One arrest was made, and two other suspects are wanted in connection with a rash of recent burglaries throughout the parish.

Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office (JDSO) Deputy Chief Chris Ivey said thanks to the information provided by parish citizens, detectives were able to identify, locate and apprehend one suspect Thursday, Jan. 18, believed to be involved in the burglaries. Melissa Lasha Aguillard, 41, of 576 West Friesen Road in Lake Charles, was arrested and booked into the parish jail on charges of attempted burglary and simple burglary.

“Aguillard has four previous arrests and is believed to be involved in numerous burglaries in Jeff Davis and Allen parishes,” said Ivey. “Detectives have also identified two additional suspects involved in the burglaries along with Aguillard, and have obtained warrants for their arrests, as well.”

Detectives are now looking for 33-year-old Davis Paul Cavalier, Jr., of Lake Charles and 41-year-old Rufus Ira Dunn, of 275 McGinty Road, Montgomery, La.

“Cavalier and Dunn are suspected of committing over twenty burglaries in Jeff Davis and adjacent parishes,” continued Ivey. “Dunn was identified as the suspect caught on surveillance video in a recent burglary in the parish. Detectives posted the photo of Dunn from the video footage on the social media website Facebook earlier this week in an effort to reach out to the public for assistance in identifying the suspect.”

JDSO Sheriff Ivy Woods extended his gratitude to the individuals who provided valuable information in these cases and encourages the public to continue efforts in assisting the agency.

“Our deputies are patrolling the areas and stopping suspicious or unknown vehicles and people seen in the parish,” he said. “Unfortunately, we can’t be everywhere at all times. The assistance from residents, especially those with surveillance cameras in their homes and businesses, greatly enhance our capabilities of identifying and apprehending these individuals who commit crimes. We thank the public for their assistance in solving this rash of burglaries in the parish.”

Aguillard is being held in the parish jail on a $20,000 bond.