Press Release — Reckless Driving leads to Drug Seizure and Burglary arrests

The OPSO SCAT team has conducted an investigation that resulted in the clearance of several Ouachita Parish burglaries along with the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana, hydrocodone and cash. On January 1^st, deputies responded to a reckless driving complaint in the Bawcomville area of West Monroe. Subsequently, the vehicle was located at 234 Lilac St. Deputies determined that the vehicle was stolen and had been occupied by Clayton Parker,24,of West Monroe along with William Cain,18, of Monroe.

Deputies are continuing this investigation but to date the following arrests have been made.

Parker has been charged with 2 counts of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Arson, Simple Burglary, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Cain has been charged with Burglary and Resisting an Officer.

A related investigation at 994 Winnfield Rd in West Monroe  yielded the arrest of Renee Lovett,46, and John Bigelow,49. Stolen property, 4 ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana, suspected Hydrocodone, 3 firearms and 14,000.00 in cash were seized.

Both Lovett and Bigelow have been charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,Possession of Hydrocodone, Possession of Marijuana and Illegal Carrying of Firearm.

At a residence at 230 Pink St, Deputies were able to locate more stolen property and suspected methamphetamine. This led to the arrest of Jeremy Wells, 36, and Kayla Lara, 36. Both have been arrested with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Sheriff Russell is pleased with these arrests and said this is a good example of great cooperation between the Uniformed Patrol Division. Special Crimes Apprehension Team (S.C.A.T.), Investigations Division and Narcotics Division of the Sheriffs Office.  ”It is through this type cooperation that investigations are furthered and criminal enterprises are foiled”, said Sheriff Russell.

This is an ongoing investigation with more arrests expected. Investigators are currently working to identify stolen property to complete additional cases.