Former Westwego Police Department Officer Arrested for Theft

In June of 2024, the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NFO) was contacted by the Westwego Police Department requesting assistance with an investigation pertaining to the suspicion of public corruption from one of their officers.

With the assistance of the Westwego Police Department, LSP investigators determined that in April of 2024, while working for the Westwego Police Department, 59-year-old Leroy Victoriano, Jr. was tasked with traveling to LSP Headquarters in Baton Rouge to pick up investigative supplies for the agency. While doing so, Victoriano acquired a significant amount of “Affidavits for Physical Inspection” without authorization from the Westwego Police Department. These Affidavits are used to conduct physical inspections on vehicles which verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the Office of Motor Vehicle registration process. Many agencies have specific personnel identified and trained to appropriately conduct the physical inspections of vehicles.

The joint investigation revealed that Victoriano failed to provide the Affidavits to the agency upon his return, and maintained them in his possession. Additionally, Victoriano sought out individuals in need of inspections, conducted the inspection, and charged $25.00 for the service. At the time of the investigation, the Westwego Police Department charged $40 for physical inspections to be conducted by their authorized personnel.
Investigators executed multiple search warrants of Victoriano’s marked police unit, residence and personal vehicle, locating evidence of his receipt of the unauthorized Affidavits on multiple occasions as well as the issuance of physical inspections. It was determined that since June of 2023 Victoriano obtained over 5,000 Affidavits and issued over 3,400 Affidavits profiting in excess of $100,000.00. Investigators also located 1,219 unused Affidavits, leaving around 400 unaccounted for.

As a result of the investigation, investigators obtained arrest warrants for Victoriano through the 24th Judicial District Court for Theft of U.S. Currency over $25,000.00 (Felony), Filing False Public Records (Felony), Malfeasance in Office (Felony) and Money Laundering $20,000.00 to $100,000.00 (Felony). On July 19, 2024, Victoriano turned himself in to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center and was booked accordingly.
At the initiation of the investigation, Victoriano was placed on administrative leave and immediately resigned. For any questions regarding his employment, please contact the Westwego Police Department. This case remains under investigation.

The LSP-IFAT-NFO continues to investigate crimes related to auto theft and insurance fraud. Citizens can report suspected fraud to the LSP-IFAT via: [email protected].

Contact Information
Sgt. Kate Stegall
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Regions 1 and NOLA
[email protected]