Bossier Police Sgt Held Without Bond In Federal Investigation

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After a weekend raid at the Bossier City Police Department and Bossier City Hall, Police Sgt. Harold "BJ" Sanford was arrested. Sanford was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center as a federal inmate. Now it appears he will remain there for the foreseeable future.

During the weekend raid, federal agents gathered files, documents, and evidence related to Bossier City Police Union Local 645 of the International Union of Police Associations. Sanford serves as the President of that police union, in addition to being a Sgt for Bossier Police. However he has been placed on administrative leave by the Bossier City Police Department.

After Sanford's arrest, reports started to surface that detailed the nature of the investigation. Many of those reports were confirmed during this week, and filings in federal court shed light on the investigation.

The focus of the federal investigation is on Sanford, and his associate Mitch Morehead, and their involvement in embezzlement and drug purchases. According to the case in federal court, Sanford and Morehead are accused of embezzling money through the Bossier Police Union, and using the illegally obtained funds to purchase prescription painkillers. Prosecutors say that the pair even used fake fundraising or fake charities to get money through the union.

This week, US Magistrate Mark L. Hornsby decided that neither Sanford of Morehead will be awarded bond. Keeping them behind bars while this case moves forward. KTBS explains why with this breakdown of the case from this week:

"Judge Hornsby said during his ruling Thursday that he found Sanford to be a “danger to the community” based on evidence presented by Asst. U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook. Some of that evidence included allegations of intimidating an apartment complex manager where Sanford worked security. Sanford and Morehead appeared for both a detention and preliminary hearing, which is a review of the evidence to determine probable cause.

Judge Hornsby also ruled that Morehead would remain in custody because he was considered a flight risk. Hornsby noted that Morehead has no ties to this community and while here has been living in motels, while working for Sanford."

Other members of the Bossier City Police Union are reportedly on leave at this time while the investigations continue.