A highly trained Ark-La-Tex undercover police team made several arrests with the high tech help of Facebook Messenger.
An undercover investigation into stolen items being sold through social media by Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Special Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT) Deputies has led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of a stolen ATV that was taken from the Swartz area.
On Friday, June 21, 2019, responding to an ad listing an ATV for sale by Christopher Winnfield, deputies contacted him through Facebook Messenger and negotiated the purchase.
On Friday, June 21, 2019, responding to an ad listing an ATV for sale by Christopher Winnfield, deputies contacted him through Facebook Messenger and negotiated the purchase.
Deputies had determined the ATV was reported to OPSO in March 2019 as stolen. Winnfield agreed to meet on the parking lot of a local school to complete the sale.
Deputies proceeded to the location and waited for the suspect to arrive. A short time later, deputies allegedly observed Christopher Winnfield and a second suspect arrive at the location riding the stolen ATV. They were followed by two more suspects in a pick-up truck.
Deputies arrested all four suspects at the scene. Three were allegedly found to have firearms in their possession.
Deputies proceeded to the location and waited for the suspect to arrive. A short time later, deputies allegedly observed Christopher Winnfield and a second suspect arrive at the location riding the stolen ATV. They were followed by two more suspects in a pick-up truck.
Deputies arrested all four suspects at the scene. Three were allegedly found to have firearms in their possession.
Deputies said they believed the four had intended to rob an unsuspecting buyer when they met, but they did not provide additional proof of this to media outlets.
All four have been booked in OCC on the listed charges. The ATV has been returned to the owner.
Editor's note: Any person arrested or charged with a crime is presumed innocent if and until they are convicted in a court of law.
Christopher A. Winnfield
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile
1 ct. Possession of a Firearm on School Property
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile
1 ct. Possession of a Firearm on School Property
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
David E. Jackson
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
Jimmy Winnfield
1 ct. Illegal Carrying of a Firearm
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Carrying a Firearm on School Property
1 ct. Illegal Carrying of a Firearm
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Carrying a Firearm on School Property
Jaylen C. Dunbar
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
1 ct. Resisting an Officer
1. Ct. Carrying a Firearm on School Property
Failure to Appear in Court Bench Warrant
1 ct. Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
1 ct. Criminal Conspiracy
1 ct. Resisting an Officer
1. Ct. Carrying a Firearm on School Property
Failure to Appear in Court Bench Warrant
