🚨 Check Fraud & Identity Theft Investigation Results in Two Arrests 🚨
🚨 Check Fraud & Identity Theft Investigation Results in Two Arrests 🚨
Chief Chad M. Adams announces the arrest of two individuals following an investigation conducted by the Morgan City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.
On March 30, 2026, the Morgan City Police Department received a report of an identity theft and monetary instrument abuse at a local business. During the incident, the suspect identified himself as another individual and cashed a check. Investigators began actively working the case in an effort to identify and locate the suspect.
On April 1, 2026, investigators received a second report from another local business involving a similar incident, where the same subject again identified himself as another individual and wrote fraudulent checks to purchase merchandise. At that time, investigators had not yet confirmed the suspect's identity and began conducting additional patrols in an effort to locate and identify the suspect.
Later that evening, MCPD Narcotics detectives located the suspect walking in the area of Second Street of Morgan City. Upon making contact, detectives were able to identify him as William Pitzer, of Cremo Lane in Patterson, Louisiana. Pitzer was taken into custody and initially arrested on narcotics-related charges as well as for providing false information to investigators.
During the course of the investigation, detectives identified a residence on Duke Street as a possible location where fraudulently obtained items were being stored. A search warrant was obtained and executed at that residence, at which time evidence was recovered linking Pitzer to the reported offenses.
While executing the search warrant, investigators obtained additional evidence indicating that Pitzer had committed similar crimes at another local business in Morgan City.
On April 2, 2026, investigators made contact with that business, where staff confirmed additional incidents involving monetary instrument abuse, identity theft, theft, and forgery.
As a result of the investigation, Pitzer was additionally charged with the following offenses:
Monetary Instrument Abuse - 3 counts
Forgery - 3 counts
Identity Theft - 2 counts
Theft Over $1000- 2 counts
Theft Under $1,000 - 1 count
During the course of the investigation, Atanacio Guerrero, Jr., of Duke Street in Morgan City, Louisiana, was identified as an accomplice in the crimes. Investigators subsequently placed Guerrero under arrest Guerrero was charged with the following offenses:
Principal to Monetary Instrument Abuse
Principal to Forgery
Principal to Theft
Principal to Identity Theft
This investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests and charges may be forthcoming.
Although the Morgan City Police Department utilizes some of the most advanced technology and equipment available, this case serves as a reminder that good, old-fashioned police work remains at the core of what we do. Chief Chad M. Adams commends the investigators for their exceptional diligence, determination, and professionalism in bringing this case to a resolution.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Morgan City Police Department at (985) 384-2310.
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