Former Duson chief charged

Joseph Johnfore, the former Police Chief of Duson, was arrested following an investigation spanning two months. The investigation was sparked when town funds were discovered to be missing.

He was apprehended at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center, however was later released on bond. The charges against Johnfore include felony theft, misdemeanor theft and malfeasance in office.

According to Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Craig Stansbury, the investigation was launched when two money orders intended for the town were missing. Furthermore, Johnfore resigned from his position as police chief subsequent to an audit disclosing $5,000 of missing traffic fines.

It was determined that tickets were issued, however there was no proof that these fines were ever collected or deposited by the town.

As part of the investigation, Johnfore went to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning and was later booked into the parish jail at about 12:30 p.m.

The District Attorney’s office is awaiting the final report of the investigation from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office, nevertheless investigators claim to have evidence that proves Johnfore used funds for “personal reasons.”

According to District Attorney Mike Harson, prosecutors will next determine whether to seek formal charges against the former chief.

The charges Johnfore faces carry up to 10 years in prison for the felony theft, in addition to the five years he could face for the malfeasance charge.