A Terrebonne Parish man has been arrested following an investigation into a series of burglaries, vandalism incidents, and copper thefts at the former Lacache Middle School on Highway 56, according to Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet.
Sheriff’s deputies began receiving reports earlier this month about repeated criminal activity at the abandoned school. In response, deputies assigned to the Criminal Bayou Patrol Detail increased patrols in the area. During those patrols, they discovered signs of forced entry and extensive damage to the property, including multiple air conditioning units and rooftop piping that appeared to have been stripped of copper wiring and piping.
Investigators gathered information during the initial phase of the case that helped identify a suspect believed to be targeting the school for copper and scrap metal theft.
On December 22, deputies received additional information indicating the suspect planned to return to the location during the early morning hours. Deputies conducted surveillance at the school, which led to the apprehension of a male suspect found on the property. He was identified as 44-year-old Jessie Lambas of Chauvin. At the time of his detention, Lambas was found in possession of tools commonly used in theft-related crimes.
As part of the ongoing investigation, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence and related structures connected to Lambas. Investigators also learned Lambas had an outstanding failure-to-appear warrant.
Lambas was arrested and transported to the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, where he was booked on two counts of felony theft, in addition to the unrelated warrant. He remains jailed on a bond set at $23,531.77.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
“These thefts and acts of vandalism not only damage taxpayer-funded facilities, but also create safety hazards and unnecessary costs for our community,” Sheriff Soignet said. “I commend the Criminal Bayou Patrol Detail for their proactive patrols and investigative work that led to this arrest. We will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who targets our community.”
All arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilt
