INDEPENDENCE - State Police say they’ve arrested an Independence Police Department officer after he was accused of stealing cash from non-English speaking motorists during traffic stops.

25-year-old Laquinton Banks was arrested Monday and booked on charges of felony theft, malfeasance in office and hate crimes.

The investigation began on Wednesday, Dec. 23 when the Independence Police Department received a complaint that a police officer was stealing currency from motorists during traffic stops. Banks was immediately placed on leave while Louisiana State Police investigated the claims.

During the investigation, it was revealed that a total of $1,600 was stolen by banks from non-English speaking Hispanic men during the course of traffic stops on four different occasions.

Troopers said the investigation is ongoing with more charges possible. If you have any information related to this case, call (985) 543-4197.