A Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy who has been under investigation since August for domestic abuse has been arrested.

Spokesperson Kayla Vincent said their office received a complaint on Aug. 2 in reference to Deputy Ed Choi, 39. She said the abuse occurred several weeks prior to the complaint being filed.

In addition to domestic abuse, Choi also prevented the victim from leaving the residence, Vincent said.

The investigation was conducted by detectives and the case was turned over to the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office. On Monday, the district attorney accepted charges for domestic abuse battery and false imprisonment.

After turning himself in, Choi was arrested and issued a misdemeanor summons, Vincent said.

He was also fired.

Choi worked at the Calcasieu Parish Regional Training Academy and had been with department more than six years, Vincent said.

“Our deputies will always be held accountable for their actions,” Sheriff Tony Mancuso said in an emailed statement to the American Press. “Choi has been on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”

Mancuso said when detectives received the abuse complaint, they did not have enough evident to make an arrest.

“Due to the incidents being reported after the fact and the involved parties already being separated there was no reason to believe any further threat of abuse would occur,” Mancuso said. “Detectives conducted a thorough and complete investigation to corroborate the allegations.”

Choi’s defense attorney, Adam Johnson, said the decision to pursue a misdemeanor charge “is unfortunate and disappointing.”

”To be clear, Sgt. Choi is innocent,” Johnson said. “Further, despite the state’s misdemeanor charge, he is presumed innocent. And when this case is closed, he will remain innocent. Our deep thanks to the multitude of friends, family, and former colleagues who have extended him tremendous support. As you might expect, we look forward to clearing his name now that it has been tarnished.”