A St. Paul police officer was arrested Friday after allegedly violating an order for protection obtained last year by a fellow officer with whom he was romantically involved.

Louis Ferraro, 46, was booked into the Ramsey County jail and suspended without pay, a police news release said.

In the release, Chief John Harrington noted the department's recent implementation of a "Blueprint for Safety" that makes domestic-violence-related crimes a public safety priority for officers.

"The actions of Mr. Ferraro appear to demonstrate a profound disregard for his oath of office," Harrington said.

Earlier this year, the officer with whom he was involved, Jessica Phillips, 29, was charged with harassment after allegedly taunting a woman with tales of her sexual exploits with Ferraro.

Last October, however, after the alleged taunting incidents, Phillips obtained an order for protection against Ferraro after claiming that their relationship had soured.

Ferraro has disputed her allegations.

His arrest Friday came after a preliminary investigation indicated he'd had ongoing contact with Phillips, police said.

Anthony Lonetree • 612-673-4109