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ARREST MADE IN RASH OF CHURCH BURGLARIES

MANSFIELD – As part of an ongoing investigation into a string of recent church burglaries that occurred in Mansfield and other areas of DeSoto Parish earlier this month, Mansfield police officers along with DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s deputies recovered several stolen items and made three arrests.

On Tuesday, officers obtained a search warrant in connection to the church burglaries for 902 Johnson Street, Apartment B where they recovered a stolen HP laptop computer, wireless wi-fi/blue tooth connector, and memory storage card. Also at the residence and in connection to the burglaries, officers arrested Gerard Paul, a black male, 20, of 920 Johnson Blvd in Mansfield. Mansfield Police Department Captain Gary Hobbs said Paul confessed to be involved with the burglaries and in cooperation with officers gave information that led to additional arrests.

MPD officers made the following arrests:

Gerard Paul, a black male, 20, of 920 Johnson Blvd, of Mansfield

Christopher Howard, black male, 18, of 920 Johnson Street, of Mansfield

DeMarcus Litton, black male, 18, of 483 Bates Road, of Frierson

The three males were charged with two (2) counts each of simple burglary of a religious building. Additional charges are pending by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On July 13, 2010, a Mansfield Police Officer was dispatched to a break-in complaint. Suspects had kicked in the back door to gain entrance into the Harvest Church Assembly of God at 417 Cook Street in Mansfield. Once inside, suspects attempted to open a safe, but were unsuccessful – leaving the safe damaged. No other items were reported taken.

On July 14, 2010, a Mansfield Police Officer was dispatched to a break-in complaint. Suspects had forced a window open at the back of the building to gain entrance into the Memorial Seventh Day Adventist Church at 1200 Johnson Street in Mansfield. Once inside the suspects then forced open the door to the treasurer’s office and took two (2) small safes from the room.

Capt. Hobbs said he encourages anyone who received items from the church burglaries should contact the Mansfield Police Department.

GRAND CANE BANK ROBBED

GRAND CANE - The Capital One Bank in Grand Cane was robbed shortly before 11am, Tuesday July 13th of an undisclosed amount of money. Officials from DeSoto, Caddo and the State Police are currently searching for a black male between 5'9 and 6'0 tall who fled the scene on foot and is believed to be wearing black shirt and pants. A State Police helicopter is currently searching the Grand Cane area. Check back later for any updates.

MAN ARRESTED ON ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGES

MANSFIELD – Police officers arrested a Mansfield man over the holiday weekend on two counts of attempted first degree murder.

Mansfield Police Department’s officers charged Carlton Grant, 17, of Mansfield, with two (2) counts of attempted first degree murder, simple criminal property damage, and two (2) counts of public intimidation. He was arrested and booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center, according to Police Chief Don English.

Officers were called out at approximately 2:30 Saturday morning in reference to a stabbing in the 700 block of Kennedy Street. When they arrived, officers found a juvenile and an adult that had sustained multiple cuttings during an altercation by a suspect with a box cutter. The two subjects were transported by DeSoto EMS personnel to DeSoto Regional Health System where they were treated and released with non-life threatening injuries.

Grant was also taken to DeSoto Regional Health System and treated for minor lacerations on the hand. The charge of public intimidation was related to public threats the suspect made on the police officers during the emergency room visit.

Grant has a previous arrest record. In November 2009 he was arrested in relation to the armed robbery of Shop-a-Lot and attempted armed robbery of Snacks on Washington. Grant was charged with one count of armed robbery, illegal procession of a hand gun, flight from an officer, theft, and attempted armed robbery.

USDA HELPS MAKE HOMEOWNERSHIP POSSIBLE FOR DESOTO CITIZENS

MANSFIELD – Mayor Curtis McCoy is encouraging residents who dream of owning a home to take advantage of the USDA Rural Development loan program.

“The fact that the government is making safe, affordable housing available to families here in DeSoto Parish, especially in these economic times, is a blessing. The President’s stimulus money has created new opportunities for their dream of owning a home,” said Mayor Curtis McCoy.

