THEFT – FINANCIAL CRIMES

THEFT – FINANCIAL CRIMES – MARQUIS L. WATKINS

NAPOLEONVILLE – Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reports the arrest of Marquis L. Watkins, 29, of 3301 West Esplanade, Metairie, LA, on multiple charges following a complaint from a local business.

On March 1, 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a complaint from a local business in reference to an individual having made a sizeable purchase after obtaining credit by fraudulent means utilizing a stolen identity. The item purchased was a Tesla automobile valued over $31,000.

Detectives initiated an investigation and through that process were able to establish the suspect’s correct identity as being Marquis L. Watkins. Detectives traveled to the Metairie, LA area with the assistance of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and were able to locate the Tesla vehicle. During an investigative stop, Watkins was determined to be the driver of the vehicle. Watkins was arrested.

Detectives obtained search warrants for the stolen vehicle as well as for Watkins’ residence. During the execution of those search warrants, detectives seized evidence linking Watkins to the crime.

At the conclusion of the investigation, detectives secured arrest warrants for Marquis L. Watkins. The suspect was transferred to the custody of the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges of:

*Felony Theft Valued Over $25,000
*Forgery
*Bank Fraud
*Computer Fraud
*Felony Identity Theft
*Detainer – St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office

Marquis L. Watkins remains incarcerated with bond set at $150,000.

For additional information concerning this News Release, contact Sheriff Leland Falcon or Public Information Officer, Lonny Cavalier at (985) 498-9353 or (985) 369-7281.