Rapides Sheriff's Office lieutenant fired after arrest

The Rapides Parish Sheriff Office has fired a lieutenant accused of multiple crimes stemming from a "ongoing sexual relationship with a female engaged in prostitution," according to Louisiana State Police.

Boyce resident Stacy Bender, 48, was arrested on Friday and was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He was charged with six counts of malfeasance in office, two counts of solicitation for prostitution, inciting prostitution, obstruction of justice and two counts of unlawful use of criminal records.

Bender, who worked in the Metro Division, had worked for the sheriff's office since 1999. The office released a statement about his termination shortly after news of Bender's arrest was announced.

"We hold our employees to a very high standard, and the majority of them take their oath and their duty very seriously," said Sheriff William Earl Hilton. "We stand firm in the belief that all employees’ actions will be held to the highest level and when they are accused of violating the law, they will be dealt with swiftly, professionally, and justly, just like everyone else."

Town Talk archives have listed Bender as a detective with the office, including a 2001 article discussing the rise of juvenile sex crimes during the summer months.

An investigation began earlier this week when State Police received information about Bender. The agency worked with Homeland Security Investigations and the sheriff's office on the investigation.

"The investigation revealed that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with a female engaged in prostitution," reads the release. "Investigators believe that Bender was on duty during the times that he was engaged in these criminal offenses."

Bender was arrested at the sheriff's office. The investigation is continuing, according to the release.