Orleans District Attorney investigator arrested in alleged Home Depot theft
Orleans Parish LA October 1 2017 An investigator with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office was arrested in Metairie this week after allegedly stealing from a Home Depot store for more than four months, according to authorities.
David Brent Roberts, 45, was booked into Jefferson Parish jail Wednesday (Sept. 27) with theft, according to a report from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Jail records show he was released Thursday on a $5,000 bond.
An investigation by Jefferson Parish Detective Ray Gorman revealed Roberts allegedly committed at least nine thefts or fraudulent returns at Home Depot from May to September, JPSO spokesman Lt. Jason Rivarde said Friday. Roberts committed “a number of” these acts at the Harahan store, 5151 Citrus Blvd., while wearing a gun and a badge, Rivarde added.
Roberts was also seen leaving the store in his official DA’s office vehicle. Rivarde said all of the acts were captured on the store’s video surveillance system. JPSO said the total value of the thefts was approximately $3,500.
Upon Gorman’s request, a warrant for Roberts’ arrest was issued Sept. 26, according to JPSO’s report. He was arrested at 7:26 a.m. Wednesday as he was leaving his home in Metairie.
Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bowman, a spokesman for the DA’s office, said by phone Friday that Roberts has been suspended without pay. He will remain suspended without pay as the DA’s office looks into “the facts and circumstances surrounding his arrest,” he said.
Bowman added that the DA’s office is in contact with JPSO to provide any information that they might need for their investigation.
Jail records show Roberts is scheduled to appear in Jefferson Parish court Nov. 13 for a commissioner status hearing.
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