MINDEN, LOUISIANA — As voters prepare to choose their next police chief on November 3, 2026, a federal civil rights lawsuit filed in the Western District of Louisiana provides another piece of public information for residents to consider when examining the professional backgrounds of those seeking office.
One of the individuals named in that lawsuit is Ryan Barnette, a former Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office detective and current candidate for Minden Chief of Police.
The lawsuit, Jeffery Kyle Landrum v. Sam Dowies, et al., was filed March 14, 2023, under federal civil rights law, 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
It contained allegations involving investigative practices, disputed evidence, and conduct by several law enforcement officials.
Importantly, these allegations were not established as fact by the court. Being named in a civil lawsuit does not prove wrongdoing.
Nevertheless, the publicly available court record describes Barnette’s alleged involvement in an investigation and provides an opportunity to examine the questions that can arise when law enforcement officers seek elected leadership positions.
What Did the Federal Lawsuit Allege?
According to the February 21, 2024, report and recommendation issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby, Landrum alleged that Detectives Kevin Brown, Ryan Barnett, and Robby Byrd visited his residence on November 5, 2021, while investigating a criminal damage to property complaint.
Landrum alleged that he offered Brown and Barnett access to surveillance footage from game cameras that he believed could support his alibi.
According to his complaint, the detectives declined to review that footage.
Landrum claimed that the detectives failed to investigate the case properly.
The lawsuit also alleged that Detective Brown subsequently used fabricated evidence to obtain an arrest warrant. Other allegations involving excessive force, threats, and statements made during the arrest concerned Brown and other named officials.
The published court record does not attribute those specific allegations of fabricated warrant evidence or excessive force to Barnette.
No court finding in the February 2024 report established that Barnette committed misconduct.
Why Was the Lawsuit Recommended for Dismissal?
The distinction between what a lawsuit alleges and what a court actually determines is essential.
In February 2024, Magistrate Judge Hornsby recommended dismissal of Landrum’s civil rights claims.
The report explained that several claims had been brought outside the applicable statute of limitations.
Other claims faced legal barriers connected to Landrum’s participation in a pretrial diversion program and the subsequent dismissal of his criminal charges.
The magistrate judge’s analysis addressed whether the claims could proceed under federal law. It did not establish whether the detectives had reviewed all available evidence or whether the alleged investigative conduct occurred.
The February 2024 document is a report and recommendation, not itself a final judgment by the district judge. Heart of Webster has not independently established the final disposition of the lawsuit.
Questions About Barnette’s Employment History
Barnette previously served with the Minden Police Department before working as an investigator for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
His publicly reported career history also includes private-sector security work.
The federal lawsuit was filed in March 2023. Barnette subsequently left the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, although Heart of Webster has not verified the precise departure date or the reason for his departure.
There is no verified evidence establishing that his departure was connected to the lawsuit.
Clarifying the employment timeline, including whether he resigned or left under other circumstances, would provide additional context to his professional record.
Accountability and the Race for Police Chief
Barnette has publicly emphasized experience, professionalism, community relationships, and accountability during his campaign.
At a recent Minden candidate forum, he discussed plans for a citizens police academy and improving public trust.
Those subjects are relevant to all candidates seeking responsibility for the department’s officers, investigative procedures, and treatment of residents.
The race also includes incumbent Police Chief Jared McIver, Tim Morris, and Darrell Morris.
Each candidate brings a professional background and stated priorities that voters can independently examine.
An Opportunity to Respond
Heart of Webster has not obtained a response from Barnette concerning his inclusion in the lawsuit or his departure from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The questions we would welcome him addressing include:
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What was his specific role in the November 2021 investigation?
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Was he offered surveillance footage, and if so, how was it handled?
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Were the investigative allegations ever reviewed by his department?
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When and why did he leave the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office?
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What policies would he establish as police chief to ensure that potentially exculpatory evidence is properly documented and evaluated?
Publication of these questions should not be interpreted as evidence that Barnette engaged in wrongdoing.
Heart of Webster welcomes a documented response and will provide appropriate updates if additional verified information becomes available.
Why Public Records Matter
Police chiefs make decisions affecting investigations, department discipline, training, accountability, and the public’s trust in law enforcement.
For that reason, records involving the professional conduct of individuals seeking such positions can be matters of legitimate public interest.
At the same time, fairness requires recognizing the limits of those records.
A lawsuit is not a conviction. An allegation is not a finding of fact. A change in employment is not, by itself, evidence of disciplinary misconduct.
Voters deserve the opportunity to review credible information, hear responses from the people involved, and make their own judgments.
The full February 21, 2024, report and recommendation in Landrum v. Dowies, Civil Action No. 23-340-P, is publicly available through CaseMine.
Heart of Webster will continue examining publicly available records concerning candidates for local office and welcomes documented corrections, responses, and additional relevant information.
Sources: U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Landrum v. Dowies, Civil Action No. 23-340-P, February 21, 2024; Louisiana Secretary of State candidate records; Minden Press-Herald reporting on the October 2026 candidate forum.
https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/6610cfe898c8641582fe6b6f
https://dockets.justia.com/docket/louisiana/lawdce/5:2023cv00340/198470
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