Denise D. Houston, Section 502 Outreach Specialist, of USDA Rural Development, said the program is geared toward assisting low-income residents gain affordable homeownership.

Homeownership plays a vital role in improving lives, creating jobs and economic opportunities, and strengthening neighborhoods and communities. Through Rural Development's Direct Housing Loan Program, low income and very low income individuals and families may obtain 100-percent financing to obtain homeownership.

Houston will be on hand at City Hall to inform residents of the homeownership opportunities and help with the application process on July 14, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Eligible applicants can purchase an existing dwelling, purchase a site and construct a dwelling, or purchase a newly-constructed dwelling in rural areas. The purpose of the loan is to provide financing at reasonable rates and terms with no down payment. Mortgage payments are based on the household's adjusted income.

Some of the benefits to this program include: no down payment required, some of the closing may be included in the loan, Private Mortgage Insurance is not required, the note interest rate is fixed and real estate taxes and insurance are escrowed and included as part of the monthly payment. Also, payment assistance to qualified applicants may reduce the effective interest rate, thus reducing the monthly payment.

Individuals or families must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the program. Some of the criteria includes: must be considered low income, be a U.S. citizen, use the home to be purchased as the primary residence, be of legal age to incur a loan obligation, must have good credit history, must have repayment ability, not able to obtain credit through a conventional lender and the home to be purchased must be in a rural area.

Those interested in the program are encouraged to visit Mansfield City Hall on July 14 to meet with Houston for specifics on all the eligibility criteria. Anyone seeking more information about homeownership financing or any other USDA Rural Development program may visit the homepage at www.rurdev.usda.gov/la or call Denise Houston, Section 502 Outreach Specialist at (318) 541-1240.

MAYOR SAYS "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

MANSFIELD – Mayor Curtis McCoy said he gave the Mansfield Police Department orders to issue the KCS Conductor a ticket for his train blocking the main crossing in Mansfield – backing up traffic all over the city.

“This is becoming all too common of an occurrence in Mansfield,” McCoy said. “Each time the train blocks the tracks for an extended amount of time, a citation will be issued.”

The conductor was cited by Mansfield Police Captain Joe Pratt for his “train blocking crossing.” McCoy assures “All tickets must be paid, or they will appear in the Mayor’s Court.”

RETIRING CITY ALDERMAN TO BE SALUTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL

MANSFIELD - Mayor Curtis W. McCoy and the Board of Alderman will honor long-time alderman J. Dudley Kemper during its regular City Council meeting at 4:30 p.m. on June 28, 2010. Alderman Kemper has dedicated 21 – years to serving the citizens of the City of Mansfield. Kemper was elected to serve as representative of Mansfield’s District B in 1989 and will vacate his seat on July 1. His seat was filled by Troy Terrell during an election held in March 2010.

Immediately following the council meeting, the Board of Alderman will be sworn in to serve their next 4-year term (July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2014) by DeSoto District Court Judge Robert Burgess. Also following the meeting a reception with light refreshments will be served in celebration of these momentous occasions. The public is invited to attend.

LOCAL BALL TEAM HEADED TO WORLD SERIES

STONEWALL - Comprised of a select group of boys from Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, and Sabine parishes, the Louisiana Thunder competed in 2 tournaments (capturing 2nd place and 1st place) to qualify for the 6U State Championship in Monroe this past weekend where they won the state championship game 16-1. With this victory, they are now qualified for the 6U World Series to be played in Sulphur in July.

2010 Louisiana Thunder 6U State Champions Bottom Row: Jacob Lafitte, Eli Booker, Mason Langdon, Brock Lambert, Cole Sattler, Jackson Procell Middle Row: *Brett Remedes, *Cade Nettles, Tackett Curtis, *Jadyn Falls, Mitchell Ramsey, Jack Deville Top Row: Coaches - Daniel Ramsey, *Kevin Nettles, *Chuck Falls, Jeff Lafitte, *Todd Remedes, Brian Lambert, (not pictured - Moses Curtis)

MANSFIELD POLICE OFFICERS SOLVES CASE OF STORAGE YARD THEFT

MANSFIELD – Mansfield Police officers arrested a Texas man who has allegedly stolen several trailers earlier this month from a storage yard on Polk Street.

