Lake Charles, LA –
On June 2, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit (VCIU) detectives responded to a business on Beglis Parkway in Sulphur in reference to a vehicle burglary.
During the initial investigation, detectives learned an unknown suspect burglarized the victim’s truck while it was parked at the business. The suspect stole the victim’s wallet, which contained two credit cards, and later used those cards at a grocery store in Sulphur. Detectives were able to obtain surveillance footage from the store and submitted it to the CPSO Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). Deputies in the RTCC were able to identify the suspect as James W. Carey, Jr., 32, Sulphur. VCIU detectives issued a warrant signed by Judge Tony Fazzio for Carey’s arrest. Deputies attempted to locate Carey, but were unsuccessful.
On June 6, CPSO deputies were dispatched to a local tow company in Sulphur in reference to the theft of a truck from the business. During the initial investigation, CPSO VCIU detectives reviewed video surveillance and observed Carey enter the gated parking lot. Once inside Carey entered two vehicles, before ultimately entering a truck and driving off by ramming the gate.
After further investigation, it was learned Carey arrived at the business in an SUV that had been previously stolen from a local car dealership in Sulphur. Later the same day, June 6, with the assistance of the CPSO RTCC, deputies located the stolen truck and conducted a traffic stop, at which time deputies made contact with the driver, Carey. Carey was also found to be in possession of suspected synthetic marijuana.
When VCIU detectives spoke with Carey he confirmed he was responsible for stealing the truck and SUV. He also confirmed to detectives he was responsible for the burglary and theft on June 2.
Carey was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on his active warrant for simple burglary; theft less than $1,000; and identity theft. He was also charged with theft of a motor vehicle $25,000 or more; theft of a motor vehicle $5,000 to $25,000; criminal simple damage to property less than $1,000; possession of synthetic marijuana; 2 counts of simple burglary; and 2 counts of criminal trespass. Judge Tony Fazzio and Kendrick Guidry set his total bond at $61,000.
CPSO VCIU Detectives DiQuan Bennett, James Jones, and James Rathke are the lead investigators on these cases.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.