By Pat Culverhouse
A Minden police officer is facing serious sex-related charges involving a juvenile as the result of an investigation by Louisiana State Police (LSP).
Chief of Police Jared McIver said 27-year-old Hunter Allen Buchanan is facing two counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with juveniles and computer aided solicitation for sexual purposes.
He reportedly was arrested on warrants just after 1 a.m. Saturday (June 6) at Bailey’s Casino by Louisiana State Police. His total bond has been set at $450,000.
Buchanan was approved for hire as a Minden police officer by the Minden City Council in December, 2023. He reportedly served in the U.S. Navy and was currently a member of the Navy reserves.
Reports indicate state police began an investigation after a missing 15-year-old was located and text communications with an individual identified as a Minden police were discovered.
During interviews with investigators, Buchanan reportedly admitted talking to a girl on a dating app and bringing her twice to his home. Buchanan lists a residence in the 200 block of Chris Dr. in Minden.
In a statement, McIver said he learned of allegations of misconduct concerning Buchanan late Friday evening and immediately requested assistance from LSP.
“Officers worked throughout the night. In the early morning hours of June 6, the Louisiana State Police executed warrants for the arrest of Officer Hunter Buchanan,” McIver said in his statement.
“Officer Buchanan was immediately placed on administrative leave following the arrest. The Louisiana State police will continue the ongoing investigation with the full cooperation of the Minden Police Department,” he said.
McIver said all Minden police officers, “are held to the highest of standards and anything less will not be tolerated.”
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.