VIDALIA — The Concordia Parish District Attorney’s Office has begun investigating an incident involving a Vidalia Police Officer who allegedly beat a 19-year-old at a birthday party on Dec. 12.

The Vidalia Police Department handed the case to the District Attorney’s Office last week.

Roger “Chip” McDonald Jr., 23, was the officer who was off duty and brought the victim to the party, said Police Chief Arthur Lewis.

A recording of a telephone conversation between a man identified as McDonald and a woman identified as a relative of the victim was released to a website, policeabuse.com.

The website, which provides assistance to victims of police misconduct, identifies the victim as Brandon Atkinson.

Lewis said the department didn’t receive a formal complaint from the victim or his family and could not release any information on the victim.

Lewis said Vidalia officers initially responded because of a call from a resident in the area, and it wasn’t until they arrived on the scene that they knew off–duty officers were involved.

Lewis said the homeowner was also an off-duty officer and was the one hosting the birthday party. McDonald was a guest.

After the officers arrived, Lewis said neither the victim nor McDonald wanted to file a complaint.

“Neither one of these people were working at the time, but they do have an obligation that they have to uphold at all times,” Lewis said. “These officers were disciplined for their actions, but not for the complaint (of the beating) because we never received a complaint.”

District Attorney’s Office Investigator Johnny Loomis said he has reviewed all the material and will begin interviewing suspects involved.

“In Louisiana you have a wide scope, so it could be anything from disturbing the peace to simple battery,” Loomis said. “I’m going to get as much information as I can and conduct the investigation.”

The website containing the phone recording claims that McDonald attacked the 19-year-old, but Loomis said at first glance he was seeing something different.

“Three of four different people at the party said he started the fight and that the police only used necessary force to restrain him,” Loomis said.

Lewis said both officers were disciplined and continue to work.

“If the district attorney comes up with charges, we could go through with the policy, and they will be disciplined according to the DA’s ruling,” Lewis said.