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NEWS RELEASE
March 20, 2023
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of 3 Houma men, stemming from a Residential Burglary Investigation that occurred at a residence on the Westside of Houma. Terrebonne Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are still attempting to identify an additional suspect in the investigation.
On March 17th, shortly after 2:30pm, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office were called to a local Houma residence, after learning that the home was entered by an unknown male suspect. The TPSO Patrol Division immediately responded to the address, and learned from homeowners that a family member was inside the residence at the time of the burglary, who was unharmed. As TPSO Deputies began the initial investigation, they observed that the home appeared to be ransacked, and discovered that several pieces of electronic equipment were taken during the burglary of the home. TPSO Detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation, and as a result, video surveillance footage was captured and provided to Detectives. The video surveillance footage assisted Detectives in identifying a vehicle connected to the case, and also provided them with evidence linking two possible suspects to the incident.
TPSO Detectives reviewed the evidence and were able to identify multiple occupants of the vehicle, and linked the involvement of Ronald Rainey Jr., 37, of Houma. Terrebonne Detectives were able to locate a residence associated with Rainey in the 100 block of Henderson Street, of which a search warrant was obtained. As Detectives arrived at the residence to serve the search warrant, they came into contact with a vehicle attempting to depart the residence, where Ronald Rainey Jr. was located as the driver and taken into custody. Detectives located two additional occupants within the vehicle, identified as Leo Chapman, 37, and Wendell Cole, 42, who were also detained and brought in for questioning. Through further investigation, Detectives were able to confirm that Wendell Cole also resides at the Henderson Street residence along with Rainey.
Detectives completed the search warrant in connection with the investigation, which led to the seizure of multiple pieces of electronic equipment, over 7 ounces of Methamphetamines, more than 41 grams of Heroin, approximately 4 ounces of Marijuana, close to 3 grams of MDMA, over $2,200 in cash, and 5 weapons. Investigators were able to determine one of the weapons was listed as stolen during an unrelated case, and Detectives are continuing to review the electronic devices to determine if they are linked to the investigation.
Ronald Darnell Rainey Jr. was later booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on the charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offense, Possession of Firearm while in Possession of CDS, Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling, and Failure to Appear. Rainey remains jailed on a $505,000 bond by local judges.
Wendell Delaney Cole was later booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on the charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS I (Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offense, Possession of Firearm while in Possession of CDS, and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Cole remains jailed on a $150,000 bond by local judges. Detectives have been unable to link Cole to any involvement in the Burglary investigation.
Leo Arthur Chapman was later booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on the charge of Possession of CDS I. Chapman remains jailed on a $50,000 bond by local judges.
This is an ongoing investigation as Detectives are continuing their search for an additional suspect who has been linked to the burglary investigation. At this point in the investigation, Cole and Chapman have not been linked to any involvement in the Burglary investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.
Sheriff Tim Soignet is pleased with the outstanding work completed by the TPSO Patrol, Detective, and SWAT Divisions in the safe apprehension of these offenders. Sheriff Tim Soignet said, “I’m very proud of the quality work completed by our Deputies, Detectives, and SWAT Team members. These men and women do an unbelievable job of dealing with very difficult circumstances, which is vital to bringing offenders to justice.”
ALL ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY