La. Police Officer Resigns After Fraud Accusation

A Shreveport, La., police officer resigned after he was accused of changing a police report to claim that his wife had insurance when another car hit hers.

Cpl. Ronald Small and Tracey Small were booked Jan. 12 at Caddo Correctional Center on one count each of felony insurance fraud and injuring public records. They posted bond, and Small, who had been with the Shreveport Police Department for nearly five years, submitted a resignation letter.

Authorities say Tracey Small’s insurance had been cancelled due to nonpayment on Dec. 8. Three days later, her vehicle was hit by another.

She called her insurance company and paid the premium. Ronald Small then contacted the responding officer to have the time on the original report changed so it appeared the vehicle was insured at the time of the accident, authorities charge.

“The accident was not her fault. But because of the Louisiana no-pay, no-play law, if you are uninsured, then you can’t file a claim against anyone who causes damage to you,” Caddo District Attorney Paul Carmouche said.

Geico Insurance Co. contacted police after becoming suspicious during a claims investigation.

The officer who changed the report was not identified. He was following a superior’s orders, Carmouche said. However, interim Police Chief Mike VanSant said an internal investigation may bring disciplinary action.

“I want the public to know when we find officers who do wrong, we will deal with it and make sure it’s handled properly,” VanSant said.

Information from: The Times, www.shreveporttimes.com.