Ex-Ville Platte Cop Cops Pleads Guilty to Cover-Up

Nathaniel Savoy, 39, a former detective with the Ville Platte Police Department, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for filing a false police report to cover up a civil rights violation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today.

Savoy pleaded guilty in November 2016 to conspiring with a civilian to burglarize Doug Ashy Building Materials in Ville Platte, La. Around midnight on March 8, 2015, Savoy and his accomplice drove to the hardware store in his department-issued truck. When an on-duty officer grew suspicious and approached, Savoy lied, claiming he was conducting routine security checks on local businesses.

The officer bought the story and left. Savoy then dropped off his accomplice, instructing him to break into the store and steal 20 packs of shingles for a personal construction project. To build an alibi, Savoy responded to a traffic stop miles away, ordering fellow officers to patrol the opposite side of town—knowingly diverting attention from the crime scene.

After the burglary was complete, Savoy returned, loaded the stolen shingles into his truck, and drove off. The next day, realizing surveillance footage might expose him, he filed a false police report claiming he’d found the shingles by the roadside and took them for “safekeeping.” The report was a calculated move to obstruct any investigation into his criminal conspiracy.

“The vast majority of American law enforcement officers conduct themselves with honor,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler. “But when an officer violates his or her oath and breaks the law, as did Mr. Savoy, the Department of Justice stands ready to enforce the law and protect the civil rights of all Americans.”

U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley added, “The people of this District deserve to have law enforcement officers working in their communities who follow the laws they are sworn to uphold. Savoy’s actions are not representative of the majority of officers who risk their lives every day to protect and serve. We will continue to work with our local and federal partners to investigate and prosecute those who violate their oath.” The case was handled by the FBI’s Lafayette Division and prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog.