Lake Charles, LA –
On July 20 Calcasieu Parish Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit (VCIU) detectives received a report in reference to a theft at a local business. The victim advised detectives 15 to 20 catalytic converters, worth approximately $8,000, were stolen from his business on Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles during the early morning hours on June 20.
During the initial investigation detectives viewed surveillance footage and observed a truck dropping off an unknown man, who entered the property and began moving the security cameras out of view of where the theft occurred. After following up on numerous tips and viewing surveillance footage at a local scrap yard, detectives learned three men, Rusty A. Conner, 38, 1915 Alvin Acres Drive, Lake Charles, Brent A. Touchet, 43, 3149 Davis Road, Westlake, and Robert R. Kilgore II, 39, 2307 Salmon Street, Lake Charles, had recently scrapped several catalytic converters in the immediate days following the burglary. Detectives also learned the catalytic converters that were scrapped by Conner, Touchet, and Kilgore matched the part numbers of the ones that were stolen from the business. Further investigation revealed Conner and Touchet were responsible for the burglary and theft of the catalytic converters.
On July 22, detectives located Conner at which time he was transported to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office for questioning. While speaking with detectives Conner confirmed he was responsible for the burglary and thefts of the catalytic converters. He was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with simple burglary; and theft. Judge Tony Fazzio set his bond at $45,000.
Detectives issued a warrant signed by Judge Tony Fazzio for Touchet and Kilgore’s arrest. Touchet is charged with simple burglary; and theft. His bond is set at $45,000. Kilgore is charged with illegal possession of stolen things. His bond is set at $25,000. Detectives are currently searching for Touchet and Kilgore and ask if anyone has any information regarding their whereabouts, please call CPSO at 491-3605.
CPSO VCIU Detective Matthew Bean is the lead investigator on this case.
Note: Conner is still in the process of being booked-in, and no current mugshot is available at this time. The attached mugshot is from a previous arrest in 2017.