Four Baton Rouge Police Officers Indicted in 2020 Beating Case

BATON ROUGE, La. — A Special Grand Jury has indicted four Baton Rouge police officers on charges related to the alleged coverup of a 2020 beating of a man in police custody, officials announced Tuesday.

After months of deliberation, the grand jury handed down indictments against former Deputy Chief and current Lieutenant Troy Lawrence, Sr., along with Corporals Douglas Chutz, Todd Thomas, and Martele Jackson.

The specific charges include:

• Obstruction of Justice: Chutz (1 count), Jackson (1 count), Thomas (1 count)
• Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice: Chutz (1 count), Lawrence (1 count), Thomas (2 counts)
• Malfeasance in Office: Chutz (2 counts), Jackson (1 count), Lawrence (4 counts), Thomas (3 counts)

All four officers remain on administrative leave. Lawrence, Chutz, and Thomas were previously arrested last year, and an arrest warrant was issued for Jackson following the indictments.

District Attorney Hillar Moore clarified that the charges do not carry mandatory jail sentences if the officers are found guilty. He emphasized that this case is an isolated incident and does not reflect the overall integrity of the Baton Rouge Police Department.

"This was an isolated incident, this is not an indictment on the Baton Rouge Police Department," Moore stated during a news conference.

Corporal Jesse Barcelona, a fifth officer under investigation, was not indicted and remains on the force.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome responded to the indictments, highlighting the city’s commitment to justice and police reform.

“Today marks a significant development in our ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability within the Baton Rouge Police Department. The grand jury indictments of the officers following their arrests last fall underscore our unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of justice and integrity in our community,” Broome said.

She expressed gratitude to District Attorney Moore for his office’s thorough work and reiterated the dedication to police reform and accountability, noting that the indictments should not tarnish the reputation of the majority of officers who are committed to professionalism.

The Baton Rouge community continues to focus on building trust and ensuring justice for all residents.