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4 Arrested by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office for Copper Thefts from a Lake Charles Hotel

Four men have been arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center for allegedly taking copper from a hotel in Lake Charles.

Lake Charles, LA – Around noon on July 26, 2021, detectives from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a hotel on West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles after a call about several suspects removing copper wire and piping from the building.

It was learned during the investigation that three individuals, had been staying on the property without the owner’s permission. The individuals were identified as Kelly R. Esthay, 51, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Luke E. Fabry, 29, of Roundup, Montana, and Seth M. Cart, 23, of Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was discovered by detectives that the three men were taking copper wire, pipe, and air conditioner parts while they were staying at the hotel which was damaged during Hurricanes Laura and Delta. After further investigation, CPSO detectives were led to the home of Anthony T. Douvio, 51, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, where a search warrant was executed. During a search of the home, Calcasieu Parish detectives found a large amount of copper wire, pipes, and air conditioner parts believed to have been stolen from the hotel that Esthay, Fabry, and Cart were staying at. Evidence showed thatDouvio had scrapped nearly 17,000 pounds of copper in the last 7 months. All four men were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center the same day.

Esthay, Fabry, and Cart were charged with simple burglary; theft from $25,000 or more; and simple criminal damage to property. Judge Tony Fazzio set their bonds at $25,000. Douvio was charged with illegal possession of stolen things $5,000 to $25,000; possession of a firearm in the presence of a CDS; possession of CDS II; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Tony Fazzio set his bond at $79,000.

CPSO Detective John Coffman is the lead investigator on this case.