Discipline Handed Out To 4 Troopers Over Side Trips To Vegas

In February 2017, we learned that La. State Police has launched an investigation into the details of a 2016 business trip by four troopers to a San Diego law enforcement conference that included an unauthorized side trip to Las Vegas. Now, we have learned what discipline has been handed out to those four men.

Captain Derrell Williams, who was previously reassigned from the detailed rank of Major to his classified rank of Captain has been demoted to the rank of Lieutenant
Lieutenant Rodney Hyatt has been demoted to the rank of Sergeant
Master Trooper Thurman Miller received a Letter of Reprimand
Trooper Alexandr Nezgodinsky was counseled

"This administrative investigation was an unfortunate but necessary process. As a department charged with the public safety of our citizens, we must hold ourselves accountable before we can begin to hold others accountable," said Colonel Kevin Reeves, State Police Superintendent. "One incident does not define us. We will inevitably make mistakes, but together, our goal must be to promote an environment that is not only conducive to public service and cultivates professional development and growth but also maintains public confidence in our agency."

The officers may appeal the disciplinary actions to the Louisiana State Police Commission for further review.