HOUMA, La. (AP) — A retired police officer is accused of stealing $6,500 from the Louisiana city department where he had worked.

Jeffery Lirette, 46, was arrested Monday on 45 counts of injuring public records, 17 of forgery and one of theft between $5,000 and $25,000, all while he was a Houma police officer, according to a state police news release.

The Houma Police Department asked state police in October to investigate money missing from a department expense account, Trooper Jesse LaGrange wrote.

Lirette was a lieutenant and a narcotics commander when he retired after 23 years, Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman told The Courier.

“Any arrest of a law enforcement officer comes as a shock,” Coleman said. “Lt. Jeffrey Lirette was an outstanding officer with HPD for over 20 yrs. Apparently something went wrong.” He said everyone, including police officers, must be held accountable for their actions.

Lirette was released on $20,000 bond.

Directory assistance did not have a number where Lirette could be reached for comment.