3 former St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office high-ranking employees accused of payroll fraud

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. ( WGNO ) — A former St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office chief deputy and two other high-ranking employees were arrested on Thursday, July 25, following a criminal investigation.

According to the SCPSO, the three suspects consist of former Chief Deputy Rodney Madere Jr., former Captain Derek Pertuis and former Sergeant Zain Stillinger. They were all arrested on allegations that include the “misappropriation/misuse” of sheriff’s office resources, equipment and manpower.

Madere and Stillinger resigned from their positions with the SCPSO in February while under investigation. Pertuis was terminated from his position in March.

The three men were booked into the into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center in Killona, each being charged with one count of abuse of office, one count of theft over $25,000 and 26 counts of public payroll fraud. They have since been released after posting the $100,000 bond.

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