Former Alexandria officer charged with carnal knowledge

A former Alexandria police officer was booked into jail Thursday and later was released after being arrested on a carnal knowledge of a juvenile charge, according to a release.

Deric Dionell Reed, 38, of 204 Grand Lakes Blvd. in Alexandria, turned himself in at the Rapides Parish Detention Center after a warrant had been issued for his arrest, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office release.

Reed, who resigned from the Alexandria Police Department in January before he was to undergo a disciplinary hearing in connection to the case, was charged with one count of carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He later was released on a $5,000 bond.

The case began on Dec. 1, when a complaint was filed with the sheriff's office alleging that Reed was in a relationship with a juvenile female. Detectives started an investigation "with the assistance and cooperation of the Alexandria Police Department," reads the release.

Meanwhile, the department began its own internal investigation and took Reed off active duty. The incident allegedly took place out of Alexandria and while Reed was off duty.

The two investigations proceeded, and the sheriff's office turned its case over to the Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office in mid-December.

"After review by the district attorney's office, a bill of information was filed and a warrant was granted by 9th Judicial District Judge Mary Doggett ..." reads the release.

Alexandria Police Chief Loren Lampert released a statement after Reed's arrest Thursday, saying that the department works each day to earn the community's trust and confidence.

"Thus, we recognize that instances of misconduct by an officer whether on or off duty – particularly criminal misconduct – erode the public confidence in the criminal justice system," he said. "These allegations disturb me greatly not only as a police officer and prosecutor of 26 years but also, as a father. We take such seriously and investigate such thoroughly."

Lampert noted that his department cooperated with the sheriff's office and also received full cooperation from that office.

"We now must await the trial process to unfold, and we trust the outcome will be justice," he said.