Louisiana Authorities Have Arrested 1 and are Searching for 2 Responsible for Vehicle Burglaries in Lake Charles and Moss Bluff

Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on July 25, 2022, that on June 24 and June 29, CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives responded to numerous vehicle burglaries of unlocked vehicles in South Lake Charles and Moss Bluff.

During the initial investigation, detectives were able to locate surveillance footage from several residences and businesses near the burglaries with the help of the CPSO Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). When detectives reviewed the surveillance footage, they noticed three unknown men in a silver four-door sedan who were suspected to be responsible for the Lake Charles and Moss Bluff burglaries.

During their investigation, detectives learned on July 4 that the Lake Charles Police Department responded to a vehicle burglary on Sugarloaf Drive in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and detained one of the suspects, later identified as Jermaine C. Obrien, Jr., 20, of Lake Charles. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Obrien was one of the suspects seen in surveillance footage from the June 24 and 29 burglaries. Obrien also has a silver four-door sedan registered to him, which was discovered.

Following further investigation, VCIU detectives issued a warrant for Obrien’s arrest on July 14, which was signed by Judge Tony Fazzio. On July 18, he was apprehended and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center following a traffic stop. He is charged with 16 counts of simple burglary, three counts of firearm theft, three counts of firearm possession by persons convicted of domestic violence, and four counts of theft less than $1,000. Following a search of the vehicle, he was discovered to be in possession of suspected crack cocaine and marijuana. He was also charged with CDS II possession with intent to distribute and marijuana possession. His total bond is $150,000.00.

Taveon E. Williams, 20, and Melchezieck J. Simon, Jr., 20, both of Lake Charles, Louisiana, were later identified as the other two suspects in the vehicle burglaries. On July 20, detectives issued arrest warrants, which were signed by Judge David Ritchie. Williams and Simon are charged with 16 counts of simple burglary, three counts of firearm theft, and four counts of theft under $1,000. Williams is also charged with three counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Williams’ bond has been set at $640,000, while Simon’s bond has been set at $381,000.
Deputies from the CPSO attempted but failed to locate Williams and Simon.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts or who recognizes Williams or Simon is asked to contact the CPSO at 491-3605 or Crime Stoppers at 439-2222.

Detective Tyler McKnight of the CPSO VCIU is the lead investigator on these cases.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Note: In accordance with newly amended R.S. 44:4.1(B)(38) and Code of Criminal Procedure Article 234 mugshots are being released for Williams & Simon. It has been determined the release of photos will assist in apprehending the individuals.