A six-week joint investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrests of seven people in connection with the theft of two all-terrain vehicles valued at approximately $14,000 near Powhatan according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones.
The investigation began Jan. 21 at 5:03 pm, when NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to a reported theft in the 1700 block of La. Hwy 485 near Powhatan.
While speaking with the complainant and employees deputies learned two 2017 green Yamaha Kodiak 700s model all-terrain vehicles valued at approximately $14,000 were stolen from a farm shed during the night hours.
As NPSO Criminal Investigations Division detectives continued the investigation, they obtained names of several “persons of interest” according to Chief of Investigations Detective Greg Dunn.
During the following six weeks, NPSO detectives began focusing on those individuals traveling to Sabine, Red River and Caddo Parishes attempting to locate and interview those individuals that were believed to be involved in the theft.
Sabine, Red River and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Detectives joined in to assist.
The process of locating and interviewing these individuals who had separated following the theft took hours even days to find them according to Dunn.
During the course of the investigation and interviews, detectives obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal arrest warrants signed by a Tenth Judicial District Judge on seven suspects who were identified and allegedly involved or conspired to commit the theft.
As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested:
*Billy R. Murphy Jr., 32, of the 26000 block of Hoyte Drive, Shreveport, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on March 6th, charged with 1-count of Criminal Conspiracy, 2-counts of Felony Theft between $5000-$25,000, 1-count of Attempted Theft, 2-counts of Theft under $750, and 1-count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile.
*Jacoby D. Caldwell Sr., 28, of the 2800 Alkay Drive, Shreveport, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detentiion Center on March 3rd, charged with 1-count of Criminal Conspiracy, 2-counts of Felony Theft between $5000-$25,000, 1-count of Attempted Theft, 2-counts of Theft under $750, 1-count of Attempted Theft, and 1-count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile.
*Latisha N. Edwards, 24, of 8200 block of Wildbriar Street, Shreveport, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on February 27th, charged with 1-count of Accessory after the Fact, and 1-count of Criminal Obstruction of Justice.
*Armaa Y. Edwards, 17, of the 900 block of 2nd Street, Coushatta, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on February 21st, charged with 2-counts of Theft less than $750, 1-count of Criminal Trespassing, 1-count of Attempted Theft, and 1-count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile
*Larris Edwards, 19, of the 900 block of 2nd Street, Coushatta, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on February 27th, charged 1-count of Criminal Conspiracy, 2-counts of Felony Theft between $5000-$25,000, 1-count of Attempted Theft, 1-count of Theft less than $750 and 1-count of Criminal Trespassing.
*Kristina M. Markam, 33, of the 1300 block of East La. Avenue, Many, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on February 9th, charged with 1-count of Attempted Theft, and 2-counts of Principal to Felony Theft.
*Simco W. Morris, 21, of the 900 block of 2nd Street, Coushatta, La., currently being held in the Red River Parish Jail on Red River Parish charges of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, Flight from an Officer and Resisting an Officer.
Morris is also being held on Natchitoches Parish charges of: 1-count of Criminal Conspiracy, 2-counts of Felony Theft between $5000-$25,000, 1-count of Theft less than $750, 1-count of Attempted Theft and 1-count of Criminal Trespassing.
All of the suspects have bonded out of jail pending their court appearances with the exception of Simco Morris and Larris Edwards.
Detectives say the ATVs have not been recovered but believe they may to be in Red River Parish.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of the ATVs contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or your local law enforcement agency.
The case file will be turned over to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.