Lake Charles, LA –
From December 2020 until recently Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes detectives have been conducting investigations in reference to thefts of utility wires in the Vinton, Sulphur, and Moss Bluff areas.
During the investigations it was discovered the suspects were cutting live wires from active utility poles, causing the loss of services for residents in the area where the thefts occurred. The wires were then stripped of the plastic casing and the metal inside was sold as scrap. The investigation also revealed the suspects were removing rolls of wiring from locations where utility companies were working on repairs to damaged wires.
The eight month investigation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects. The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center between May and July:
· Thomas R. Manuel, 38, Orange, TX
Attempted theft $1,000 - $5,000; criminal damage to property $1,000 - $50,000.
$70,000 bond
· Gene A. Constance, 43, 4883 Highway 108, Vinton
Theft less than $1,000; criminal damage to property $1,000 - $50,000; possession of CDS IV; possession of marijuana; possession of a legend drug; possession of drug paraphernalia
$20,500 bond
· Spencer D. Conner, Sr., 48, 3211 Warren Street, Lake Charles
Theft less than $1,000; criminal damage to property $1,000-$50,000
$11,000 bond
· Daniel L. Johns, 19, 847 Ravia Road, Sulphur
Attempted theft $1,000 - $5,000; criminal damage to property $1,000 - $50,000
$25,000 bond
· John D. Mitchener, 48, 1764 Mitchell Road, Vinton
Theft $1,000 - $5,000; criminal damage to property $1,000 - $50,000
$25,000 bond
· Mark A. Guillory, 56, Orange, TX
Theft $1,000 - $5,000; criminal damage to property $1,000 - $50,000
$25,000 bond
· Samantha L. Miller, 30, Ragley, LA
Attempted theft $1,000 - $5,000; criminal damage to property $1,000 - $50,000
$25,000 bond
The investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected. CPSO is asking anyone with information related to these thefts to contact CPSO lead detectives Lukas Josker at 491-3762 or Jill Feverjean at 602-6811.