Four arrested in connection with thefts at Jennings High School, cemetery

JENNINGS, La. (KLFY) — Four people have been arrested in connection with the desecration of veterans’ graves, and other theft and drug charges, authorities said.

Cole Bienvenu, Adam Broussard, Courtney Denby and Melissa Courts have been charged in connection with the theft of brass/copper plaques from Greenwood Cemetery.

A report was filed with Jennings Police on Sunday regarding an assault with a firearm concerning Bienvenu. Investigators said they learned Bienvenu was responsible for stealing the plaques, some belonging to U.S. veterans. Bienvenu was also suspected in the theft of electrical wire from the Jennings High School Stadium, authorities said.

A search warrant was obtained for Bienvenu’s residence in the 1300 block of North Morton Street in Jennings.

During the search of the residence found 12 pieces of metal later identified as graveyard plaques from Greenwood Cemetery, authorities said. A total of 15 gravesites were reported damaged, and their plaques were removed. The estimated damage is approximately $25,000.

The search also found several pounds of cut electrical wire, grinders and power cutting tools, authorities said. The electrical wire was allegedly stolen from the Jennings High School Stadium construction site. The cost of the damage/theft is estimated at $80,000.

Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also found, officials said.

Bienvenu is charged with 15 counts of Desecration of Graves, 15 counts of Institutional Vandalism, 2 counts of Theft and one count each of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.

Broussard is charged with Desecration of Graves, Institutional Vandalism and Criminal Conspiracy to Desecration of Graves.

Denbry is charged with Accessory after the fact to Desecration of Graves and Accessory after the fact to Felony Theft.

Courts is charged with Accessory after the fact to Desecration of Graves, Accessory after the fact to Felony theft and Possession of Schedule II drugs.

All are being held without bond in the Jeff Davis Parish jail.

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