LITTLE ROCK — Three days after a Louisiana man was arrested on gun and drug charges, authorities were trying to determine whether he was a reserve sheriff's deputy who was abusing his authority or an impersonator who should face more charges.
Matthew R. Clement, 31, last Friday led authorities on a chase along Interstate 40 from Lonoke to Pulaski County, where state troopers stopped him with a barricade, authorities said. He had flipped on blue flashing lights inhis truck, prompting motorists to move out of his way, authorities said.
Investigators said they found in his truck three guns, baggies of a powder suspected to be methamphetamine, prescription pills and a marijuana pipe. He was also determined to be a convicted felon, said Lt. James Kulesa with the Lonoke County sheriff's office.
Clement told officers he was a reserve deputy from the Terrebonne Parish sheriff's office in Houma, La., Kulesa said. On Monday, however, a commander with the Louisiana office said thatwasn't true.
"I promise you he has no affiliation with our department," said Brent Hidalgo, chief deputy of the Terrebonne Parish sheriff's office. "He's never been employed by our office."
Hidalgo said it was possible under a previous sheriff's administration that Clement may have had a role as a volunteer who had no arresting authority.
Reserve deputies, however, have arresting authority. But even if Clement had been one, he would not have been allowed to have blue lights in a personal car,Hidalgo said.
On Friday, a different commander in Houma said that it was only as of Clement's arrest that he was no longer affiliated with Terrebonne Parish's sheriff's office, Kulesa said.Kulesa said investigators planned to consult with prosecutors to see whether they should pursue impersonation charges.
Clement was booked on felony drug and gun charges as well as traffic violations.
He was released from the Lonoke County jail Saturday after posting $50,000 bond.
Arkansas, Pages 16 on 11/11/2008