A Chalmette man has been apprehended by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office following a burglary at an Arabi business, where he was once on the payroll, as per law enforcement officials. Michael Totorico, 36, stands accused of breaking into the business located on West Judge Perez Drive, a location where he was previously employed.
The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office shared through a social media post that the incident was reported on the morning of Jan. 2, and their investigation kicked off shortly after. It was during this investigation that Totorico became a prime suspect. "Patrol deputies identified Totorico, a former employee of the business, as the suspect through video surveillance and victim statements," the Sheriff's Office stated.
Following the identification, an arrest warrant was issued for Totorico, culminating in his apprehension on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Not only was he booked for simple burglary, but he also faced an outstanding bench warrant tied to a traffic violation. The recovery of property linked to the burglary was an additional success for deputies; this property was found in Totorico's possession at the time of his arrest.
The Sheriff's Office, in their public communication, also encourages anyone with further information on the case to step forward. "Anyone with additional information involving this incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501," the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office requested. With the investigation ongoing, the Sheriff's Department is keen on gathering all relevant information that may help in prosecuting the case.
