LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY) — Authorities arrested two men allegedly connected with a series of thefts at grocery store chains in different towns of Louisiana including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Shreveport, Denham Springs, and Kenner, Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs said.

The two suspects arrested were Ahmad Ibrahim, 33, and Dieudome Tamekeng, 39, deputies said.

On Monday, deputies said they were contacted in reference to one of the suspects attempting to use a stolen EBT card to make a purchase at a store in Lake Charles. Upon further investigation, it was discovered the suspects were acquiring EBT card information from skimming devices and placing the stolen information on gifts cards, in attempt to avoid detection, officials said.

During the investigation, deputies said it was revealed that the suspects purchased 60 five-gallon containers of cooking oil using the stolen EBT numbers.  After further investigation a search warrant was executed on the suspect’s vehicle, where officials located numerous receipts, gift cards which had been reprogramed with stolen EBT information, a card reader, and laptop.  Officials also located 24 cases of Red Bull and 10 cases of Monster Energy drinks along with a case of Coca Cola, that was purchased the previous day using stolen EBT card numbers, authorities said.

Authorities said that Ibrahim and Tamekeng were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Center. The suspects will be charged with unauthorized use of a food stamp card over $1,500 and theft from $1,000 to $5,000. 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified due to Ibrahim being in the United States on an expired work visa.  It was also discovered Tamekeng is in the U.S. as an asylum seeker and has a pending court date for his hearing, authorities said.

The investigation is ongoing. Deputies said they have reason to believe more individuals are involved. 

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