Waterproof’s ex-top cop faces charges

Published 11:39 pm Monday, September 27, 2010

ST. JOSEPH, La. (AP) — Former Waterproof police chief Miles Jenkins faces trial on felony corruption charges and sentencing on unrelated assault charges within two days next month.

Jenkins was convicted last week of hitting a woman he pulled over for speeding and the Tensas Parish sheriff’s deputy who came to arrest him. He could get up to six months in jail and a $500 fine on each count: battery, resisting arrest and battery of a police officer.

‘‘We will appeal those convictions to the appellate courts because what’s happening there seems totally unconstitutional,’’ said Jenkins’ attorney, Robert Jenkins of New Orleans. He would not provide further details.

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The News-Star reports that sentencing is scheduled Oct. 26.

On Oct. 25, Jenkins faces trial on three counts of malfeasance in office.

Jenkins and former Mayor Bobby Higginbotham were both in office when they were indicted in February 2009. Higginbotham was convicted in May on one count each of malfeasance and felony theft. He is seeking a new trial.

In June, state police on Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish arrested Jenkins on a charge of impersonating a police officer after he was pulled over for flashing blue lights on his truck.

Troopers said he showed a badge reading ‘‘Miles Jenkins, Police Chief, Waterproof, La.,’’ when asked for identification, and told investigators he had bumped the switch without realizing it.

Troopers called the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office and learned Jenkins was fired and never turned in his identification cards or badge.