that he could not recall a time that Tpr. Picou brought parts for equipment to the job sites. Investigators asked @QRQMB if he had any knowledge whether Tpr. Picou slept while he was on-duty with State Police, QQ informed investigators that ‘Tpr. Picou spoke of taking safety naps while he was on-duty State Police. MMMMMBPrelated that Tpr. Picou told him that when he would get tired he would go take a nap. lM stated that Tpr. Picou told him ‘that he would write tickets when he went to work and then take a safety nap at his residence, @y ABB cid not know if Tpr. Picou took safety naps so he could perform work for Bois Clair the following day. 49 noted that Tpr. Picou never looked tired while working for Bois Clair, even if he had worked the night before with State Police. Investigators asked QQ] if he could obtain the banking statements for Bois Clair LLC from May 2012 to December 2012, @QQMMIMB advised investigators that he would attempt to obtain the records from the' in Deridder. On December 3, 2015, investigators met with SQM@Fto review the banking records. (HEEB also provided a copy of the records to investigators. Bank Statement ~ May 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for May 2012 with@Q@iM@ Bois Clair LLC had three deposits in May for $300.00, $8,000.00, and $5,000.00, <@iiltPrelated that he could only remember the deposit dated May 8, 2012, for $300.00. QM related that it was for removing a tree at the Walmart in Deridder. QUI? said all three owners helped remove the tree at the Walmart. @MMBMfMpsaid they used a chainsaw and a bucket truck that the company had purchased to complete the job. QM added that the other two deposits were possibly money that the owners invested in the company when they started it. Bank Statement — June 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for June 2012 with@@MMB Bois Clair LLC had two deposits in June for $5,000.00, and $800.00 aa related that the $5,000.00 deposit on June 4, 2012, was from Tpr. Picou. MM stated he did not remember what other deposit was for. It should be noted that Tpr. Picou wrote three checks for the company in June. Page | 14 Case# 15-028 Bank Statement — July 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for July 2012 with MMM. Bois Clair LLC had two deposits in July for $625.00, and $220.00, (42MM related that the $625.00 deposit on July 3, 2012, was a job that the company completed for QUEEN at Longview Lake, GG stated he did not remember what the other deposit was for. It should be noted that Tpr. Picou wrote three checks for the company in July. Bank Statement — August 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for August 2012 with. Bois Clair LLC had two deposits in August for $1,200.00, and $900.00. SQMRIHM related that the $1,200.00 deposit on August 20, 2012, was a job that the company completed for azarae? in Deridder, QJM stated he did not remember what other deposit was for. It should be noted that Tpr. Picou wrote five checks for the company in August. Tpr. Picou also received a $400.00 payroll check on August 14, 2012, Bank Statement — September 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for September 2012 with PB Clair LLC had four deposits in September for $400.00, $2,700.00, $250.00, and $1,250.00. Sy MMB related that the $2,700.00 deposit on September 12, 2012, was a job that the company completed for QQUIEIBEImevhere they cut down several dead pine trees next to S77. rental property. SWIMM further stated that the $1,750.00 deposit on September 24, 2012, was for two jobs that the company completed, <§9@ related that they removed a tree at each job site and was paid by $1,500.00 by CM and $250.00 by SMB, totaling the $1,700.00 deposit SINR did not remember what other two deposits were for. It should be noted that Tpr. Picou wrote one check for the company in September. Bank Statement ~ October 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for October 2012 with 2B Bois Clair LLC had three deposits in May for $2,500.00, $3,850.00, and $4,500.00, stated Tpr, Picou told him that when he gets a cal, he just gets dressed and leaves, The following information was obtained during an interview with SSiRamp (GMM on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the Deridder Police Department by Sgt. Eddie Daigle and Sgt. Donny Guitreau. STM (2 Sergeant with the Deridder Police Department) informed investigators that he was part owner of Bois Clair LLC with Tpr. Picou 2nd 2. pie related that he sold his ownership of the company to S999" and has no involvement in the company, SQM stated that after the company was formed, they worked small jobs like cutting down trees. dla further stated that the jobs were sporadic until they began work for Beauregard Electric. ‘Wim jf he had any documentation showing that Tpr. Picou was compensated for the services, QMMMMMcquired the ledger of the checks and it showed that ip. Bank Statement — July 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for July 2012 with Tpr. Picou. Bois Clair LLC had two deposits in July for $625.00, and $220.00. Tpr. Picou related that the deposit from July 3, 2012, for $625.00 was from QQ at Longview Lake. Tpr. Picou related that he has been to QUININE property to remove trees, but could not recall if he went for the job that was paid from the deposit on July 3, 2012, Tpr. Picou stated he did not remember what the other deposits were for. Bank Statement — August 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for August 2012 with Tpr. Picou. Bois Clair LLC had two deposits in August for $1,200.00, and $900.0 icou related that the deposit from August 20, 2012, for $1,200.00 was from in Deridder. Tpr. Picou stated that he remembered Bois Clair LLC was hired to remove trees at the nursing home. ‘Tpr. Picou further said that (MD ond GELB rermoved the trees, but he (Picou) did not, ‘pr. Picou stated he did not remember what the other deposits were for. Page | 23 Caset 15-028 When asked by investigators Tpr. Picou stated that he received a $400.00 payroll check on August 14, 2012. He further stated that once Bois Clair LLC started to make a profit from removing trees all of the owners got payroll checks. ‘Tpr: Picou also received a $400.00 payroll check on October 16, 2012. Bank Statement ~ September 2012 Investigators reviewed the bank statements for September 2012 with Tpr. Picou. Bois Clair LLC had four deposits in September for $400.00, $2,700.00, $250.00, $1,250.00. Tpr. Picou stated that the deposit from September 12, 2012, for $2,700.00 was from S&mmaapam ‘Tpr. Picou related that he lined up the job wit IMB during lunch one day

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