Natchitoches Sheriff’s Department captures fugitive
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: January 12, 2011
A former Natchitoches resident is behind bars in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, without bond, after being on the lam for more than four years.
According to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones, Jr., deputies were able to capture William J. Johnson, age 54, at his place of employment in New Orleans, last week.
Jones said Johnson had been wanted in connection with a $70,000 theft, from the Natchitoches business where he worked in 2006.
Natchitoches Sheriff's Deputies investigated the complaint, in 2006, and determined that Johnson had stolen company monies. Deputies secured a warrant for Johnson's arrest and managed to locate him in Houston, TX. Before he could be apprehended, however, Johnson fled the country.
Jones said Johnson was later located out of the country, in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the West Indies. His passport was "flagged,” but at some point he was able to re-enter the United States undetected.
Recently, Natchitoches deputies joined forces with the U. S. Postal Inspector's Office and were able to locate Johnson, who was working in New Orleans.
After identifying a location in New Orleans, deputies teamed up with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit and took Johnson into custody.
Jones said Johnson offered no resistance. Johnson was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail and then released to the custody of the Natchitoches deputies, who transported him back to Natchitoches.
Because Johnson is considered a flight risk, having demonstrated his ability to evade law enforcement, deputies requested a detention hearing through the 10th Judicial District Court. That hearing was held last week and Johnson was ordered held without bail. Jones said his office is continuing to work alongside the other jurisdictions that have pending investigations into Johnson's crimes.
Jones said Johnson also is wanted in Connecticut, Indiana and Washington on similar crimes.
