Sulphur, Louisiana – A Sulphur woman is behind bars after confessing to burglarizing multiple vehicles at a local business, while authorities continue searching for a second suspect involved in the crime spree.
Venia M. Rodriguez, 43, of Sulphur, was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on November 10 following an investigation into vehicle burglaries that occurred on E. Napoleon Street. She faces five counts of simple burglary, theft valued between $5,000 and $25,000, criminal property damage, and theft valued at less than $1,000. Judge Tony Fazzio set her bond at $265,000.
The investigation began on November 5 when Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a business on E. Napoleon Street after receiving reports that multiple vehicles on the property had been broken into and items had been stolen.
CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives responded to the scene and reviewed video surveillance footage, which revealed a pickup truck believed to belong to the suspects. Through further investigation, detectives discovered that CPSO deputies had conducted multiple traffic stops on the same truck over the previous several months. Rodriguez was identified as either a driver or occupant during each of these stops.
When detectives contacted Rodriguez at her residence on November 10, she admitted to being responsible for the burglaries. During questioning, Rodriguez also identified a second suspect, Justin J. Hebert, 34, of Sulphur.
Judge Tony Fazzio signed a warrant for Hebert's arrest with a bond set at $237,500. He faces identical charges: five counts of simple burglary, theft valued between $5,000 and $25,000, criminal property damage, and theft valued at less than $1,000.
Despite multiple attempts, detectives have been unsuccessful in locating Hebert, who remains at large.
CPSO VCIU Detective James Rathke serves as the lead investigator on the case.
Simple burglary, a term used in Louisiana law, refers to the unauthorized entry of a structure or vehicle with the intent to commit theft or any felony, excluding armed robbery.
Anyone with information regarding Hebert's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.