Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of three Houma men in connection with a Residential Burglary Investigation that occurred at a home on Houma’s Westside. Terrebonne Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are attempting to identify an additional suspect.
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office was called to a local Houma residence on March 17th, shortly after 2:30pm, after learning that the home had been entered by an unknown male suspect. The TPSO Patrol Division responded immediately to the address and learned from the homeowners that a family member was inside the house at the time of the burglary and was unharmed. As TPSO Deputies began their initial investigation, they noticed that the home appeared to be ransacked, and they discovered that several pieces of electronic equipment had been stolen during the burglary. TPSO Detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation, and video surveillance footage was captured and provided to Detectives as a result. The video surveillance footage assisted Detectives in identifying a vehicle associated with the case, as well as evidence linking two potential suspects to the incident.
Detectives from the TPSO reviewed the evidence and were able to identify multiple occupants of the vehicle, including Ronald Rainey Jr., 37, of Houma. Terrebonne Detectives were able to locate Rainey’s residence in the 100 block of Henderson Street, and a search warrant was obtained. When detectives arrived at the residence to serve the search warrant, they came across a vehicle attempting to flee, in which Ronald Rainey Jr. was identified as the driver and arrested. Detectives discovered two more occupants in the vehicle, Leo Chapman, 37, and Wendell Cole, 42, who were detained and brought in for questioning. Detectives were able to confirm that Wendell Cole, along with Rainey, lives at the Henderson Street address after further investigation.
Detectives completed the search warrant in connection with the investigation, which resulted in the seizure of multiple pieces of electronic equipment, more than 7 ounces of methamphetamines, more than 41 grams of heroin, approximately 4 ounces of marijuana, close to 3 grams of MDMA, more than $2,200 in cash, and five weapons. Investigators were able to determine that one of the weapons had been reported stolen in an unrelated case, and detectives are still reviewing the electronic devices to see if they are connected to the investigation.
Ronald Darnell Rainey Jr. was later arrested and booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offense, Possession of Firearm While in Possession of CDS Rainey is still being held in jail on a $50,000 bond set by local judges.
Delaney, Wendell Cole was later charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offense, Possession of Firearm While in Possession of CDS, and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Cole is still being held in jail on a $150,000 bond set by local judges. Detectives have been unable to connect Cole to the Burglary investigation.
Leo Arthur Chapman was later booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on the charge of Possession of CDS I. He is currently being held in jail on a $50,000 bond set by local judges.
This is an ongoing investigation, and detectives are looking for another suspect who has been linked to the burglary investigation. Cole and Chapman have not been linked to any involvement in the Burglary investigation at this time. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Sheriff Tim Soignet said he was pleased with the outstanding work done by the TPSO Patrol, Detective, and SWAT Divisions in capturing these offenders safely. “I’m very proud of the quality work completed by our Deputies, Detectives, and SWAT Team members,” Sheriff Tim Soignet said. These men and women do an incredible job dealing with extremely difficult situations, which is critical to bringing offenders to justice.”