Two Eunice city employees were arrested on charges of narcotics trafficking while on city time and in city vehicles.
Clarence Arceneaux and Joshua Dupre were arrested following an investigation by the Eunice Police Department into numerous complaints about drug activity on the part of city workers, according to a news release from EPD.
The investigation involved surveillance of the suspects and purchases by informants.
According to police, the suspects confessed to picking up as much as 3- to 4 pounds of marijuana at a time while on the clock. The drugs were then allegedly packaged for distribution when orders were placed, then delivered using the city vehicles.
Dupre began employment with the City of Eunice in October 2011 and Arceneaux, in December 2011. During the operation, one-half pound of marijuana was allegedly seized, along with 30 doses of Ecstasy, crack pipes, hand guns and various drug paraphernalia items used to smoke the drugs or process the drugs for delivery.
The suspects also allegedly smoked marijuana while in city vehicles, while traveling between work sites.
Dupre’s prior arrests include four prior felony arrests for possession and distribution of narcotics and two prior misdemeanor arrests for drug possession, aggravated battery, shoplifting, simple assault and traffic charges.
Arceneaux’s prior drug arrests include seven prior felony arrests for possession and distribution of narcotics, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, and several simple battery arrests.
Arceneaux was charges with distribution of Schedule I narcotics, possession with intent to distribute Schedule I narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal use of a controlled, dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17 years of age, violation of the Uniform CDS Law (school zone), two counts, and malfeasance in office.
Dupre’s was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I narcotics, distribution of Schedule II narcotics, possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics, possession of Schedule II narcotics, two counts, violation of the Uniform CDS Law, two counts, distribution of Schedule I narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal use of a controlled, dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17 years of age, illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of stolen firearms, malfeasance in office,
The malfeasance in office charges stem from allegedly operating a drug enterprise while on the city payroll and being paid hourly.
Eunice Police Chief Ronald Dies has a policy in place that requires mandatory background checks on police department applicants. At this time, EPD is unaware of any policy that exists for background checks on other city applicants.
