Rapides Parish Patrol Deputies responded to the 500 block of North 16th Street in Alexandria on Oct. 9 in reference to a burglary of a business. Deputies took the initial report and from their investigation, determined the incident occurred over the weekend between Oct. 7-9. Sheriff’s Detectives also responded to the scene and continued the investigation.
On the morning of Oct. 10, the complainant contacted Detectives stating that there was a subject at the business that morning that appeared to have attempted to steal more items from the business. The suspect, later identified as Mitchell Godwin, left the scene and the complainants followed him as deputies responded. While Deputies were enroute, Godwin traveled into Pineville city jurisdiction and a traffic stop was conducted by Pineville Police Officers. Deputies arrived on scene and detained Godwin.
The investigation was turned over to Detectives upon their arrival. During the investigation, stolen items from the business were discovered in plain view by the complainants. Godwin was placed under arrest with the investigation continuing. Through further investigation, Detectives gathered sufficient probable cause that Mitchell Godwin had committed the original burglary of the business and the equipment that was stolen was recovered. From their investigation, Detectives were also able to implicate another suspect in the burglary who allegedly assisted Godwin. He was identified as Matthew Dupont, 39 of Alexandria.
Warrants were obtained for both subjects and they were arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on various charges including burglary and obstruction of justice. Godwin remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $25,000 bond. Dupont, Jr. remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $50,000 bond.
Sheriff’s Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are possible. If anyone has any information pertaining to this investigation, they are asked to contact Detective Justin Burch (318) 473-6727.
RPSO would also like to thank the Pineville Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
Arrestee:
Mitchell Albia Godwin, 39
5240 LA 28 East, Pineville, LA
Charge(s):
Two Counts – Simple Burglary
Two Counts – Criminal Conspiracy
Criminal Damage to Property Less than $1,000
Two Counts – Obstruction of Justice
Arrestee:
Matthew Ryan Dupont, Jr., 39
62 Terra Avenue, Alexandria, LA
Charge(s):
Two Counts – Contempt of Court
Two Counts – Criminal Conspiracy
Accessory After the Fact