Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to 72 Vehicles Recovered and Multiple Arrests

HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE
August 2, 2024

Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to 72 Vehicles Recovered and Multiple Arrests

New Orleans - In November of 2022, the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NFO) received a report of a significant cargo theft from the Norfolk Southern rail yard in New Orleans, Louisiana. The rail yard serves as a crucial off-loading and storage facility for newly manufactured vehicles destined for dealerships in the Gulf South region. This theft resulted in the disappearance of thirty-two new vehicles within one week. After this initial incident, LSP detectives learned of other incidents of vehicle theft in March 2023. By May 2023, the total number of stolen vehicles reached seventy-nine, an estimated value of four million dollars.

Through a coordinated effort organized by LSP-IFAT-NFO Detectives with Homeland Security Investigations, the New Orleans Police Department and the Norfolk Southern Police Department, an investigation commenced. By June of 2023, through the use of various investigative techniques, investigators successfully recovered seventy-two of the seventy-nine stolen vehicles, some of which were linked to violent crimes in the New Orleans area. Multiple individuals were arrested as a result of various investigative strategies.

Those arrested were: Justin Henry (42), Jonathan Frank (40), Nickie Whitley (36), Derrin Riley (29), Mathew Maye (26), Anthony Roman (25), Darial Maye (25), Jonathan Gonzalez (25), Norman Andrews (24), Erin Murthil Jr. (21), and Quintrell Brown (20), all from New Orleans. Additionally, Mervyn Lucas (29) of Gretna, Desmond Taylor (27) of Abbeville, Malik Mack (27) of Belle Chasse, and Mister Mackey (22) of Slidell. All individuals were federally charged with at least two of the following offenses, and many were charged with several offenses. Aiding and Abetting, Conspiracy to commit offense or defraud the United States, Interstate or Foreign Shipments, Unlawful Acts, Penalties Relating to Crimes of Violence or Drug Trafficking, and Prohibited Acts relating to manufacturing, distributing, or possessing a controlled dangerous substance.

Additionally, Leshonda Stewart (34) of Chalmette, Lance Smith (31) of River Ridge, and Gerrin Brown (29) of New Orleans, were arrested on state charges for: Possession of Stolen Things.

In addition to the seventy-two vehicles recovered, law enforcement seized multiple firearms - some illegally modified to function as a fully automatic firearm, as well as varying quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, marijuana, and fentanyl. The arrests have resulted in numerous state and federal indictments, with many of the accused individuals entering guilty pleas, and some individuals currently under state and federal custody. Sentencing proceedings are currently underway for those awaiting judgment.

The LSP-IFAT-NFO continues to investigate crimes related to auto theft and insurance fraud. Citizens can report suspected fraud to the LSP-IFAT via:[email protected].

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Jacob Pucheu
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section - Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2775
[email protected]