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Louisiana Woman Arrested After Allegedly Breaking into a Drug Enforcement Unit Building 

Rapides Parish, Louisiana – The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on February 13, 2023, that the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit building silent alarm was triggered at 8:25 p.m. on February 12, 2023.

Upon arrival, patrol deputies discovered that the building’s back door had been propped open. The building was searched and cleared by deputies and a K-9. All of the offices and evidence rooms appear to be secured, and nothing appeared to be missing according to authorities.

As deputies were concluding their search of the area, they reportedly heard noises coming from another building in the 1600 block of Arnold Drive and spotted a woman identified as Ball, Louisiana resident Monica Lauren Mathews, 33. Mathews was in possession of a dog, and both were detained while the inquiry progressed.

According to authorities, Mathews reportedly entered the building through an exterior entrance that led to a hallway. Deputies discovered paint that had been removed from the door’s exterior, indicating that the door had been tampered with. After entering, Mathews utilized the restroom located in the hallway. According to Mathews, she believed the building to be a substation of the Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, RADE agents responded to ensure that all other offices and evidence rooms were secure and untouched.

Mathews was arrested, brought to the Rapides Parish Detention Center, and booked on charges of simple burglary, criminal trespass, criminal property damage, and allowing dogs to run free.

At the time this was published, Mathews remains in jail on a $6500.00 bond. The animal was also impounded.

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.

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