State Office of Motor Vehicles worker arrested

CHALMETTE, La. (AP) - Louisiana State Police have arrested an employee of the Office of Motor Vehicles in Chalmette on a theft charge.

Detectives received information of suspected criminal activity at the office and an investigation revealed that 50-year-old Juanita Rainey, of Slidell, allegedly pocketed more than $500 worth of fees paid by customers for insurance violations in January. Authorities say Rainey then would use the state computers to alter the fee amounts owed by customers to show a zero balance.

Trooper First Class Melissa Matey says an audit will determine whether the alleged actions occurred at other times.

Rainey was booked Wednesday into the St. Bernard Parish jail on charges of theft and malfeasance in office.

Bond information was not immediately available. It was not known if she has an attorney.