Oakdale Police Officer Arrested on Abuse and Malfeasance Charges
An Oakdale, Louisiana police officer, Jalen Melbert, has been arrested on charges of abuse and malfeasance of office. Authorities allege Melbert attempted to coerce a victim into sexual activity and worked with another individual to plant illegal narcotics, leading to…
Portland, OR, September 5, 2026 — A police officer in Oakdale, Louisiana, Jalen Melbert, has been arrested and faces charges including abuse and malfeasance of office. The arrest follows allegations made by authorities concerning his conduct while on duty.
According to official statements, Melbert is accused of attempting to coerce a victim into sexual activity. Further allegations state that Melbert collaborated with another individual to plant illegal narcotics. This act, authorities contend, resulted in the subsequent arrest of an innocent person.
The specifics of the “abuse” charge, beyond the alleged coercion into sexual activity, were not detailed. Information regarding the identity of the other individual involved in planting narcotics, the timeline of these alleged events, or the current status of the person who was arrested based on the planted narcotics was not immediately available. The Oakdale Police Department has not released further details regarding the investigation or Melbert’s employment status.
Malfeasance of office is a legal term that refers to wrongdoing or misconduct by a public official in the course of performing their official duties. The charges against Officer Melbert suggest a serious breach of public trust and departmental policy.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to gather information and review the evidence related to these charges.
Story summarized from the original created by KPLC Digital Team, Akim Powell on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
