Lake Charles, LA –
On April 4 Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives received a complaint in reference to a vehicle burglary and theft of a firearm that occurred on April 2 in Sulphur.
During the initial investigation detectives reviewed video surveillance and were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle as a Nissan Pathfinder. On April 11 detectives received a complaint in south Lake Charles in reference to another vehicle burglary, where the suspect’s vehicle was also a Nissan Pathfinder.
While detectives continued their investigation and attempted to locate the owner of the Nissan Pathfinder, they received several complaints in Moss Bluff on May 23 in reference to vehicle burglaries where several firearms were stolen. Detectives were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle in the Moss Bluff burglaries as a Mercury Sable.
Detectives learned Dammon D. White, 18, and Javonte A. Goodwin, 20, both of Lake Charles, had been in possession of the Pathfinder. Detectives also learned the Pathfinder along with a Mercury Sable were parked at the residence where White and Goodwin live. After executing search warrants and/or receiving permission to search three residences White and Goodwin had access to, detectives located 6 firearms, three of which had been reported stolen.
After further investigation, on June 23 Judge Tony Fazzio signed warrants for the arrest of White and Goodwin, who are currently incarcerated in Chamber County, Texas. White is charged with 14 counts of simple burglary; 10 counts of theft less than $1,000; 7 counts of theft of a firearm; and 3 counts of criminal damage to property; his bond is set at $183,000. Goodwin is charged with simple burglary; theft of a firearm; illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and theft less than $1,000; his bond is set at $49,000.
The investigations are continuing and more arrests and charges are possible. CPSO Detective James Rathke is the lead investigator on these cases.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.