A Shreveport police officer was arrested for misdemeanor theft and malfeasance in office today for allegedly stealing property during the execution of a search warrant.

Ryan Robinson, 28, was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center following an investigation by the Caddo Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Steve Prator said his office initiated the investigation after Shreveport Police Chief Willie Shaw made him aware of allegations against Robinson that occurred in the parish.

Robinson is accused of stealing a ceremonial American flag during a search warrant executed by the joint Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Task Force at a Vivian residence in August of 2010. Shreveport police officers on the Task Force are deputized by the Sheriff to have arrest powers and authority in the parish as part of their investigative duties.

Prator said the flag was not an object of the search, nor was it listed as seized property on the warrant. It was recently recovered by the Shreveport Police Department and turned over to sheriff’s investigators.

 “This is a serious violation of public trust,” Prator said. “Law enforcement officers must be
 above reproach when entering any citizen’s home or be prepared to face the consequences.”