Claiborne Parish, Louisiana - A Louisiana Department of Corrections employee was arrested on October 23 for allegedly misusing her official position. Helen Washington-Turner, 48, of Haynesville, Louisiana was taken into custody by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier Field Office (LSP/BFO) on charges of malfeasance in office and false personation.

According to investigators, the probe into Washington-Turner's activities began in July 2024. At that time, it was discovered that she had sent unauthorized criminal history query results to an out-of-state agency. Furthermore, she allegedly used her agency's official letterhead to contest the validity of an active warrant for a family member.

Malfeasance in office refers to the act of an official engaging in wrongdoing or misconduct while performing their duties. In this case, Washington-Turner's alleged actions are believed to have constituted a breach of her official responsibilities.

False personation, on the other hand, involves impersonating someone else or misrepresenting one's own identity, often for personal gain. Washington-Turner's alleged misuse of her agency's letterhead may be seen as a form of false personation, as she purportedly used an official document to further her personal interests.

As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained through the 2nd Judicial District Court (2nd JDC). Washington-Turner turned herself in to authorities on October 23 and was subsequently booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on the aforementioned charges.

The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier Field Office continues to investigate this matter, and further details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.