Richland Parish, Louisiana - The assistant chief of the Rayville Police Department is facing multiple felony charges after Louisiana State Police investigators say he stole department firearms and fraudulently collected money from community members.

Czyz Williams, 43, was arrested Oct. 16, 2025, and booked into the Richland Parish Detention Center on charges including three counts of theft of a firearm, one count of theft, and four counts of malfeasance in office. Malfeasance in office refers to wrongful conduct by a public official while performing their duties.

The investigation began in September 2025 when detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations Monroe Field Office received a complaint alleging misconduct by Williams.

According to Louisiana State Police investigators, Williams unlawfully removed several firearms from the Rayville Police Department and sold them. Detectives also determined that Williams solicited monetary donations from community members by claiming the funds would support crime prevention programs that did not exist.

The Louisiana State Police obtained an arrest warrant for Williams based on their investigative findings. He was taken into custody without incident.

Louisiana State Police is serving as the lead investigative agency in the case. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details at this time.

The Louisiana State Police encourages anyone with information about suspicious or criminal activity to use their online reporting system. The anonymous and secure reporting form can be accessed at www.lsp.org by clicking on the "Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity" link.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.