Family auto theft ring busted

St. Tammany News

The recent arrests by St. Tammany Parish sheriff's deputies of four suspects in a multi-parish auto theft ring have given a whole new meaning to the words "family business."

Arrested were Glenn Davis Trahan, 58, his wife, Natalie Marie Trahan, 45, and son Roger Allen Trahan, 17, all of 42184 Downey Road in Slidell. Another son, a juvenile, was also arrested.

All were booked on multiple counts of illegal possession of stolen things and alteration or removal of identifying numbers. In addition, Glenn and Natalie Trahan were charged with illegal carrying of a weapon, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The case began on Feb. 8.

"We received an anonymous tip," said Sgt. Bobby Juge, one of the deputies working on the case with lead Detective Corey Crowe. "Cars were going in and out at all hours of the day, and that raised suspicions."

Deputies believe that Glenn Trahan was altering vehicle identification numbers and other identifying marks on stolen vehicles in an attempt to re-register those vehicles with the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

After obtaining a stolen vehicle, Trahan allegedly purchased salvaged vehicles closely matching the make and model of the stolen one, which he would then use as a source of legitimate VIN tags.

A search warrant was issued, which turned up 11 vehicles, including trucks, motorcycles and camper trailers. Also found on the property were a number of carpenter's tools and weapons, as well as a quantity of marijuana. Trahan apparently had an extensive history of distributing illegal drugs, deputies said.

Most of the vehicles were stolen in New Orleans and brought to St. Tammany Parish, and it is believed that Trahan may have sold stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. Sheriff Jack Strain is encouraging those who believe they may have purchased a vehicle from Trahan or anyone in his family to come forward.

"I'm asking the public to look closely at these photos," said Strain. "If you've purchased a vehicle from any of these individuals, you could be in possession of stolen property."

Strain went on to point out that those who do not come forward after a reasonable amount of time could also be at risk of arrest.

Although Strain and his deputies believe they have recovered most, if not all, of the stolen property, the investigation is ongoing and could involve hundreds of vehicles.

"These thefts have been going on since before Hurricane Katrina," said Crowe. "The operation could very well reach into other parts of the Southshore and into Mississippi."

Strain said his office had never seen a case in which an entire family was involved, and the detectives are unsure exactly what each individual role was in the operation. Trahan's children allegedly even drove the stolen vehicles to school on a regular basis.

Crowe and Juge worked closely with law enforcement agencies in both Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and Strain praised the men for their efforts.

"This kind of case takes a tremendous amount of legwork, and I'm extremely proud of our investigative division," said Strain. "This is a crime that affects everyone in the parish, because we all pay more when vehicles are stolen."

Three of the four suspects have been released on bond, while Glenn Trahan remained in custody in lieu of a $725,000 bond on Friday.

Crowe can be reached at 645-2447.