Town of Waterproof not exactly corruption proof

NBC -- The tiny town of Waterproof, Louisiana has been virtually shut down amid charges of corruption levied against the mayor and chief of police.

A court is now holding the town's bank account and phones at city hall are temporarily disconnected. Many are worried that the town's water could be shut down next.

"I have lived here for more than 40 years and I have never seen anything like this. I have seen four mayors, problems with water problems with streets, nothing like this. This is horrendous," says resident Sherry Wiley.

In one month, the town council has fired Mayor Bobby Higginbotham and Police Chief Miles Jenkins.

Both men are facing felony charges including malfeasance in office and payment of illegal bonuses to police officers.

The council says many residents have complained that Jenkins is abusing his authority and harassing them.

State police are investigating Jenkins for pulling people over outside of his jurisdiction.

They are also looking into a recent accident where he crashed his squad car during a high speed chase.

Samuel Johnson says Jenkins starting harassing his family after the mayor fired his sister, a police dispatcher.

Theresa Stampley says she was told auditors about Jenkins' dealings.

"I was asked some questions by some of the auditors in terms of him getting paid fees and moneys for ticket quotas that were written," Stampley says. "I told the truth. He's had it out for me ever since."

Patrolman Mack Melton says he still thinks of Jenkins as his boss and that people have the wrong idea about the former chief.

"The chief goes beyond his duties to stick up for the people of Waterproof," he says.

The mayor, chief and council are all hoping the court will help them sort out the mess they all blame each other for creating.