ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (AP) — A former member of a Louisiana police department has been convicted of federal crimes involving excessive force.

The U.S. Justice Department says 35-year-old Codi Dodge was the former deputy chief of investigations for St. Martinville. He was convicted Monday on four counts. They include a civil rights violation for using excessive force, and three obstruction and conspiracy counts for covering up the incident.

Prosecutors said that in August 2016, Dodge forced his way into the home of someone he suspected of stealing from him, striking the person in the face with a firearm before arresting him. Prosecutors say he conspired with others to falsify reports about the incident.

A sentencing date is pending. The Justice Department release says Dodge faces up to 55 years in prison.

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