ATF, Sheriff’s Office discover stolen cigarettes at Rayne store

Agents from the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control and deputies from the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a surprise search of King City Grocery on Jeff Davis Avenue Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 27, that resulted in the discovery of 48 cartons of stolen cigarettes.
The search was prompted by information obtained by the Sheriff’s Department of an Iota resident reportedly connected to the theft of 50 cartons of cigarettes from a Church Point Wholesale Company truck in Lake Charles and transported to Acadia Parish.
After deputies conducted a search warrant on an Iota residence, an arrest warrant for possession of stolen property was issued for Brandon Keenan, a former employee of the wholesale company.
Deputies are currently seeking Keenan.
A second suspect, Joshua Bye is currently in the Acadia Parish Jail also charged with possession of stolen property.
Troy Hebert, commissioner of the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, explained state regulations require the purchase of tobacco products only from an authorized wholesaler.
Hebert said his office is currently looking into charging the owner of King City Grocery with an unauthorized purchase, a move which could jeopardize the store’s permit.
An administrative review hearing, Commissioner Hebert explained, could result in a revocation or suspension of the permit or a fine. He indicated that review could occur within the next 30 days.
The Lake Charles Police Department is conducting its own investigation of the theft from the truck.