CRIME REPORTS
December 2, 2015
Joy Boudreaux
December 2, 2015
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced this week that an investigation into shoplifting has netted an arrest, a warrant and has recovered more than $6,000 in stolen merchandise.
The investigation started in mid-November as deputies were investigating separate incidents at the Walmart in Raceland in mid-November.
At that time, three male subjects allegedly left the store with more than $800 in merchandise without paying for it.
Through investigation, authorities identified Edward Lawson, 32, of Thibodaux and Willie Holmes Jr., 44, also of Thibodaux, as the suspects in the case.
According to authorities, another incident occurred on Nov. 18 when a male attempted to steal more than $300 in merchandise.
Authorities said the thefts are part of several thefts which have occurred at Walmart stores across Louisiana with the items being taken and then allegedly brought to a storage unit in Bayou Blue.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for the unit, and deputies found more than 60 items, including merchandise taken from all three Walmarts in Lafourche Parish. Stolen merchandise was also located from the Baton Rouge area in the storage unit, as well – an amount totaling more than $6,000.
During the course of the investigation, deputies located Lawson on Nov. 18 and took him into custody on charges for outstanding warrents for misdemeanor theft and criminal trespassing. In addition to those charges, Lawson is also now facing felony theft by shoplifting for his alleged role in the mid-November incident.
He was released after posting a $2,000 bond.
Holmes remains at large and is wanted for felony theft by shoplifting, as well as an active warrant in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433.
Authorities said they are continuing their investigation into this case and more arrests or warrants are likely. •
