Livingston Parish sheriff's deputies have arrested a Walker police officer after the lawman allegedly beat a man he arrested a week ago in an alleged sexual assault case.
Authorities say 32-year-old James Dipuma, of Denham Springs, had two prior excessive force complaints filed against him when he worked for the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office years ago and was fired by the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office in January for conduct unbecoming of an officer.
Dipuma has since been suspended by the Walker Police Department.
Sheriff's office spokesman Sgt. Gene Higginbotham says Dipuma was booked Wednesday on counts of malfeasance and second-degree battery in the most recent case. Dipuma later bonded out of jail.
It was unclear whether Dipuma has an attorney.