Former Ascension Parish deputy assessor arrested on malfeasance, computer tampering charges: Gonzales Police Department

Gonzales Police Department detectives arrested the former deputy assessor of the Ascension Parish Assessor's Office, according to a news release.

GPD spokesperson Ami Clouatre Johnson reported in the release that detectives arrested 45-year-old Justin B. Champlin of Geismar about 11 a.m. April 23.

He was charged with one count of malfeasance in office, two counts of computer tampering and two counts of injuring public records.

Per the release, GPD received a report April 17 that an internal audit of the assessor indicated possible malfeasance by the suspect while serving as deputy assessor.

During the investigation, detectives reportedly established that the suspect tampered with the tax assessed values of his personal property.

GPD then presented a request for an arrest warrant to the 23rd Judicial District Court and a judge established probable cause for the arrest.

According to the release, the case has been turned over to the district attorney's office.

Champlin began his employment with the office in 2012, GPD reported.