Two motor vehicle theft suspects charged with additional counts

Two 18-year-old men arrested last month in the theft of an ATV and dirt bike at two homes in Simmesport had additional theft charges filed on Jan. 31, the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office reported.

Deaundra Draquan Johnson and Deandre Omarion Castle have both been released on bond for their charges, Johnson on $100,000 bond and Castle on $50,000.

Johnson is charged with three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, criminal trespass and criminal conspiracy. Castle has two counts of each charge.

APSO deputies and Simmesport police officers investigated the initial theft. Both vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners.

More arrests are expected.

Sheriff David L. Dauzat praised deputies, detectives and Simmesport P.D. officers "for their swift response and great team work."

He said the people should "remain vigilant in stopping these types of thefts and arresting the perpetrators. We are proactively patrolling the parish and working with our law enforcement partners in an effort to protect your property and stop crimes like this."

Anyone with information about thefts, burglaries or any other crime is asked to contact the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-253-4000.