On July 21, 2024, Patrol Deputies responded to the 7000 Block of Hickory Grove Road in Deville in reference to a theft. Deputies processed the scene by taking photos of missing items and generated a report for further investigation. Detectives from the Tioga Substation responded to conduct their investigation and were able to identify a suspect, identified as Shelby Martin Ducote, 29 of Deville, LA.

Detectives met with the victim and determined that the theft was in excess of $25,000.00 which is a felony. Detectives were able to established sufficient probable cause for an arrest warrant for Ducote and on July 30, Ducote was located, taken into custody without incident at his residence and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Ducote was released the following day after posting a $10,000.00 bond.

Sheriff’s Detectives say this is still an active investigation and more arrests could be made. If anyone has any information involving this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Matt Dauzat, Criminal Investigation Division- Tioga Substation at 318-641-6005.

Arrestee: Shelby Martin Ducote, 29, 7137 Hickory Grove Road, Deville, LA

Charges: Theft greater than $25,000.00