Marksville Officer Wins Court Rulings Ordering Reinstatement; Federal Lawsuit Alleges Retaliation

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Marksville police officer named Wesley Lachney was terminated in November 2024 following a positive drug test administered by city personnel. Lachney appealed the termination, and the Marksville Municipal Employees Civil Service Board ruled that the city did not have just cause to fire him, ordering his reinstatement with back pay. The city's appeals of this decision were rejected at the district court and state appellate court levels. However, Lachney has not yet been reinstated, and he has now filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging the termination was retaliatory and connected to his efforts to organize a police union.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between local government, law enforcement, and employee rights, as well as questions about the reliability of drug testing procedures. The dispute has now escalated to the federal level, potentially exposing the city to significant financial liability if Lachney prevails in his civil rights lawsuit.

The details

Lachney was terminated by Marksville Mayor John Lemoine based on a recommendation from Police Chief Elster Smith following a positive drug test administered by city personnel at City Hall. However, Lachney obtained an independent negative drug test shortly after, and the Civil Service Board found unresolved issues with how the city's test was conducted and documented. The Board ruled the termination was unjustified, but the city has continued to fight the reinstatement order through the courts. Lachney has now filed a federal lawsuit alleging the termination was retaliatory and connected to his efforts to organize a police union.

• In November 2024, Mayor John Lemoine terminated Officer Wesley Lachney following a drug test administered at City Hall by city personnel.
• Shortly after the termination, Lachney obtained an independent drug test at a certified facility, which returned negative results.
• In February 2025, the Marksville Municipal Employees Civil Service Board ruled the city did not have just cause for termination and ordered Lachney reinstated with back pay.
• In September 2025, the 12th Judicial District Court affirmed the Civil Service Board's decision.
• In 2026, the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed the district court ruling.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Lachney will determine whether the termination was retaliatory and violated his constitutional rights.