Eric Claiborne

On June 3, four utility trailers were reported stolen from a storage yard owned by Mansfield Cycle World at 1200 Polk Street. As a part of an ongoing investigation, Mansfield Police Department’s Lt. Rodney Christian and Officer Billy Locke arrested Eric Claiborne, 39, of Henderson, Texas late Thursday evening in connection with the storage yard theft, according to Police Chief Don English.

Friday Mansfield Police officers along with DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s deputies recovered two of the four stolen trailers in Cherokee County. Officers also recovered a welding machine and some miscellaneous items that were recently stolen from DeSoto Parish.

Claiborne, who has an extensive criminal history, was charged with criminal property damage, felony theft over $500 and numerous traffic offenses. He was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.

Taken from the storage yard were:

· three (3) 16’ utility trailers – totaled value of $3,945

· one (1) 20’ utility trailer – valued at $2,600

Captain Gary Hobbs, of the Mansfield Police Department said anyone who has purchased any of the stolen property from Claiborne in recent months is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division of the Mansfield Police Department at 318-872-0520. Also, because the investigation is on-going, Capt. Hobbs encourages citizens with information about the theft are urged to call Mansfield Crime Stoppers’ line at 318-872-8888. All calls are confidential.

OFFICERS ARREST MAN ON CYBER-STALKING CHARGES

MANSFIELD – Officers arrested a Mansfield man following a complaint alleging harassing text messaging and cell phone calls.

Nathan Brewer, 31, of Mansfield, was arrested Friday, June 11, 2010, by Mansfield Police Department officers and charged with cyber-stalking. Brewer’s arrest stem from a two week investigation following a complaint by his ex-girlfriend accusing him of sending text messages and making phone calls even after she had ask him to stop. Brewer was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.

DESOTO PARISH DETENTION CENTER

ARRESTS JULY 12 THRU JULY 18, 2010

(1) Sterling Williams, w/m, age 17, Joaquin, was arrested on 7-12-10 on warrant for failure to appear by Cpl. Quinton Hill.

(2) Kerry Palmer, w/f, age 33, Stonewall, was arrested on 7-12-10 for DWI-1st, improper lane use, driving under suspension and expired driver’s license by Trooper Alan VerHoef and Trooper Rodger Cason.

(3) Shannon Barber, w/m, age 28, Deberry, Tx. was arrested on 7-12-10 for DWI-1st, careless operation, no seatbelt and open container by Trooper M. Titus.

(4) Morris Jerome Sumers, b/m, age 23, Grand Cane, was arrested on 7-13-10 for domestic abuse battery, no driver’s license and reckless operation by Deputy Marvin Huey.

(5) Paul Smith,Jr., b/m, age 29, Pelican, was arrested on 7-13-10 for driving under suspension, littering and also on a warrant for failure to appear by Trooper Foster.

(6) David Bernard Williams, b/m, age 20, Stonewall, was arrested on 7-14-10 on Shreveport P.D. warrants by Deputy James Jones.

(7) Robert Louis Wood, w/m, age 19, was arrested on 7-14-10 on a warrant for probation violation by Deputy Jordan Ebarb and Cpl. Brad Lowe.

(8) Kendrick Williams, b/m, age 24, Gloster, was arrested on 7-14-10 on warrant for obscenity by Sgt. Pat Jones,Jr.

(9) Charles Scott Golden, w/m, age 33, Logansport, was arrested on 7-14-10 on warrants for 2 cts. theft over $300 by Lt. Rodney Christian and Det. Billy Locke.

(10) Larry D. Odums, b/m, age 29, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-15-10 for flight from an officer, no driver’s license, open container and loud music by Deputy Henry Touchton.

(11) Elvis Griffin, b/m, age 43, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-15-10 on a city warrant for failure to appear by Deputy Travis Chelette.

(12) Blanchie Marie Benjamin, b/f, age 39, Shreveport, was arrested on 7-15-10 on warrant for issuing worthless checks by Sgt. James Clements.

