NEW ORLEANS — A large multi-agency investigation led to the recovery of dozens of stolen cars and numerous arrests in New Orleans, according to Louisiana State Police.
The Louisiana State Police said investigators are looking into multiple cargo thefts from the Norfolk Southern Rail Yard.
Thieves have stolen 79 new cars since 2022. State police worked with Homeland Security, the NOPD, and the Norfolk Southern Police to track down 72 of the stolen vehicles.
They said some of the cars were connected to violent crimes in the New Orleans area.
18 people were arrested in connection with the car thefts.
According to state police 15 of 18 people were arrested and face federal charges including "aiding and abetting with multiple conspiracy counts."
Read the list of arrests below:
- Justin Henry, 42, New Orleans
- Jonathan Frank, 40, New Orleans
- Nickie Whitley, 36, New Orleans
- Derrin Riley, 29, New Orleans
- Mathew Maye, 26, New Orleans
- Anthony Roman, 25, New Orleans
- Darial Maye, 25, New Orleans
- Jonathan Gonzales, 25, New Orleans
- Norman Andrews, 24, New Orleans
- Erin Murthil Jr., 21, New Orleans
- Quintrell Brown, 20, New Orleans
- Mervyn Lucas, 29, Gretna
- Desmond Taylor, 27, Abbeville
- Malik Mack, 27, Belle Chasse
- Mister Mackey, 22, Slidell
In addition, three others face state charges of possession of stolen things, Leshonda Stewart, 34, Chalmette, Lance Smith, 31, River Ridge, and Gerrin Brown, 29, New Orleans.
Authorities said some of the 18 suspects have entered guilty pleas while some are in state or federal custody.
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