Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson says that on September 21, 2022, an officer patrolling the area of North 11th Street observed a vehicle operated by 50 YO George Alexander.
Alexander is a known habitual offender with 15 felony arrests for numerous possessions with the intent to distribute illegal drugs, robbery, and burglaries. Alexander is currently on active probation for multiple burglary convictions. The officer was aware that Alexander had active arrest warrants with the Ponchatoula and Hammond police departments and conducted a traffic stop.
Captain Melvin McGary and additional officers arrived at the traffic stop to assist. Alexander is the stepson of Captain McGary.
Officers located suspected Meth, Heroin, Ecstasy MDMA, and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and charged Alexander with failure to appear, fugitive of Hammond Police, possession of schedule I narcotics, and more.
Officers identified the passenger as 44 YO Tremaine Hughes and arrested him for failure to appear.
After investigation, Captain McGary was terminated from the department for multiple ethical and policy violations. McGary had a significant conflict of interest in the investigation and should have immediately removed himself from the scene.
Chief Layrisson confirmed that McGary committed violations that included interfering with an active investigation and prosecutions, abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming an officer, and insubordination.
Chief Layrisson requested the Louisiana State Police conduct a criminal investigation and has also requested assistance from Louisiana Probation and Parole and the DA’s Office.
