Ascension Parish stolen horses recovered, three arrested

ASCENSION PARISH — Three people, including two 16-year-old juveniles, were arrested after allegedly stealing three horses from two different places in Prairieville, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office

Jatory Hardesty, 21, of St. Gabriel is charged with two counts theft of livestock (felony), two counts contributing to the delinquency of juveniles (misdemeanor), and two counts criminal trespass (misdemeanor). The juveniles are charged with two counts theft of livestock and two counts criminal trespass.

On Thursday deputies responded to reports of a stolen horse at a location on Highway 929 in Prairieville. Shortly after, deputies responded to a second report of stolen horses at a location on Highway 930.

Detectives with the APSO Property Crimes Unit received information that linked both thefts. During their investigation, detectives learned that Hardesty and the two juveniles stole the horses with intent to sell them. With assistance from the St. Gabriel Police Department, all three subjects were located and taken into custody. The horses were returned to their owners unharmed.

One homeowner reported their horse was stolen from a home in Prairieville Wednesday night.

It happened at the corner of Hwy. 929 and Causey Rd. where preparations are underway for construction of a roundabout.

A family member reached out to Unfiltered with Kiran and says some of her dad’s land was purchased during the process and the fences were moved back clearing some trees and putting all the things out in the open.

“Our horse was stolen last night and the thief left the gates open for our children’s livestock 4-H projects to get out on the road,” said the family member.

“We just returned home with them. They were stolen by four subjects using a white flatbed truck and bumper pull horse trailer and a car. They were brought to a property behind a Pentecostal Church in St. Gabriel and dropped off. They are banged up but alive and home. Praying they will find the four thieves and lock them away off the streets!”