Ouachita Parish Sheriff's deputy charged with rape, fired

The Ouachita Parish Sheriffs Office says one of their own has been charged with rape.

They said Bradley Smith, a deputy with the sheriff's office was arrested and charged with felony third degree rape. The sheriff's office says Smith was fired as soon as he was arrested.

In a news release, the sheriff's office says, "No one is above the law and this action has been taken to maintain the confidence of the public we serve. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a strong commitment to morality and professionalism in law enforcement. This arrest demonstrates that commitment."

Glenn Springfield, spokesman for the OPSO, says no more information on the nature of the crime is available as the investigation is ongoing.