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In September, investigators received information about Arndra Stephens, a 23-year-old former deputy with the CPSO who recently resigned. While still employed by CPSO, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 2024. According to CPSO policy, Stephens was allowed to remain a deputy while attending basic and advanced training in an active-duty status. During this time, CPSO provided him with differential pay to bridge the gap between his military pay and his CPSO salary.

In February 2025, Stephens completed his basic and advanced military training and was released from active duty. Per CPSO policy, he was allowed 90 days before he had to return to work at the Sheriff’s Office, during which time CPSO continued to pay him.

However, Stephens failed to inform the personnel office or his chain of command that he was no longer on active duty. This oversight continued until September 2025, well beyond the 90-day allowance. During this time, Stephens continued to receive pay from CPSO, despite being well past the deadline to either return to work or resign. When questioned about his status in September, he abruptly resigned from CPSO. His exploitation of CPSO policy resulted in a loss of over $14,000 to the Sheriff’s Office.

In October, Stephens agreed to an interview with me but immediately stated that he would not make a statement without an attorney present. A subsequent search of Stephens' phone, conducted under a search warrant, confirmed that he was aware he was still receiving pay from CPSO and had no intention of returning to work.

In November, investigators submitted an arrest warrant for Stephens on one count of Theft. This warrant was signed by Honorable Judge Emanuel on November 10, 2025. On November 19, 2025, Stephens surrendered at the Caddo Correctional Center and was booked on the aforementioned charge.

For questions regarding this press release, please contact Breck Scott