WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |St. Amant football players charged with theft

St. Amant football players charged with theft

By Cheryl Mercedes - bio | email

ST. AMANT, LA (WAFB) - Three St. Amant High School football players were arrested this week, after a fellow student's debit card disappeared during practice.

Last week Ascension Parish Sheriff's officials were called to investigate what they call an uncommon crime at St. Amant High School. Lt. Col. Paul Robert says a parent reported their child's debit card stolen from the boys' locker room.

"It was charges at a local gas station, filling up the vehicles with gas, and at a local restaurant," said Robert.

Ascension Parish Sheriff's officials say surveillance video obtained from Raising Canes Restaurant on Airline Highway in Gonzales shows the three boys using the card in the drive-thru.

"It was school officials that helped them identify the students who were involved," said Robert.

Deputies charged 17-year-old Nelson Jointer, 18-year-old Romel Streit, and 17-year-old Tre' Vaughn each with one count of theft and two counts of unauthorized use of an access card. All three play on the St. Amant Gators football team. Vaughn is a running back, and is recognized as a star athlete.

Robert says it is still unclear which boy allegedly stole the card. But, the investigation shows all three benefited from charges made on the account.

"They were all aware the card was stolen and all charged with theft," said Robert.

Ascension School officials say they have taken discipinary action. But, they would not elaborate. Sources say the three boys will not take the field in the final game of the season against Destrahan. They are scheduled to go before a judge on February 3, 2010. 

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