Harlan Kirgan
A theft ring believed to have stolen more than $90,000 in property from Coburn’s Supply Company is in the process of being broken up by Eunice Police.
Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot said three people have been arrested in connection with a series of thefts at Coburn’s Supply Company warehouse on 120 E. Magnolia Ave., and more arrests are expected.
The thefts from a warehouse have been going on for about a year, but police became involved in August, Fontenot said.
“As the investigation unfolded, officers started locating items that Coburn’s hadn’t realized had been stolen,” he said.
There were three reported thefts since August, he said.
Surveillance video was available and posted on Facebook, but it was not of the best quality, he said.
“Officer Victor Fontenot started getting bits and pieces of information and putting things together,” he said.
“His diligence and persistence is what led to these arrests,” Fontenot said.
“He was investigating with very little to go on,” he said.
Officer Fontenot was joined by Officer Shane Larson in investigating the thefts that included generators, camera systems, household building supplies, nearly 300 jugs of freon and other items, he said.
The police chief estimated at least $90,000 in property has been taken from Coburn’s.
“It’s probably one of the largest we’ve had in awhile,” the chief said of the thefts.
Police opted to charge the suspects with theft over simple burglary because the penalty for theft theft is up to 25 years in jail and simple burglary carries a maximum of 12 years behind bars, he said.
As of Wednesday morning, the following people have been arrested in connection with the thefts:
Wesley M. Edwards, 45, 1000 block of North CC Duson, Eunice. Probation warrant, unauthorized entry of a place of business and theft $25,000 or more.
Merecedes L. Thomas, 25, 800 block of La. 13 North, Eunice. Theft value $25,000 or more and unauthorized entry of a place of business.
Abbi Ann Fontenot, 17, 1900 block of Fuselier Road, Mamou. Theft, unauthorized entry of a place of business and obstruction of justice.