Sunset Police Chief Luis Enrique Padilla has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating an individual’s civil rights by using excessive force during a December 2023 investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana announced the charges, alleging Padilla caused injuries to the detained individual.
Allegations of Excessive Force
According to the indictment, Padilla handcuffed an individual without legal justification on December 1, 2023, during an investigation. He allegedly twisted the individual’s thumb and wrist with enough force to cause injury. Prosecutors contend the act constituted a civil rights violation.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Following the indictment, Padilla was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst on Tuesday. During the hearing, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court released him on a $30,000 bond with conditions, including prohibiting contact with witnesses or the alleged victim and barring firearm possession.
Police Department and Legal Representation
The Sunset Police Department has declined to comment on Padilla’s arrest or his current employment status. Efforts to obtain a statement from Padilla’s appointed legal counsel, the Federal Public Defender’s Office, were unsuccessful as of Wednesday.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Padilla faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the civil rights violation. The case underscores the heightened scrutiny law enforcement officials face in cases of alleged misconduct.
A Controversial Career
Padilla’s tenure as Sunset police chief has been marked by controversy. First elected in 1999, he served until 2002 before losing re-election. He regained the position in 2014 after narrowly winning with 53% of the vote.
During his 2014 campaign, Padilla faced a charge of impersonating a police officer after allegedly identifying himself as the Sunset police chief despite not holding the position at the time. The charge was dropped following his election win.
