Shreveport, LA, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Three officers from the Shreveport Police Department, Kourtney Pennywell-Jackson, Shanora Gipson-Ross, and Tarogie Jones, have been arrested on theft and malfeasance charges. The arrests followed an investigation initiated by a tip-off regarding their alleged misconduct during an incident at Sam’s Town Casino. Police Chief Wayne Smith emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency. The officers have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing, raising concerns about public trust in law enforcement.
Shreveport Police Officers Arrested for Theft and Malfeasance
Shreveport, LA – Three officers from the Shreveport Police Department have been arrested on charges of theft and malfeasance in office. The officers, identified as Kourtney Pennywell-Jackson (30), Shanora Gipson-Ross (37), and Tarogie Jones (37), were booked into the Caddo Correctional Center following an investigation prompted by a tip regarding their alleged misconduct.
The investigation into the officers began after KSLA News alerted law enforcement to possible wrongdoing. Upon learning of the allegations, Police Chief Wayne Smith acted promptly, placing the officers on administrative leave to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation could take place.
The officers were called to Sam’s Town Casino by a vehicle recovery agency after concerns were raised about a large number of items left inside a towed vehicle. The recovery agent noted the unusual quantity of personal belongings and subsequently requested police assistance. During their involvement, it is reported that the officers took some items from the vehicle, with a portion of them being returned to the vehicle’s owner, while others ended up in the property room of the Shreveport Police Department.
The business owner later filed a report about missing items after reclaiming her vehicle from the police facility. Surveillance footage from the incident showed one of the officers returning some of the personal items to the owner’s store, raising further concerns about the integrity of their actions.
In response to these troubling events, Chief Smith emphasized his commitment to accountability and transparency regarding any misconduct within the department. He reiterated that no officer is above the law, asserting that appropriate actions would be taken against any individual violating department policies or state laws.
Both Gipson-Ross and Jones joined the Shreveport Police Department in 2016, while Pennywell-Jackson began her career as a dispatcher in 2018 before transitioning to an officer role. The SPD expressed regret over the actions of the involved officers but reaffirmed their dedication to serving the community with integrity.
Background
Allegations against law enforcement can have significant implications for public trust in the institutions that serve them. The Shreveport Police Department’s swift response to these accusations reflects an attempt to maintain community confidence. Placing officers under administrative leave during investigations is standard procedure aimed at ensuring fair and unbiased handling of such serious allegations.
Summary of Events
- Three officers arrested: Kourtney Pennywell-Jackson, Shanora Gipson-Ross, and Tarogie Jones.
- Charged with theft and malfeasance in office.
- Investigation initiated based on tip-off regarding misconduct.
- Chief Wayne Smith placed officers on administrative leave for investigation.
- Incident involved police response to a vehicle recovery at Sam’s Town Casino.
- Missing items reported by the vehicle owner upon retrieval.
- Surveillance footage shows an officer returning items to the owner’s store.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The Shreveport Police Department is dedicated to upholding the principles of justice and integrity, ensuring that officers who breach public trust will be held accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges were the officers arrested on?
The officers were arrested on charges of theft and malfeasance in office.
Who are the officers involved in the arrest?
The officers involved are Kourtney Pennywell-Jackson, Shanora Gipson-Ross, and Tarogie Jones.
What triggered the investigation into the officers?
The investigation was triggered by a tip-off regarding their alleged misconduct.
What actions have been taken by the police department in response?
Chief Wayne Smith placed the officers on administrative leave and initiated a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
What was the nature of the incident at Sam’s Town Casino?
The incident involved police responding to a vehicle recovery where items were left inside the towed vehicle.
How does this incident impact community trust in law enforcement?
Such incidents challenge community trust, and the police department aims to address this proactively by maintaining transparency and accountability.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Officers Involved | Kourtney Pennywell-Jackson, Shanora Gipson-Ross, Tarogie Jones |
| Charges | Theft and malfeasance in office |
| Investigation Origin | Tip from KSLA News on officer misconduct |
| Location of Incident | Sam’s Town Casino |
| Department Response | Officers placed on administrative leave; investigation ongoing |
| Community Impact | Concerns over trust in law enforcement |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News
- Wikipedia: Police Corruption
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Google Search: Shreveport Police officers arrested theft
- KTBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- MSN News
- Google News: arrested officers Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
