The burglaries and thefts occurred in the Cloutierville area between the months of May and November 2022.

 

Four arrests have been made in connection with the burglaries and thefts, however, as detectives continue to investigate the burglaries they are asking for the public’s assistance in an effort to attempt to recover some of the stolen property not recovered.

 

NPSO Deputies responded to a reported theft on May 21, 2022 in the 900 block of La. Hwy 495 in Cloutierville. While speaking with the complainant, deputies learned 3 catalytic convertors valued at several hundred dollars had been cut off of the exhaust system of vehicle’s owned by the complainant.

 

NPSO Deputies responded to a reported residential burglary Nov. 3, 2022  in the 1100 block of La. Hwy 495 in Cloutierville. Deputies determined forced entry was gained by kicking in a rear door.

 

While speaking with the homeowner, deputies learned that several items were stolen, a Remington 870 shotgun, a .44 magnum Super Black Hawk handgun, Knight .50 caliber black powder rifle, over 5000 rounds of ammunition, a Rolex watch, jewelry, assorted hand tools, a DeWalt impact drill, 50-inch television and a sabre saw.

 

NPSO Deputies responded to a reported residential burglary on Nov. 10, 2022 in the 1500 block of La. Hwy 491 in Cloutierville. While speaking with the homeowners, deputies learned entry had been gained into the residence on 2 separate occasions. Items reported stolen were: a 42-inch flat screen television, 48-inch flat screen television, 900 MHZ scanner, Marlin .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, 1-air compressor, Scroll saw, Hitachi portable table saw, radial arm saw, drum saw, Dell computer and screen, hand select tools, kitchen ware and several bottles of medication.

 

NPSO Deputies responded to a reported residential and tool shed burglary on Nov. 13, 2022 in the 900 block of La. Hwy 491 in Cloutierville. While speaking with the complainant, deputies learned over $4000.00 dollars in merchandise had been stolen. Items reported stolen were: an electric bicycle, generator, 40 inch flat screen television, air compressor, Hitachi nail gun, staple gun, game cameras, and a 16-foot car hauler. A Kubota min-excavator was also damaged by the suspect’s attempting to hot-wire the machine.

 

A Cloutierville resident walked into the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 30, 2022 wishing to file a theft report in reference to farm equipment being stolen from his barn in the 900 block of La. Hwy 491 in Cloutierville. Items reported stolen were: 1-International Tractor, a New Holland square hay bailer, a John Deere 6-foot brush cutter, 150-gallon water trough and a cutting torch.

 

Deputies gathered information, and turned completed offense reports over to the criminal investigations bureau for follow-up investigations.

 

Several deputies and patrol deputies began to investigate and assist in the investigation.

 

As the investigation progressed, detectives obtained information that led to persons of interest identified as Carlous D. Armstrong, Steven E. Raphiel, Billy J. Byone and Dakota B. Rachal possibly involved in the burglaries, thefts and receiving of stolen property.

Armstrong and associates were reportedly suspiciously moving around the Cloutieville area in a U-Haul truck and private vehicle in the day and night time hours.

 

Detectives continued to investigate and interview the suspects that led to the recovery of some stolen property in Natchitoches and Vernon Parishes.

 

Detectives obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal arrest warrants signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge for the arrest of the following:

 

*Carlous D. Armstrong, 43, of 900 block of La. Hwy 495, Cloutierville booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 2-Counts of Theft, Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of CDS Schedules I, II, and IV Narcotics, Possession of a Legend Drug, and 2-Counts of Criminal Damage to Property. Armstrong remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

 

*Steven E. Raphiel, 28, of the 900 block of La. Hwy 491, Cloutierville booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-Count of Simple Burglary, 2-Counts of Felony Theft, 1-Count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, and 1-Count of Criminal Damage to Property. Raphiel has been released on bond pending a court appearance.

 

*Billy J. Byone, 53, of the 900 block of La. Hwy 491, Cloutierville booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-Count of Principle to Theft. Byone has been released on bond pending a court appearance.

 

*Dakota B. Rachal, 31, of Cypress booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 2-Counts of Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, 3-Counts of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, 1-Count of Theft by Fraud, Probation Violation-State of Texas and holds by Terrebonne and Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Offices. Rachal remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center.

 

Detectives say illegal narcotics were seized during the arrests of Armstrong and Rachal.

 

As we continue our investigation, we ask that if you purchased any items from these suspects in the last 6 months to please contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 357-7830. You will not be charged with a criminal offense, however, as the investigation continues and if it leads to anyone in possession of stolen items you will be charged with a criminal offense. The owners stated some of these items were very sentimental to them because it belonged to deceased family members.