LAPLACE — A St. John the Baptist Parish employee has been arrested, accused of dealing drugs from his Parish vehicle while on duty for the Public Works Department, authorities said.

Bryant Daigre Sr., 49, of LaPlace was arrested Friday following a St. John Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division investigation.

Parish President Natalie Robottom said her staff has been working closely with the Sheriff’s Office throughout the investigation.

“I’m extremely disappointed in the actions of this individual, as this type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Robottom said. “It is not representative of the majority of parish employees. The investigation is ongoing, and the employee will be afforded his due process under the Civil Service guidelines.”

At the time of his arrest, Daigre was found with more than an ounce of crack cocaine, approximately $1,400 in cash and a digital scale concealed in his Public Works Department vehicle, authorities said.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said detectives began investigating Daigre for drug dealing after learning he was utilizing a parish vehicle to distribute narcotics while on duty.

Daigre was employed as a meter reader, and detectives obtained a search warrant for his vehicle, which was executed while conducting surveillance.

“Detectives discovered crack cocaine in Daigre’s pocket and concealed in his hat,” Tregre said in a release.

A search warrant for Daigre’s personal vehicle yielded a 40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun, additional crack cocaine and material used to manufacture crack cocaine, authorities said.

Daigre was booked with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia first offense, illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled dangerous substance and creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance.

He is being held in custody on lieu of a $126,500 bond.