Vidalia police makes theft arrests

Published 5:15 pm Monday, December 9, 2024

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VIDALIA, La. — Vidalia police officers made several arrests on Thursday, Dec. 5, related to two open theft cases.

Officers received a theft complaint on Friday, Nov. 22, from an Eleanor Street resident. The complainant reported their vehicle was burglarized the previous night. The thief stole the victim’s wallet along with a cell phone and several other items. A week later, the victim received phone calls about someone attempting to open credit card accounts in their name. Once this information was discovered, investigators were able to link Dorian Richard Guillot to this crime.

On Thursday, Dec. 5, Investigators Robert Cross and Del’Marcus Johnson with the VPD S.W.A.T. members Sgt. David Washington and Lt. Mark Davis and patrol officers Terence Williams and Clarence Hall Sr. executed a search warrant at Guillot’s home. Guillot was detained, issued a Miranda warning and questioned. He admitted to his involvement in the case and implicated his thieving associate, Sean Gregory.

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A search of the home recovered several items of evidentiary value to this vehicle burglary and the victim’s stolen identity. Officers also noticed several tools, including power saws and table saws possibly stolen from other places. Those items were recovered and secured. Another victim came to the station and identified several of the recovered tools as those stolen from their shed on a previous occasion.

Guillot and Gregory were both arrested and charged with identity theft, mail theft and theft as it relates to the vehicle burglary. More charges will follow.

“The investigators continued working these cases, which culminated in these arrests,” said Chief Joey Merrill. “We’re happy to bring a measure of justice to these victims.”

Chief Merrill reminded everyone to keep their vehicles locked at all times and to call the police if they see any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.