DA, attorney want court to clarify after former Baton Rouge officer found guilty of malfeasance

Keymonte Avery
·2 min read

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The former Baton Rouge Police officer who was accused of kidnapping and malfeasance in office was found not guilty of kidnapping on Tuesday, March 27.

Judge Eboni Johnson Rose found former BRPD officer Donald Steele Jr. not guilty of kidnapping but guilty of malfeasance in office, according to District Attorney Hillar Moore.

One of Steele’s attorneys, Franz Borghardt, noted that Steele was convicted of a misdemeanor of malfeasance in office, which doesn’t exist, according to Louisiana state law.

On Wednesday, March 27, Rose met with the state and defense counsel to clarify the verdict as legal authorities were requested to assist in the deliberation, Moore said. She requested that both counsels file a legal memorandum by April 5. A hearing date is set for April 18.

In 2021, Steele was accused of making sexual advances toward a 19-year-old woman during a traffic stop. According to an arrest warrant, Steele reportedly pulled over the victim, saying that she had been drinking and driving but would not get a ticket because she was cute. Steele allegedly took the victim’s phone and sent himself a photo. Steele reportedly advised the victim to follow him to an abandoned warehouse near Hollywood Casino.

Steele reportedly informed the victim that “he could have sex with her better than anyone she’s ever been with.” He was accused of sexually assaulting the victim and began asking her personal questions, according to arrest documents.

In October 2022, Steele pleaded not guilty to the accused charges.

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Moore requested clarification from the judge. He released a statement Tuesday about the verdict.

“We respect the court’s verdict as to the kidnapping charge, but respectfully disagree. We have asked to meet with the Court and defense counsel tomorrow morning to discuss the wording of the court’s verdict as to the malfeasance charge. Due to our request, I do not think there should be further comment until after our meeting with the court.”

District Attorney Hillar Moore

Borghardt issued his own statement after the meeting with the judge on Wednesday.

This morning, Mr. Steele’s defense team met with the Court and the State in chambers. Despite reports to the contrary, this meeting validated that Mr. Steele was acquitted of Second Degree Kidnapping and any type of sexual malfeasance. The Court has requested further briefing on several technical legal issues that have been raised between the parties. We look forward to returning to Court and confirming Mr. Steele’s acquittal of the charged conduct. Both our firms maintain and have maintained Mr. Steele’s innocence and embrace the opportunity to continue to fight for our client.

Franz N. Borghardt

A sentencing for Steele is scheduled for April 30, 2024.

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