Dispatcher Sentenced for Drug Crimes

A former St. Charles Parish (La.) 911 dispatcher was sentenced to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to selling cocaine to undercover federal agents.

Demond Boudoin, 26, also pleaded guilty to illegally accessing the NCIC database and running the license plate of an undercover officer he believed was a drug buyer.

Boudoin faced up to 40 years on five counts of distributing more than 50 grams of cocaine base, according to a federal indictment.

In a press release after Boudoin’s 2007 arrest, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten, sheriff’s officials became suspicious that Boudoin may have been distributing drugs while on-duty. They contacted the local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office, who cooperated to investigate the case.

In the indictment, Letten said that on five separate occasions a confidential source purchased “crack” cocaine from Boudoin. On two of these occasions, the indictment is alleged that Boudoin performed the drug deal in front of the St. Charles Parish 9-1-1 comm center. He also allegedly sold to undercover agents at other locations in the parish.

Boudoin could have received up to 40 years in prison on each of three counts of the indictment, and up to $4 million in fines.

In the press release, Letten said, “I want to offer my thanks and appreciation to St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne and his fine staff who were instrumental in uncovering this illegal conduct.”

Sheriff Greg Champagne said in a statement that the sheriff’s office “quickly initiated” an investigation after learning of “possible wrongdoing” by Boudoin in April 2006.

“It disgusts me that someone in a position of trust would violate their oath and break the law. We will not tolerate criminal activity by anyone and will take aggressive steps when necessary,” Champagne said.

He noted Boudoin had been “closely monitored” while at work during the investigation to insure that his job performance didn’t jeopardize communications.

Champagne said Boudoin was fired in Feb. 2007 for “violation of office policy on an unrelated matter,” without jeopardizing the investigation.

Champagne said he appreciated the help provided by the DEA and U.S. attorney. “This proves that St. Charles Parish will not tolerate any corrupt activities,” he added.