River Ridge Man Arrested for Over $80,000 in Theft After Joint Investigation by Multiple Agencies
A joint investigation by law enforcement agencies from St. Mary, Lafourche and Plaquemines Parishes have resulted in the arrest of a River Ridge man who was wanted for a string of thefts that totaled over $80,000.
On May 3,2020, the Berwick Police Department responded to a complaint regarding the theft of two ATVs, including a side-by-side, with a total value of $25,700. While the suspect was driving across the Highway 90 Atchafalaya River Bridge, one of the ATVs fell off the trailer and caused a crash. On May 7, a boat was also reportedly stolen from a business on Highway 182 in Bayou Vista.
A joint investigation between the Berwick Police Department, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Morgan City Police Department, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in a string of thefts that encompassed multiple jurisdictions totaling over $80,000.00.
On August 3, the Berwick Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Kevin Veneralla of River Ridge, LA on the charge of Felony Theft ($25,700). On August 13, Veneralla was arrested and booked by the Berwick Police Department. His bond on the Berwick Police Department charge was set at $50,000 and he remains incarcerated. Veneralla was additionally charged by the Morgan City Police Department and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office on warrants for theft. His bond was also set at $50,000 by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
St. Mary Parish Blaise Smith said, “Knowing about the increase in burglaries that we have been experiencing in areas of our parish, I am confident not only in our abilities but with the abilities of the surrounding agencies working together with us and I believe those responsible will be arrested and brought to justice,” said Sheriff Smith. “Remember, if you see something, say something.”
