The Ville Platte Police Department recovers stolen property and makes an arrest.

Following an anonymous tip on Monday August 19, 2013, detectives were able to locate items stolen from residents of the city of Ville Platte, residents outside of the city in Evangeline Parish and some items from St. Landry Parish. Detective Nathaniel Savoy, Detective Steven Deville and Detective Rodney Daigle followed up the tip and their investigation led to the recovery of approximately $5,000.00 in stolen ornaments pots, wicker furniture, metal furniture, lamp posts and other yard decorations.

Items recovered were at five different locations throughout the city. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in the recovery of the stolen items and Detectives from the Ville Platte Police Department and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office are asking residents that reported the thefts of these types of items to call the departments to begin the process of returning the items to proper owners.

Arrested was Joshua Fontenot, 26 of 4555 Grand Prairie Road, Washington. Fontenot is currently being held at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail on charges of felony theft with more charges possible. Chief Neal Lartigue stated that more arrests are pending and the outcome of this case was quick and effective due to the team work between an anonymous citizen and rapid response by Detectives.

Chief Lartigue also stated that so many items were recovered that it will take awhile to sort through everything and find the proper owners. “Call and speak to a detective if you have been a victim of a theft of these types of items. Chief Lartigue stated, “If the items were stolen from outside of the city limits please call and speak to a detective at the agency you reported the theft too.”

If you have any information on illegal activity please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. All calls will remain anonymous.