A January home invasion in a quiet St. Bernard Parish neighborhood has resulted in multiple arrests. Deputies say two men forcibly entered a home, assaulted the resident, and stole cash and prescription drugs. The incident occurred on January 10 on the 2000 block of Nehlig Lane in the Toca area. Later in the month, local special-operations units executed outstanding warrants and apprehended the primary suspects.
In a Facebook post, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office stated that its Special Operations Division arrested 38-year-old Steve Minyard and 27-year-old Casey Landry on Thursday for outstanding warrants. Both were booked with aggravated burglary, and Minyard also faced charges for possession of heroin and fentanyl. The post also mentioned that 34-year-old Charles Johnson was arrested and booked with possession of marijuana.
Deputies say two individuals known to the victim entered the home, physically attacked him, and took cash and prescription medications. Sheriff James Pohlmann described the incident as an isolated event between acquaintances.
What deputies say happened
According to the sheriff's office, the victim told investigators that two people he knew entered his home without permission, struck him, and took cash and prescription medication before leaving. Since the residence was occupied and the victim was assaulted, deputies classified the case as an aggravated burglary.
Legal context and penalties
Under Louisiana law, aggravated burglary is defined as the unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling with the intent to commit a felony or theft, where the offender is armed or commits a battery during the incident. The crime carries a possible sentence of one to 30 years at hard labor under La. Rev. Stat. § 14:60, according to Justia.
How to help investigators
The sheriff's office is urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau at (504) 271-2501 or the tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Deputies are also asking neighbors in the area to review any doorbell or security camera footage that may show activity related to the reported break-in.
Investigators say the probe is ongoing, and more details may be released as the case progresses through the justice system. As with all arrests, the individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
