7 people arrested and charged following investigation into car theft in West Baton Rouge Parish

WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH, Louisiana (BRPROUD) – Seven people have been charged in connection with a car theft ring in West Baton Rouge Parish.

According to a press release from District Attorney Tony Clayton, the suspects broke into Dodge vehicles at a rail yard in Port Allen, took the key fob from the vehicle and left the AirTag inside.

When the vehicle was delivered to the dealer, the suspects allegedly stole it using the key fob.

In March 2023, two vehicles were reported stolen from the Port Allen auto factory. In July, dealers reported that cars were delivered without key fobs. AirTags were also found in the vehicles.

Authorities say the vehicles with missing key fobs came from the Port Allen auto factory, the press release said.

The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office said the AirTags have been linked to Keleen D. Magee, Dion Roberts and Joseph Parker Jr.

After searching four apartments, investigators found the missing keychains, grinders, burglary tools, AirTags and other evidence. According to Clayton, Jaquan R. Price, Ashanti M. Bradley, Kelsey M. Smith and Kenneth K. Stackhouse were also arrested in connection with the theft ring.

Clayton said the suspects are facing charges including five counts of simple burglary, three counts of theft, four counts of attempted theft, solicitation of simple burglary, aiding and abetting after the fact and organized crime.

“The sheriff’s detectives did a great job on this case,” Clayton said. “We are aggressively pursuing them under the RICO statute, which is rarely used in prosecution but applies perfectly to this case. And if they are convicted, we will seek the harshest penalties possible. We will not tolerate this activity in our community.”

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