Louisiana Man Arrested and Warrant Issued for Woman in Connection with Catalytic Converter Theft at a Business in Sulphur

A Louisiana man has been arrested and a warrant has been issued for a woman in connection with catalytic converter theft at a business in Sulphur.

Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reported on February 17, 2023, that on February 8, CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives responded to a local business on Highway 1133 in Sulphur, Louisiana, in reference to the theft of a catalytic converter from a company vehicle parked at the business.

During the first inquiry, investigators reviewed video surveillance and noticed a white U-Haul truck arrive in the parking lot and park next to the company vehicle. Investigators then witnessed the driver depart the truck and briefly disappear off camera before getting back in the truck and driving away. Subsequent investigation indicated that the truck had left and arrived at a nearby scrap yard about 30 minutes later.

Detectives learned that the passenger in the U-Haul, later identified as Erin L. Caples, 41, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, attempted to sell the stolen catalytic converter, but the owner of the scrap yard, Victor P. Assunto, Jr., 44, of Sulphur, Sulphur, Louisiana, rejected the sale and alerted law enforcement because Assunto had previously been banned from the scrap yard.

Assunto was arrested on separate charges on February 10. When detectives interviewed him, he reportedly admitted to stealing the catalytic converter. He also reportedly told detectives that Caples tried to sell the converter after being barred from the scrap yard.
Assunto was charged with theft of a catalytic converter and Judge Tony Fazzio set his bond at $50,000.

On February 15, detectives issued an arrest warrant for Caples, signed by Judge Tony Fazzio in the amount of $7,500 for illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000.

Authorities are asking anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the CPSO at 337-491-3605.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office VCIU Detective James Jones is the case’s principal investigator.

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.