WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Family members of 40-year-old James Rachal lashed out against two St. Gabriel Police officers accused of stealing $2,000 in cash from him after he died during a crash in August.

Investigators say Officer Keith Snowten took $2,000 in cash and gave half of it to Officer Rodrick Wesley as "hush" money.

Family members of Rachal are outraged.

"Anyone that could stoop so low to steal from someone as they lay there dead, what kind of world are we living in," Michelle Mansur said.

Mansur is Rachal's ex-wife.  The two have an 11-year-old son together.

"My child asked me last night, why were they taking from my dad instead of trying to save his life?" Mansur said. "Aren't they supposed to serve and protect?"

St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau told News 2 the officers disgraced his department.  He personally apologized for their behavior and immediately asked Louisiana State Police to investigate when he began receiving tips of possible theft. Ironically, it was the ex-girlfriend of one of the officers who tipped off police.

Ambeau fired the officers yesterday.  However, a special city council meeting will be held Monday to make it official.

The officers are charged with malfeasance in office and felony theft.