Homer Police Department (HPD) Sergeant Arnold Stephenson, 50, was arrested Monday for possession of schedule I narcotics with intent to distribute and illegal carrying of weapons, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier City Field Office (LSP BOI BCFO). Stephenson was booked into Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
The investigation, which remains active, was initiated following a complaint of excessive use of force by HPD. In December 2022, HPD Chief Elvan “Van” McDaniel was arrested for aggravated battery and malfeasance in office. Investigators found that Chief McDaniel had used excessive force by deploying a taser multiple times on a non-combative subject who was handcuffed and lying on the ground.
As the investigation continues, additional charges and arrests are possible. HPD will be unable to answer calls for service, with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office handling all calls in the area, assisted by Troop G.
Louisiana State Police will lead the investigation, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system at http://la-safe.org/.