Caddo Father/Son Accused of Theft of Nearly $200K of Copper Wire

Caddo Parish Sheriff's deputies teamed up with Red River Parish Sheriff's deputies for a joint investigation into thefts occurring at mining sites owned by Dolet Hills Power Company in Red River Parish that resulted in the loss of approximately $177,000 of copper wiring drag lines.

That investigation has led to the arrest of Stoney Woodell, Sr., 53, of Oil City.

Details from Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator, indicate that on December 3, the Red River Sheriff's Office identified Woodell Sr. and his son, Stoney Woodell Jr., as suspects in the thefts that occurred between November and December, after the pair was found at one of the mining sites with a truck, trailer and several cutting tools. At that time, Stoney Jr. was arrested for drug offenses and Stoney Sr. was not arrested while the investigation continued.

Since both men reside in Caddo Parish, the Caddo Sheriff's office was called in for assistance. Caddo Det. Jeremy Edward and Red River Sgt. Anthony Haire went to a residence in the 7200 block of Hwy. 170 in Vivian where they found approximately 1,000 feet of stolen copper wiring drag lines located on the property. The value of the stolen property was $71,000.

Edward obtained arrest warrants for both Stoney Sr. and Stoney Jr. for Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, and Haire obtained Felony Theft warrants for both men.

Stoney Woodell Sr. was located, arrested, and booked into the Caddo Correctional Center.

Woodell Jr. has not been located.