Former Ascension Parish chief deputy assessor accused of computer tampering, turns himself in

ASCENSION PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) — The Gonzales Police Department said the former Ascension Parish chief deputy assessor, who is accused of tampering with the tax-assessed values on his personal property, turned himself in Tuesday.

The Gonzales Police Department arrested Justin Champlin, 44, and booked him into the Ascension Parish Jail around 11 a.m. He is charged with two counts of tampering with a computer (a misdemeanor). He is also charged with two counts of injuring public records and malfeasance in office.

Police said an audit of the Ascension Parish Assessor showed possible wrongdoing by Champlin while he served as chief deputy.

Two West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office employees under criminal investigation

“During the course of the Gonzales Police Department’s investigation, detectives were able to establish that Champlin tampered with the tax assessed values on his personal property,” police said.

GPD said the case is being finalized and turned over to the district attorney’s office.

Champlin began his employment with the assessor’s office in 2013, according to his LinkedIn account.

Details on how much Champlin lowered his assessed values were not immediately available.

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