The NOPD has arrested Sherod Champ (black male, DOB: 03-14-1974) and Troy Forest (black male, DOB: 10-19-1964) in the ongoing investigation of a theft incident that occurred on May 22, 2023, in the 3800 block of Howard Avenue.

On May 22, the owner of a construction site at the location reported building materials had been stolen from the site. Further investigation showed that on May 20, two unknown male subjects were seen entering the construction site, utilizing both a semi tractor trailer truck pulling a flatbed trailer and a white Dodge Ram pickup truck. The subjects then used heavy machinery to place multiple construction material items onto the flatbed trailer before fleeing the scene. During the investigation, the stolen materials were located at a nearby scrap yard.

Through investigation, both Champ and Forest were developed and positively identified as the perpetrators in this incident. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for each suspect. Forest was arrested on July 3, 2023, during investigation of a separate incident. Champ was arrested on July 10, 2023.

Champ was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on charges of felony theft and illegal possession of stolen things. Forest was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on charges of illegal possession of stolen things.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional information is currently available.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with additional information that can aid in this investigation is urged to contact NOPD Sixth District detectives at 504-658-6060. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.