Vinton, Louisiana — A Vinton man faces several felony charges after a series of thefts and burglaries in the Starks and Vinton areas, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO). Detectives say a stolen utility trailer reported on April 21 led to an investigation that uncovered a string of related crimes.
The case began when deputies received a complaint regarding a stolen utility trailer from property along Highway 109 South in Starks. The CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit (VCIU) quickly reviewed surveillance footage from the scene. Through careful analysis, detectives identified a suspect vehicle and, with assistance from the CPSO Real Time Crime Center, traced it to John C. Wimberly, 38, of Vinton, Louisiana.
Further investigation revealed Wimberly’s truck was seen towing the stolen trailer in both the Vinton and Starks areas in the days following the theft. Within days, additional reports of theft and attempted theft surfaced, including the theft of a tractor and an attempted theft of another tractor in the same region.
Authorities also indicated that digital evidence placed Wimberly at or near the scenes of these incidents. As a result, multiple warrants were issued for his arrest.
On May 14, with help from the CPSO Enforcement Division, authorities located and arrested Wimberly. He was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. The charges include two counts of simple burglary, two counts of simple criminal property damage under $1,000, theft ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, theft of a motor vehicle valued at over $25,000, and attempted theft of a motor vehicle valued between $5,000 and $25,000.
Wimberly’s total bond is set at $511,000, reflecting the seriousness and number of charges. Detectives Allen Cormier, Jr., and Tyler McKnight of the CPSO VCIU are the lead investigators on these cases.
The CPSO emphasized that continued cooperation between specialized units, including the Real Time Crime Center and the Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit, played a key role in solving the case. These units utilize advanced technology and investigative techniques to monitor, track, and apprehend suspects involved in property crimes.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.