NATCHITOCHES, La. (KALB) - A Natchitoches man was arrested for his alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme to sell plywood at reduced prices to homeowners doing home improvement projects, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On Jan. 9, NPSO responded to a monetary/theft by fraud complaint in the 500 block of Eight Mile Loop near Natchitoches and learned that a man operating a maroon-colored Kia vehicle and using a false name of “Mike Morrow” stopped at the complainant’s home inquiring about a vehicle.
“Morrow” would later be identified as Shumichael L. Moore, 38, of Natchitoches
NPSO said Moore learned the complainant was in the process of doing a home improvement project. At some point, during the conversation, Moore allegedly informed the complainant that he was employed by a Natchitoches Parish plywood plant and was capable of getting plywood at a reduced price. The complainant then paid Moore $170 for two bundles of plywood. NPSO said Moore would return the next morning, offering additional lumber in the forms of 2x6s and 2x4s for an additional $320, amounting to a total of $490 cash for the materials. NPSO said Moore never returned with the material.
On Jan. 22, NPSO received a walk-in complaint at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse from another citizen in the Oak Grove area near Natchitoches, reporting that he was approached by Moore, offering to sell him plywood at a reduced price. This led to the complainant giving Moore just less than $500 for the material he never received.
NPSO said Moore reportedly traveled to the complainant’s camp in Winn Parish, accepting additional cash for other materials he never received. That information was reported to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.
NPSO shared that Moore, a convicted felon and on parole, has been convicted of felony theft. He has other arrests consisting of unauthorized use of an access card, issuing worthless checks, home improvement fraud and narcotics violations.
NPSO also confirmed with the plywood plant’s human resources office that Moore was not an employee of the company and their practice is to not sell plywood to employees or private individuals.
On Jan. 18, NPSO arrested Moore without incident on Myrtle Drive in Natchitoches. He was booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center, charged with two counts of theft and parole violation.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
NPSO said while interviewing Moore, he asked how many complaints had been filed against him, therefore leading detectives to believe there may be additional unreported fraudulent theft cases he may be involved in Natchitoches Parish and possibly surrounding parishes.
If you have any information or are a victim of a theft involving Moore, NPSO asked that you contact Lt. Jared Kilpatrick of the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.
NPSO advised residents to conduct business with trusted sources to avoid fraudulent practices.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure that any contractor or supplier is licensed and has a good reputation.
- Obtain Quotes: Compare estimates from different providers for fair pricing.
- Check References: Ask for and contact references to assess the quality of work.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid paying large sums upfront and use traceable payment methods.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, contracts and receipts.
Report Suspicious Activity to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 325-6432 or 357-7852.