((UPDATE)) Two Arrested in Former Church Building Theft Investigation
((UPDATE))
HAMMOND (October 12, 2026)- The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested two suspects in connection with a large-scale theft from a vacant church property back in May.
Samuel Cutrer, 47, has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on one count of Felony Theft (over $25,000).
Robert Magee, 45, is currently being held in the St. Helena Parish Jail as a fugitive from TPSO on the same count. His transfer is pending unrelated charges out of St. Helena Parish.
On May 6, it was discovered that copper tubing as well as condensers and parts from multiple A/C units were missing from the property of the former Harvest Church building located in the 17000 block of north I-12 Service Road in Hammond. The repairs for the damage and replacement of the parts exceeded $100,000.
Surveillance video released to the public on May 14th showed two suspects committing the theft. Shortly after, tips helped TPSO detectives identify Cutrer and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On September 24, Cutrer was located and arrested on the outstanding warrant connected to this case as well as almost a dozen other unrelated charges.
As the investigation continued, the second suspect was identified as Magee, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. It was then learned he was already in custody at the St. Helena Parish Jail in an unrelated case.
This is Magee’s fourth copper theft-related arrest in Tangipahoa Parish in the past six months. Investigators are continuing to look into Magee’s possible involvement in other outstanding copper theft-related cases both in and out of Tangipahoa Parish.
TPSO Public Information Office, pio@tpso.org
Suspects Sought in Former Church Building Theft Investigation
HAMMOND (May 14, 2026)- The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs the public’s help identifying and locating the suspects accused of a large-scale theft from a vacant church property resulting in more than $100,000 worth of repairs.
Earlier this week, it was discovered that copper tubing as well as condensers and parts from multiple A/C units were missing from the property of the former Harvest Church building located in the 17000 block of north I-12 Service Road in Hammond. The repairs for the damage and replacement of the parts currently exceeds $100,000.
It has been determined that the theft occurred last month when at least two individuals came onto the property around 9 p.m. on April 25. Surveillance video shows one suspect wearing what appears to be a light shirt with a design on the front, jeans and light tennis shoes. The second suspect appears to be wearing a light shirt with a horizontal striped design on the front and back as well as jeans with dark shoes. Both appear to have dark hair and stand between 5’8” and 5’11”.
While the duo is only seen on foot, it is believed a vehicle resembling the attached image could be involved. It appears to be a light gold or pewter Nissan sedan.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who these suspects are, or their whereabouts, to contact the TPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088.
If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through CrimeStoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!
You may be eligible for a cash reward.
TPSO Public Information Office, pio@tpso.org
