Donaldsonville, Louisiana Fire Chief Under Investigation For False Documentation

Donaldsonville residents could soon have to pay more for their homeowner's insurance. State police insurance fraud investigators say there could be evidence that the fire chief filed false documents in an effort to lower the city's fire rating.

Recently that rating dropped from a "5" to a "3". State Police Sergeant Michelle Arbour says they've obtained documents showing Chief Kurt Landry reported having more equipment than the department has and volunteer firefighters on scenes when they were never there.

Seargeant Arbour says, "In reality, it's been checked and those personnel are disabled and not able to report to fires."

With the current "3" rating, Donaldsonville homeowners pay an average of $537 a year. If that rating drops back to a "5", those same homeowners would pay about $626 a year. Chief Landry would not comment. Investigators say he could be charged with malfeasance in office and insurance fraud.