Louisiana Officer Charged With Rape, Accused of Coercing Sex During Traffic Stop
Port Barre, Louisiana – A Louisiana police officer from the Port Barre police department is now facing a rape charge following allegations made by a woman during a routine traffic stop. The officer, 21-year-old Darwin Fontenot, has admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the woman, according to a statement released by the police department. Fontenot has been charged with third-degree rape and malfeasance, as the incident involved sexual activity between an authority figure and someone in law enforcement custody.
Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux expressed his disappointment, stating, “The public holds law enforcement to a high standard, and so do I. Whether the sexual interaction was consensual or not, it does not justify such unprofessional behavior from our police officers.”
Fontenot was released from jail after posting bond last Saturday. However, Chief Boudreaux revealed that Fontenot has been placed on administrative leave until termination, which essentially means he is on paid vacation leave until he is fired.
The incident came to light after a complaint was filed on April 27 by a woman from Chalmette. She accused Fontenot of coercing her into engaging in sexual activity with him after he stopped her for speeding on March 10 on the U.S. 90 highway.
Following this complaint, Port Barre Police Chief Boudreaux requested the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Department to conduct an investigation. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz confirmed that his department will be handling the investigation and has directed all inquiries to Chief Boudreaux.
It is worth noting that the woman involved in the incident had previous violations with the law, which is why Fontenot allegedly offered her leniency in exchange for sexual favors. The woman has admitted to engaging in sexual activity with Officer Fontenot.
During an interview with the sheriff’s department, Fontenot admitted to having sex with the woman. However, he claimed that the encounter occurred after he had finished his shift. Chief Boudreaux emphasized that even if Fontenot was off duty, it does not excuse his behavior. He firmly stated that no public servant, especially an officer, should engage in such inappropriate activities or exchange sexual favors for leniency.
Prior to joining the Port Barre police, Fontenot worked as a corrections officer for St. Landry. He graduated from the police academy in November 2019 and has been with the Port Barre Police Department for approximately a year and a half.
Chief Boudreaux expressed his sadness over the situation, stating, “It’s a sad day when we have to arrest one of our own, but wrong is wrong. Police officers are entrusted with great power and responsibility to uphold what is right and act as a barrier between right and wrong. That trust is undermined when officers engage in unprofessional behavior.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the Port Barre Police Department is committed to ensuring justice and maintaining the trust of the community.
