A longtime Louisiana cop was apprehended on Wednesday after federal agents executed a search warrant at his residence in New Orleans and found more than 100 firearms and a stash of crack cocaine.
The 38-year-old police officer, Reginald Allen Koeller III, has been with the force for 18 years and most recently worked as a patrol officer in the 4th District, according to authorities. He was arrested on the charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and the illegal carrying of a weapon while in possession of the drug.
“He vehemently denies the allegations,” said Koeller’s attorney, Angad Ghai. “He does look forward to exonerating himself.”
Agents who executed the search warrant in Koeller’s home were acting, at least in part, on a tip.
Court records show that a driver reported to the Public Integrity Bureau saying he crashed his car on March 23 near I-10 Service Road and Crowder Boulevard after fleeing from Koeller’s marked police patrol vehicle.
The tipster said he threw his Glock Model 17 pistol away, but Koeller retrieved the gun and said he would add it to “his collection,” according to court documents.
In addition, Koeller, who once worked as a SWAT officer, also allegedly collected $7,500 cash from the suspect.
Koeller did not document the incident or surrender the gun he retrieved from the suspect, police wrote in court documents. When agents searched his home, they discovered a small armory of weapons, including more than 100 firearms of various makes and models and ammunition stored in four safes.
The New Orleans Police Department has placed Koeller on emergency suspension pending the outcome of a federal investigation.
During his bond hearing in Magistrate Court on Wednesday, defense attorney Angad Ghai cited Koeller’s “distinguished career serving the community” and argued for a charge of simple possession of cocaine.
Magistrate Court Commissioner Robert Blackburn let stand the possession with intent charge. He set a $15,000 bond.
