Louisiana Man Arrested in Arkansas For Allegedly Stealing a Trailer and Excavator in Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been arrested in Arkansas for allegedly stealing a trailer and excavator in Lake Charles.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) announced on April 14, 2023, that on February 6, CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit detectives launched an investigation into a stolen double axel trailer and excavator along Arsene Lebleu Road in Lake Charles, Louisiana several days before.

During the inquiry, investigators reportedly discovered that William R. O'Quinn, Jr., 49, Kinder, Louisiana, visited the property on Arsene Lebleu Road the day before the crime. Investigators also discovered that O'Quinn was at the property the morning of the theft.

Allegedly after stealing the trailer and excavator, O'Quinn hid them in a wooded area off TV Tower Road in Jeff Davis Parish, according to detectives.

O'Quinn then allegedly sold the stolen property and transferred it to Brandon M. Courtney, 45, of Mena, Arkansas, according to further inquiry. On April 10, CPSO detectives called Polk County Sheriff's Office investigators, who were able to locate Courtney as well as the stolen trailer and excavator. The VIN plate on the excavator had been removed, but PCSO deputies and CPSO detectives were able to match the engine number and the VIN on the trailer and determine it was the equipment stolen from Lake Charles. When deputies from the PCSO questioned Courtney, he reportedly indicated that he bought the items in question from O'Quinn. Courtney was arrested by PCSO deputies for possession of stolen things.

Detectives from the CPSO attempted to contact O'Quinn, but he refused to submit a statement. On April 14, CPSO VCIU detectives filed an arrest warrant for O'Quinn, charging him with theft between $5,000 and $25,000, as well as theft of a motor vehicle valued at more than $25,000. His bond was set at $70,000 by Judge Tony Fazzio.

CPSO 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 presumed innocent until proven guilty.