La. Deputy Sheriffs Arrest Public Safety Officer on Sexual Battery, Official Malfeasance Charges

In Louisiana, an incident of police misconduct
law enforcement officials appear to have taken seriously very
quickly, arresting Michael Selders, a public safety officer in the
Louisiana State Police’s Physical Security division, on charges of
sexual battery and official malfeasance a day after he was alleged
to have sexually harassed a woman during a traffic stop.

Local news station KATC
reports:

According to the victim, Selders stopped her vehicle on Pride
Port Hudson Road early Saturday morning when she was traveling home
from work. The victim stated that Selders frequents her place of
employment, and he hugged her once she exited her vehicle. She
stated he continued to touch her inappropriately before he left the
scene. The victim contacted the Sheriff’s office to report the
incident later that day.

Detectives contacted Selders, and he agreed to meet them for
questioning. According to EBRSO Detectives, Selders had several
inconsistencies in his accounts of the incident. Detectives booked
Selders into Parish Prison on the above listed charges.

“Our integrity is paramount, and the public demands that
everyone who wears a badge is held to a higher standard,” stated
Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “This incident
will be investigated fully by not only the East Baton Rouge
Sheriff’s Office, but also by the Louisiana State Police Internal
Affairs Section.”

Selders remains on paid administrative leave while facing
charges and the internal affairs investigation. According to
Louisiana State Police’s public affairs division, public safety
officers in the state are not unionized.