Two Vermilion Parish Officers Arrested for Leaking Confidential Information

Kaplan Police Chief confirms officers were advised not to share details of active investigation

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Two law enforcement officers in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana have been arrested after allegedly leaking confidential information from an active investigation to a suspect. An internal investigation was launched by the Kaplan Police Department after a complaint was received about the unauthorized release of sensitive case details. The Kaplan officer involved has been terminated, while the status of the Abbeville officer is unclear.

Why it matters

The arrest of these officers raises concerns about the integrity of law enforcement and the potential risks of confidential information being compromised during active investigations. It highlights the importance of maintaining strict protocols around sensitive case details to protect the integrity of the justice system.

The details

According to Kaplan Police Chief Joshua Hardy, the internal investigation began after a complaint was received regarding the possible release of sensitive case details. The officers involved had been clearly instructed not to share any information. Authorities later determined that a Kaplan police officer had allegedly passed information to an Abbeville police officer, who then shared it with a suspect connected to the case. The Kaplan officer has been terminated, while the status of the Abbeville officer is unclear.

  • The internal investigation began after a complaint was received.
  • The officers involved had been advised not to share any information during the investigation.

The players

Joshua Hardy

Kaplan Police Chief who confirmed the details of the investigation and arrests.

Terrance Hardy

An Abbeville Police Department officer who was arrested and charged with one count of malfeasance in office.

Shane LeBlanc

A Kaplan Police Department officer who was arrested and charged with one count of malfeasance in office.

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What they’re saying

“We had a complaint come in, during the investigation. The officers were advised not to give out any information.”

— Joshua Hardy, Kaplan Police Chief (KLFY)

“That information was leaked out from one officer. The Kaplan officer to the Abbeville officer, and then the information was told to the suspect.”

— Joshua Hardy, Kaplan Police Chief (KLFY)

“My officer was terminated. I'm not sure what actions were taken on the Abbeville officer.”

— Joshua Hardy, Kaplan Police Chief (KLFY)

What’s next

The case will now be forwarded for further review and sent to the district attorney's office. The investigation into the officers remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining strict protocols around confidential information during active investigations to protect the integrity of the justice system. The arrest of these officers raises concerns about potential breaches of trust within law enforcement and the need for robust internal controls to prevent such leaks.