Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: June 8, 2006

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Cpl. Bill Goodin, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Police investigate thefts of city property

Shreveport Police detectives are investigating alleged theft of property belonging to the City of Shreveport.

Several weeks ago, the Shreveport Police Department was contacted by Mike Strong, director of the Department of Operational Services, concerning allegations of internal employee theft at the Department of Water and Sewerage. Shreveport Police Detectives began an immediate investigation and surveillance, uncovering evidence that indicated city employees had been stealing property belonging to the City of Shreveport.

Strong says he was saddened to learn that city employees might be involved in breaking the law. "I am extremely disappointed in our employees who were involved in this," says Strong. "But I am also angry. Anyone who is accused of stealing from the City and our citizens should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Shreveport Police have arrested the following suspects, all of whom are employed by the City of Shreveport at the Department of Water and Sewerage. Each suspect has been charged with internal theft of a felony nature and booked into the city jail:

Lindell White, age 50, of Shreveport

Leroy White, age 44, of Shreveport

William Okray, age 27, of Shreveport

Karlo Clarkson, age 50, of Shreveport

Jerry Smith, age 43, of Mansfield

Jerry Fields, age 53, of Shreveport

Investigating Detective Sergeant Scott Dickard says to expect more arrests in the near future.

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews