A recent tip from Texas sources of a stolen horse trailer possibly being in the Natchitoches area led to the arrests of two Natchitoches men, the recovery of the trailer, and seizure of illegal narcotics and a weapon according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
During early part of June 2024, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives received a tip from undisclosed Texas sources and images of a stolen 2021 Sundown horse trailer valued at $45,000 reportedly being in the Natchitoches area.
The trailer had been near Dallas and reported stolen to Lancaster Police Department, Texas.
Detectives also learned the horse trailer was allegedly being pulled by a dark-colored GMC dually pickup truck. Detectives then panned out over the Natchitoches area for a couple of days looking for the truck and trailer.
On June 4, NPSO Detectives observed the truck and stolen trailer parked at a business on Texas Street in Natchitoches. Detectives set-up surveillance in the area to identify the occupants of the vehicle in possession of the trailer. After doing so, detectives stopped the vehicle as it was preparing to leave the business.
Two occupants of the vehicle, identified as 31-year-old Onterio D. Pier and 33-year-old Charles L. Brown of Natchitoches were taken into custody. Detectives say while coming in contact with Pier and Brown they smelled a strong marijuana odor. Additional deputies responded to assist at the scene.
Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents also responded to assist in the investigation.
Agents obtained a search warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge to search the vehicle and trailer for any illegal items.
During a search of the vehicle, agents discovered and seized over 1000 MDMA ecstasy tablets, 4 grams of suspected cocaine, over 100 fentanyl pills, 1 gram of suspected marijuana, and one Glock 43 semi-automatic handgun reportedly stolen in a vehicle burglary near Natchitoches last year.
The seized evidence will be submitted to the Northwest Louisiana crime lab for narcotics analysis and identification.
Deputies and Task Force Agents arrested:
(1). Onterio D. Pier, 31, of Natchitoches transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things valued over $25,000.00 dollars, Possession of CDS Schedule 1 MDMA Ecstasy with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS Schedule II Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS Schedule 1 Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Felony, Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of Controlled Dangerous Substances and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
(2). Charles L. Brown, 33, of Natchitoches transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things valued over 25,000.00 dollars.
Deputies say the horse trailer confirmed stolen by Lancaster, Texas Police Department was impounded and stored at an undisclosed location.
The owner will make arrangements to take possession of the trailer.
Sheriff Stuart Wright congratulated deputies on a job well done by recovering the stolen property and taking dangerous drugs off the streets that were believed to be intended for distribution in Natchitoches and surrounding areas. The dangerous narcotic fentanyl is at least 100 times stronger than morphine and many times that of heroin that can lead to an overdose death.
Detective E. Mogridge, Detective Lt. J. Byles, Detective Lt. G. Sers, and Task Force Agents were assisted by Deputies Sgt. C. Campbell, C. Taylor, Sgt. E. Sowell, M. Ann-Sims, and B. Phelps. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
