A former sergeant of the Louisiana State Police found himself on the other side of the law after being arrested for alleged shoplifting in Covington, Louisiana. Huey Galmiche, 50, was accused of "skip scanning" items, a term used for the intentional act of not scanning merchandise at a self-checkout counter, as reported by WGNO. Galmiche’s alleged actions took place while he was in full uniform and on duty, which was confirmed yesterday by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Following his arrest, Galmiche was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on charges of misdemeanor theft and malfeasance in office. "We hold all law enforcement officers to a higher standard and if they break the law they will be arrested," St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith stated, as per an interview with NOLA.com. Galmiche, who recently retired from the state police, was immediately placed on administrative leave as the investigation continued.
The incident not only led to Galmiche’s arrest but also to his swift resignation from his position with the Louisiana State Police. Colonel Robert Hodges, the State Police Superintendent, confirmed the resignation and stated, "Sgt. Huey Galmiche resigned his position with Louisiana State Police effective today," according to WGNO. His resignation followed shortly after Troop L supervisors reclaimed all law enforcement property once his administrative leave was implemented.
The case has raised concerns about the integrity of law enforcement officers and the expectations placed upon them by the public and the inherently high standards they are held to by their own departments. In light of Galmiche’s arrest, the Louisiana State Police is likely facing scrutiny over the conduct of its officers on and off duty, reverberating the sentiment shared by Sheriff Smith about the accountability such officers face when stepping outside the law.
