Louisiana Man Arrested for Theft & Contractor Fraud in Lake Charles After Customer Notices Belongings Missing

Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on July 6, 2022, that on July 5, CPSO detectives responded to a home in south Lake Charles in reference to a theft.
During the initial investigation, the complainant informed detectives that she hired Curth J. Romero, 28, of Jennings, Louisiana, to complete electrical work at her home in May of 2021. She claimed that while Romero was working at the house, she noticed a number of items, including jewelry, collectible coins, power tools, firearms, and prescription medication, going missing. During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Romero allegedly sold some of the stolen items to pawn shops and jewelry stores in Lake Charles and Jennings. Romero may still be in possession of some of the stolen items, according to detectives.

An additional investigation revealed that Romero was not a licensed contractor in Louisiana.

Detectives located Romero at his residence with the help of the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, where they also recovered a large amount of items reported stolen by the victim.
Romero was arrested and taken to the Jeff Davis Parish Jail before being transferred to the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He is charged with theft over $25,000; and residential contractor fraud failure to possess required license. Judge Tony Fazzio set his bond at $70,000.

Detectives John Coffman and Kerrick Gabrial of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office are the case’s lead investigators.

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.