(13) Thomas C. Swan, w/m, age 27, West Monroe, was arrested on 7-16-10 for aggravated assault by Cpl. Dusty Herring.

(14) Thomas C. Swan, w/m, age 27, West Monroe, was arrested on 7-16-10 for speeding, aggravated flight, reckless operation, driving under suspension and littering by Trooper Alan VerHoef, Trooper James Foster and Trooper Rodger D. Cason.

(15) Barkin Thomas, b/m, age 45, Frierson, was arrested on 7-17-10 on warrant for indecent behavior with a juvenile by Deputy Scott Rives.

(16) Bryan Savage, w/m, age 49, Tyler, Tx. was arrested on 7-17-10 for improper lane use and DWI-1st by Trooper James Foster.

(17) James E. Hunter, b/m, age 45, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-17-10 for DWI-2nd, no driver’s license, improper lane use and failure to signal by Trooper George Strickland.

(18) Cody Allan Weeks, w/m, age 31, Logansport, was arrested on 7-17-10 for domestic abuse battery by Deputy Marvin Huey.

(19) Malcolm Jamal Flowers, b/m, age 21, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-17-10 on warrants for driving under suspension, obstruction of public passageway, stop sign violation, improper lane use, no proof of insurance, aggravated flight from an officer, molestation of a juvenile, felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, reckless operation, and proper equipment required by Det. Billy Locke, Officer Rusty Silvey, Sgt. DeBrandon Jackson and Officer Stewart Anthony.

(20) Mario Molinar, h/m, age 20, Amarillo,Tx. was arrested on 7-18-10 for underage DWI by Trooper James Foster.

(21) Antonio Copeland, b/m, age 30, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-18-10 for second degree battery by Deputy Marvin Huey.

(22) Diana Irene Knight, w/f, age 25, Keatchie, was arrested on 7-18-10 for domestic abuse battery by Deputy Marvin Huey.

(23) Johnny Lee Liles, w/m, age 67, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-18-10 for disturbing the peace by intoxication by Lt. Monica Cason, Deputy Alphonsa Carter and Deputy Ed Jackson.

DESOTO PARISH DETENTION CENTER

ARRESTS JULY 5 THRU JULY 11, 2010

(1) Christopher Dewayne Atkins, b/m, age 22, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-5-10 for criminal property damage over $300 by Deputy James Jones and Cpl. Bobby Simone.

(2) Corisa S. Jones, b/f, age 21, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-5-10 for criminal property damage over $300 by Deputy James Jones and Cpl. Bobby Simone.

(3) Michael T. Young, b/m, age 25, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-5-10 on warrant for simple burglary by Officer Nathaniel Anderson, Det. Billy Locke and Officer Dusty Hasty.

(4) Charles Ray Green, b/m, age 49, Shreveport, was arrested on 7-5-10 for DWI-3rd, improper backing and driving under suspension by Trooper M. Titus.

(5) Gerald Terrell, b/m, age 21, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-6-10 on warrant for simple criminal property damage by Officer Nathaniel Anderson, Officer Rusty Silvey and Det. Billy Locke.

(6) Charles Edwards, b/m, age 37, Pelican, was arrested on 7-6-10 for cruelty to a juvenile by Cpl. Garland Hensley.

(7) LaKendrick Powell, b/m, age 19, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-6-10 for indecent exposure and 3 cts. of disturbing the peace by Lt. Rodney Christian.

(8) Daniel C. Jones, b/m, age 35, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-6-10 on warrants for criminal neglect of family and issuing worthless checks by Deputy Luther Butler.

(9) Demetric Lewis, b/m, age 29, Grand Cane, was arrested on 7-6-10 for harassing phone calls, flight from an officer and also on warrants for harassing phone calls by Deputy Henry Touchton, Deputy Brandon McCoy and Deputy Casey Hicks.

(10) Curry Milford, Jr., b/m, age 31, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-7-10 on warrant for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and simple battery by Sgt. James Clements.

(11) Mary Strickland Deleon, w/f, age 62, Logansport, was arrested on 7-7-10 on warrant for issuing worthless checks by Sgt. James Clements.

