By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

DESTREHAN — Move in quick, steal something of value and avoid identification is how St. Charles Parish authorities describe the motives of a female duo who robbed a Destrehan woman of her checkbook and credit cards.

Authorities released two photos of people of interest they believe are connected to the thefts, which victimized an elderly woman last month in St. Charles Parish.

Sgt. Dwayne LaGrange of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office said an 82-year-old Destrehan woman received a knock on her door Sept. 24 from two unknown black females saying they were going to deliver her medical supplies.

When the victim said she did not order any supplies, the two women asked to use a telephone book inside the victim’s residence to get the correct address of where the supplies needed to go.

“The victim allowed the two females inside her residence and went into another room to retrieve a phone book,” LaGrange said. “After looking through the phone book, the two females left without further incident.”

A couple of hours later the victim was notified someone had used her credit card. She checked her purse and realized her checkbook and credit cards were stolen.

Purchases were made in LaPlace, Covington and New Orleans.

“This is something that occurs all across the country,” LaGrange said, adding a pattern has not been established recently in St. Charles Parish. “I’m sure these folks look for victims. They move in, strike fast and move on to the next parish or the next victim.

“I’m not sure if they knew the victim or had some kind of insight on whether she was living alone. Typically, the way these folks operate is they seek out a victim or are contacted by someone who may be an acquaintance of a victim who feeds them information.”

Authorities have not identified where the thieves are based.

“They could very well be someone from St. Charles Parish or neighboring parishes,” LaGrange said. “We know when these types of crimes occur, they are pretty mobile. They move around. Their whole (motive) is make sure they grab something quick and hopefully not get identified.”

The released pictures, which were taken in New Orleans, are of “people of interest” in this case.

Anyone with information on the identity of the women pictured or any information relating to the theft is asked to call Detective Joseph Dewhirst at 985-783-1135 or 985-783-6807.