Lake Charles, LA –
Starting on June 5 CPSO deputies responded to numerous vehicle burglaries of mostly unlocked cars in several different areas of Calcasieu Parish.
During the investigation detectives reviewed video surveillance from some of the areas hit and witnessed several men walking around pulling on door handles. After further investigation two of the men were identified as Treveen D. Carter, 18, 108 S. Storer Street, and David M. Deruso, Jr., 19, 801 S. Bowers Avenue, both of Iowa.
On June 20 CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit (VCIU) detectives along with the CPSO ACT-Team, and Iowa Police Department executed a search warrant at Carter’s residence. They located Carter along with Deruso inside the home. During the search detectives located two stolen guns along with numerous other items that had been reported stolen through CPSO and Iowa Police Department. Detectives also located marijuana inside Carter’s closet, as well as marijuana on Deruso’s person.
Carter and Deruso were arrested and transferred to CPSO for questioning. While detectives were speaking with them they learned Carter and Deruso were responsible for over 45 vehicle burglaries in the areas of Garland Drive, Leon Drive, Red Davis McCollister Road, and Lebleu Settlement in Calcasieu Parish.
Carter and Deruso were booked into the Calcasieu Correction Center and charged with 30 counts of simple burglary; 4 counts of theft of a firearm, 5 counts of criminal damage to property; 16 counts of theft under $1,000; and attempted burglary. Carter was additionally charged with possession of marijuana with intent. Deruso was additionally charged with possession of marijuana. Judge Guy Bradberry set Carter’s bond at $1,960,500 and Deruso’s bond at $1,695,000.
The investigation is continuing and more arrests and charges are possible.
CPSO VCIU Detectives Hollan Dyer, Kardel Guidry, and Greg Nall are the lead investigators on these cases.