A bag of discarded trash containing receipts helped Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators identify a suspect accused of stealing radiators from equipment and stripping them for copper.
Damon Leon Prothro, 52, was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of Schedule II methamphetamine following an investigation into a theft reported on Dogwood Trail, according to Sheriff Jason Parker.
Investigators searching the property discovered a bag of trash containing various receipts. Detectives used those receipts to trace their investigation to several businesses, where surveillance footage reportedly helped them identify Prothro as a suspect.
A subsequent background check revealed Prothro was on parole for theft and had an upcoming meeting at the local Probation and Parole office, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators obtained a warrant and took Prothro into custody. During a search of his vehicle, detectives reportedly discovered approximately 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
During questioning, Prothro allegedly admitted stealing eight radiators from equipment at the Dogwood Trail property. Investigators said he told them he removed the copper from the radiators and sold it to a scrap yard.
Prothro also reportedly admitted the suspected methamphetamine found in his vehicle belonged to him.
He was booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, where bond was set at $25,000.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.