State Police have arrested a member of the Louisiana Tax Commission on charges of malfeasance in office and fraud following an investigation.
51-year-old Charles K. Abels III of Baton Rouge was arrested by state police on Friday after a joint investigation by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and the LSP Criminal Investigation Division. State Police say the investigation began in May of 2018 after they were contacted by LLA regarding instances of possible payroll fraud by Abels.
The joint investigation determined that on several occasions Abels claimed and was paid for time worked while not performing LTC duties. Investigators also say that Abels was allegedly observed using state rental vehicles on multiple occasions for personal use. Unauthorized fuel reimbursement requests were also allegedly submitted for that vehicle, according to investigators.
Abels was arrested and booked on charges of one count Malfeasance in Office, one count Public payroll fraud, and 63 counts of Filing or maintaining false public records.
The case remains under investigation.
