CADDO PARISH, La. – A former Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested for theft after failing to return to work following military training. Arndra Stephens, 23, enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 2024 while employed at CPSO.
Stephens was allowed to remain on the force during basic and advanced military training and received differential pay to cover the gap between his military and CPSO salaries.
After completing training in February 2025, Stephens was given a 90-day period to report back to work. CPSO officials say he did not notify them that he was no longer on active duty and continued to collect his salary beyond the grace period.
In September 2025, CPSO questioned Stephens about his employment status, prompting his abrupt resignation. A subsequent investigation, including a search of his phone, revealed that Stephens knew about the improper payments and had no intention of returning.
An arrest warrant was issued on November 10, 2025, and Stephens surrendered to authorities at the Caddo Correctional Center on November 19. He was booked on one count of theft for unlawfully collecting over $14,000 in salary payments.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is reviewing its policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
