In Louisiana, Threatening to File a Complaint Against Police Can Lead to a Five-Year Prison Sentence

I’m calling your supervisor,” Aubin said. I’m gonna get you fired.” Aubin took out his cell phone, called the sheriff’s department, and started walking back towards his house. But before he made it inside, Durkin arrested him. The charge: intimidation of a public official — a felony that in Louisiana carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment….

[I]n nearby Tangipahoa Parish, when officers pepper sprayed a man named Travis Seals even though he was already in handcuffs. After telling the officers he was going to file a complaint against them, he too was charged with public intimidation.



Date
April 18, 2018