Approximately 3:15 am on August 16, 2011, an LPSO Uniform Patrol Deputy spotted taillights on a pickup truck traveling down a hunting lease road adjacent to South Satsuma Road. Knowing that a rash of copper thefts had been occurring in this area during this time period the Deputy decided to investigate. As he approached the truck, which had the tailgate open, he could see freshly cut copper lying in the cargo area. His efforts were rewarded with the arrests of three people who were collectively responsible for at least 5 separate thefts of copper telephone cable. The crimes occurred over the last several weeks and resulted in nearly $20,000.00 worth of damage to AT&T property.
Jennifer White Broussard, the 22 year old driver of the truck, who listed her address as 15823 Black Mud Road, Livingston, La., was charged as follows:
- 1 Count Theft of Utility Property
- 1 Count of Smoking in Vehicle with Child Present (Outstanding Traffic Warrant)
- 1 Count Theft (Felony)
- 1 Count Operating Veh. With Suspended License
- 2 Outstanding Traffic Warrants
Her bond was set at $22,150.00.
Christopher David Broussard, the 23 year old husband of Jennifer, who also listed his address as 15823 Black Mud Road, Livingston, La., was charged as follows:
- 5 Counts Theft of Utility Property
- 1 Count Issuing Worthless Checks (Outstanding Warrant)
- 1 Count Theft (Felony)
His bond was set at $60,500.00.
While Mr. & Mrs. Broussard were arrested at the scene, their accomplice fled into the woods. A K-9 team, more Deputies and the LPSO helicopter were all dispatched to assist in the manhunt. Detectives soon learned that the third suspect had fled the scene in a white Chevy Avalanche pickup about 10 minutes prior to their arrival. However, the helicopter pilot soon spotted the truck approximately 15 miles away and pursued it until he could direct ground units to his location who promptly took him into custody.
Bobby R. Lott, Jr., the 44 year old third suspect, who listed his address as 18380 Louis Martin Road, Livingston, La., was charged as follows:
- 5 Counts Theft of Utility Property
- 1 Count Theft (Felony)
- 1 Count Issuing Worthless Checks (Outstanding Warrant)
His bond was set at $60,500.00.
As of Wednesday August 17, 2011, all three suspects remained in the Livingston Parish Detention Center.
Authorities encourage citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity that could be related to such crimes. Law enforcement agencies throughout Louisiana are hopeful that recently enacted legislation regulating “second hand dealers,” who purchase scrape materials, will help curb the rash of copper thefts that have plagued the state.
Bobby Lott Jr
Christopher Broussard
Jennifer White Broussard
