On Thursday July 23, 2020, Deputies received a suspicious vehicle call in the area of Hwy 101 and US 165. When deputies arrived, they discovered a disabled vehicle loaded with cut copper wire. Deputies approached the residence at Hwy 101 and observed a white female running away. The residence appeared to be abandoned, with no electricity or water. A female and a male were found hiding in a wooded area. Detectives were called out to the scene to investigate. Several copper thefts have been reported in the area involving electric well pumps and radio towers.
The two individuals found in the wooded area were questioned and admitted to theft of the copper wire. During a search of the vehicle and camper, drugs were discovered also. Kevin Dale Wilkinson, 32, of Lacassine and Kamlin Rae Cogswell, 29, Lacassine were arrested on charges of felony theft, possession of a controlled substance Sch. II, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple burglary, simple criminal damage to property. Wilkinson also had an outstanding warrant for violation of protective order, Cogswell was arrested on outstanding warrant for criminal damage to property.