| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6908 | 2012-02-20 | Statewide | LSP Investigations Lead to Multiple Arrests in Southeast Louisiana |
HEADQUARTERS - NEWS RELEASE February 20, 2012 LSP Investigations Lead to Multiple Arrests in Southeast Louisiana Troopers assigned to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations and Troop A brought separate criminal cases to conclusion this past week resulting in arrests in Southeast Louisiana. Below is a synopsis of each of the arrests. On February 15, State Police Patrol Troopers assigned to Troop A and Narcotics Troopers arrested Ashely Smith (B/M, age 34) of Gonzales following an investigation into a vehicle pursuit that occurred on the evening of February 12, 2012. Troopers had attempted to stop Smith for a traffic violation when he fled and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end when Smith ran off the roadway on LA 621, struck a ditch, and fled on foot. Troopers impounded the vehicle and began looking for Smith immediately. The investigation led Troopers to Smith’s residence in Gonzales, where they placed him under arrest on February 15. While at the door, Troopers noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from his residence and contacted Narcotics Troopers assigned to the Baton Rouge Field Office. Narcotics Troopers obtained a search warrant for Smith’s residence. Upon executing the warrant, Troopers found and seized a ballistics vest, 665 grams of Cocaine, 46 grams of Marijuana, two pints of Codeine, a currency counter, and $134,315.00 cash. Troopers booked Smith into the Ascension Parish Prison on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, possession with intent to distribute narcotic drugs, reckless operation of a vehicle, following too closely, speeding, and several additional traffic charges stemming from the pursuit. On February 17, State Police Detectives assigned to the Insurance Fraud Unit arrested Tim Wells Jr. (B/M, age 25), of Hammond on charges of insurance fraud and filing false public records. The arrest was the result of an investigation into a complaint made by the Allstate Insurance Company. Troopers’ investigation found that in October 2011, Wells contacted Allstate and represented himself as his father, Tim Wells Sr. He claimed his residence had been burglarized and the thief stole various power tools. To support the claim, he also filed a theft report with the Hammond Police Department. The theft never actually occurred, and Troopers obtained a warrant for Wells’ arrest. Troopers subsequently booked him into the Tangipahoa Parish Prison. On February 17, State Police Detectives assigned to the Insurance Fraud Unit arrested Richard Beshears (W/M, age 43) of Hammond on a charge of insurance fraud. The arrest was the result of an investigation into a complaint made by the Permanent General Assurance Corporation. Troopers’ investigation revealed that Beshears had falsified information regarding a parking lot crash that occurred in June 2011. Beshears struck a parked vehicle in the CVS Pharmacy parking lot in Hammond and left a note on the vehicle with his name and number. He then left the scene and obtained an insurance policy from Permanent General Assurance Corporation. When he was later contacted by Hammond Police Department regarding the crash, he provided insurance information to the officer investigating the crash. Beshears misrepresented the time of the crash in an effort to show that he had insurance coverage before the crash occurred. After working with the Hammond Police Department, Permanent General Assurance Corporation, and the other party involved in the crash, Troopers obtained a warrant for Beshears’ arrest and booked him into the Tangipahoa Parish Prison. Anyone wishing to report criminal or suspicious activity to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations is urged to contact detectives at 225-925-3682. TFC Russell G. Graham II | |||
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