Three Louisiana Men Arrested Suspected of a Residential Burglary and Other Crimes in Terrebonne Parish

Published March 22, 2023

Three Louisiana Men Arrested Suspected of a Residential Burglary and Other Crimes in Terrebonne Parish

Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Three Louisiana men have been arrested suspected of a residential burglary and other crimes in Houma.

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of three Houma, Louisiana male suspects in connection with a Residential Burglary Investigation that occurred at a home on Houma’s Westside. Terrebonne Investigators are continuing to investigate the event and are hoping to locate another suspect.

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) was summoned to a local Houma residence on March 17, soon after 2:30 p.m., after learning that the home had been entered by an unknown male suspect. The TPSO Patrol Division reacted quickly to the address and learned from the homeowners that a family member was inside the residence at the time of the burglary and was unhurt.
As TPSO Deputies began their initial investigation, they noticed that the home seemed to be ransacked, and they discovered that many pieces of electronic equipment had been stolen during the burglary.
TPSO Detectives were called to the location to aid in the investigation, and video surveillance material was captured and submitted to Detectives as a result. The video security footage aided Detectives in identifying a vehicle associated with the case and also offered evidence linking two potential suspects to the incident.

Investigators from the TPSO investigated the evidence and were able to identify various occupants of the vehicle, including Ronald Rainey Jr., 37, of Houma, Louisiana. Terrebonne Detectives were able to identify Rainey’s residence in the 100 block of Henderson Street, and a search warrant was secured.   As detectives arrived at the property to serve the search warrant, they came upon a vehicle attempting to flee, in which Ronald Rainey Jr. was identified as the driver and arrested.
Investigators discovered two more occupants in the vehicle, Leo Chapman, 37, and Wendell Cole, 42, who were detained and brought in for questioning. Investigators were able to confirm that Wendell Cole, along with Rainey, lives at the Henderson Street address after further inquiry.

Detectives completed the search warrant in connection with the investigation, which resulted in the seizure of multiple pieces of electronic equipment, more than 7 ounces of methamphetamines, more than 41 grams of heroin, approximately 4 ounces of marijuana, close to 3 grams of MDMA, more than $2,200 in cash, and five weapons.
Authorities were able to learn that one of the firearms had been reported stolen in an unrelated case, and detectives are still reviewing the electronic devices to see whether they are connected to the investigation.

Ronald Darnell Rainey Jr. was later arrested and booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offense, Possession of Firearm While in Possession of CDS Rainey is still being held in jail on a $50,000 bond set by local judges.

Delaney, Wendell Cole was later charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offense, Possession of Firearm While in Possession of CDS, and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Cole is still being held in jail on a $150,000 bond set by county judges. Investigators have been unable to connect Cole to the Burglary investigation.

Leo Arthur Chapman was later booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on the charge of Possession of CDS I. He is currently being held in jail on a $50,000 bond set by local judges.

This is an ongoing investigation, and detectives are looking for another person who has been linked to the burglary probe. Cole and Chapman have not been tied to any role in the Burglary investigation at this time. 

Sheriff Tim Soignet indicated that he is pleased with the tremendous work done by the TPSO Patrol, Detective, and SWAT Divisions in capturing these suspects safely. 

Regarding the investigation and arrest, Sheriff Tim Soignet said, “I’m very proud of the quality work completed by our Deputies, Detectives, and SWAT Team members. These men and women do an unbelievable job of dealing with very difficult circumstances, which is vital to bringing offenders to justice.”

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.