Two Louisiana Men Arrested in a Boat Loaded with Stolen Copper After Police Receive Anonymous Tip

Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana - Two Louisiana men were arrested in a boat loaded with stolen copper after police received an anonymous tip.

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet has announced the arrests of two Montegut, Louisiana residents for Felony Theft of copper wire.

Sheriff Soignet reported that Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office (TPSO) Water Patrol agents received an anonymous tip that Brad Rodriguez, 33 of Montegut, Louisiana, and Kaleb Pellegrin, 26 of Montegut, Louisiana were actively stealing copper wire from an oil rig in a local waterway.

The TPSO Water Patrol and Narcotics agents were on an off-duty task patrolling for this type of situation and were assisted by Detectives and Uniformed Patrol. TPSO Water Patrol Agents tracked the two down in a small boat carrying several pounds of stolen copper wire. The two were apprehended, and the wire was recovered. Detectives from the TPSO are still following up on this case.

Brad Rodriguez was arrested on one count of Felony Theft, as well as four counts of Failure to Appear and four counts of Simple Burglary. Kaleb Pellegrin was arrested on one count of Felony Theft and had five outstanding arrest warrants for Failure to Appear. As of the time of this press release, no bonds have been set.

In an announcement, Sheriff Soignet stressed the importance of cooperation with residents saying “This incident shows a fine example of how TPSO Water Patrol Agents having a relationship with the community pays off.”

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.