(12) Tangie Kincaid, w/f, age 43, Keithville, was arrested on 7-7-10 on a Caddo Parish warrant for driving under suspension by Directed Patrol Unit.

(13) Cleonis Short, b/m, age 49, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 on warrants for criminal neglect of family by Directed Patrol Unit.

(14) Barry W. Green, b/m, age 22, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 for illegal carrying of a weapon with controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia by Directed Patrol Unit.

(15) Brandon Wayne Plunkett, w/m, age 23, Stonewall, was arrested on 7-8-10 for possession of marijuana 2nd, possession of drug paraphernalia and also on a Caddo Parish warrant for theft over $500 by Directed Patrol Unit.

(16) Sonya Golden, w/f, age 36, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 for obstruction of justice and parole violation by Directed Patrol Unit.

(17) Jerome Michael Siner, b/m, age 28, Lafayette, was arrested on 7-8-10 on Lafayette Police warrants for failure to appear by Deputy James Jones and Sgt. Joe West.

(18) Rodkendrick Clay, b/m, age 25, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 for stop sign violation, flight from an officer, reckless operation, resisting an officer, possession of marijuana-2nd, illegal carrying of a weapon with drugs by Troopers Rodger D. Cason Jr. and John Blair.

(19) Princess James, b/f, age 21, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 on warrant for interfering with the custody of a child by Det. Billy Locke, Officer Nathaniel Anderson and Lt. Annette Blue.

(20) Princess James, b/f, age 21, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 on warrant for failure to appear by Sgt. Mindy Shaw.

(21) Eddie Lamar Clay, b/m, age 20, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 for interfering with duties of a state trooper and resisting an officer by Trooper John Blair.

(22) Eddie L. Clay, b/m, age 20, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 for resisting an officer, disturbing the peace and remaining after being forbidden by Det. Billy Locke and Officer Nathaniel Anderson.

(23) Lamarius Manson, b/m, age 24, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 for resisting an officer, driving under suspension and no seatbelt by Trooper George Strickland.

(24) Jermaine Williams, b/m, age 24, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-8-10 on warrants for failure to appear by Sgt. James Clements and Deputy Clarence Davis.

(25) Stevie Hunter, b/m, age 42, Mansfield, was arrested on 7-9-10 for open container, improper lane use, DWI-2nd and no driver’s license on person by Directed Patrol Unit.

(26) Eddie Lee Stevenson, b/m, age 52, Keatchie, was arrested on 7-9-10 on warrant for failure to appear by Cpl. Billy Pilley.

(27) Kristin Hamilton, w/f, age 29, Pelican, was arrested on 7-9-10 on a Red River Parish warrant by Sgt. James Clements.

(28) Ernest Cooper, b/m, age 29, Frierson, was arrested on 7-10-10 for entering and remaining after being forbidden and disturbing the peace by Sgt. J.R. Thomas and Officer Rusty Silvey.

(29) Joseph L. Roy, w/m, age 49, Stonewall, was arrested on 7-10-10 for DWI-1st and driving left of center by Sgt. Pat Jones, Jr.

(30) Seth Steven Childers, w/m, age 18, Grand Cane, was arrested on 7-10-10 for possession of marijuana, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and possession of drug paraphernalia by Deputy Brandon McCoy,

(31) Joseph Derek Vance, w/m, age 18, Stonewall, was arrested on 7-10-10 for possession of marijuana, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and possession of drug paraphernalia by Deputy Brandon McCoy.

(32) Katie Christine McGrew, w/f, age 30, Shreveport, was arrested on 7-10-10 for DWI-3rd and improper lane use by Trooper M. Titus.

(33) Aaron Stewart, w/m, age 18, Gloster, was arrested on 7-10-10 for possession of marijuana, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and possession of drug paraphernalia by Deputy Casey Hicks.

(34) Harold Duane Brown, b/m, age 29, Shreveport, was arrested on 7-11-10 for domestic abuse battery and cruelty to a juvenile by Deputy Henry Touchton.