Raymond Forest, 69, of LaPlace was arrested August 1, 2023 after stealing several cartons of cigarettes and several bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey from a convenience store in LaPlace.
On July 20, 2023, officers responded to a complaint at RacTrac on West Airline Highway in LaPlace in reference to a theft. Upon arrival officers learned on June 15, 2023, an unknown male subject, later identified as Forest, was loitering inside the store and was asked to leave the store. Later, personnel observed video surveillance that captured the same male subject enter a back door into the store, remove a box, which contained 30 cartons of various cigarettes valued at about $2,100, then flee the scene on foot.
Store personnel also discovered that Forest returned to the store July 24, 2023, about 10:15 p.m. He entered the store through the front door, hid 15 bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey, valued at about $225, on his person, then fled the scene on foot.
Through investigation and review of video surveillance, officers developed Forest as the suspect. During the interview with detectives, Forest confessed to stealing the items.
Forest was booked with theft – less than $1000 (misd) and theft – $1,000 – $5,000 (felony). He is being held in custody in lieu of a $1,500 bond.
Since 1983, Forest has been arrested more than 90 times for shoplifting, theft and criminal trespassing charges in St. John Parish.