Four officers with the Baton Rouge Police Department have been indicted on charges related to an incident that occurred in September 2020. The incident involved one officer allegedly abusing a suspect, while three others were accused of attempting to cover up the incident.
The officers, identified as Douglas Chutz Jr., Todd Thomas, and Troy Lawrence Sr., were indicted by a grand jury on charges of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office. Additionally, Martele Jackson, who reported the officers' behavior, was indicted for malfeasance in office.
The incident took place on September 29, 2020, when rap artist NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, was among 16 people arrested in Baton Rouge on drug and firearm charges. The officers allegedly used an electric stun gun on a suspect during a strip search, which was captured on body cameras.
Despite the incident being recorded, the officers are accused of conspiring to fabricate a letter claiming the camera was missing. Officer Todd Thomas was the only one linked to hitting the suspect. District Attorney Hillar Moore stated that the charges against the other officers are related to hiding evidence.
NBA YoungBoy has faced multiple legal issues, including arrests for weapons charges and involvement in a fraudulent prescription operation. He faces numerous felonies and misdemeanors, including possession of a dangerous weapon, identity fraud, forgery, and drug-related charges.
On April 26, additional charges related to the prescription fraud case were filed against Gaulden in Weber County. He is currently held without bond in that case.
