10/29/2026
On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at approximately 3:35 p.m., Detectives and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Agents with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of individuals stripping copper wiring from a residence on Bens Circle in New Iberia.
While en route, investigators received information that the suspects had left the area. Detectives and Agents began checking local scrap yards and located the individuals attempting to sell copper wiring.
During the investigation, the victim contacted the scrap yard and identified Michael Jayson Derise as the individual responsible for removing electrical wiring from the residence without permission. Investigators examined the copper being sold and determined it was consistent with residential electrical wiring.
Further investigation led Detectives and Agents to Derise’s residence, where additional evidence related to the stolen wiring was recovered. An employee with CLECO, who was performing electrical work at the victim’s residence, confirmed that the recovered wire insulation was consistent with wiring removed from the property.
Investigators also obtained photographs and video evidence showing Derise allegedly removing electrical wiring from the residence. The victim confirmed that Derise did not have permission to enter the home or remove any materials.
Authorities determined that approximately one hour had passed between the theft and the sale of the stolen copper. During that time, Derise allegedly removed the wiring, transported it to another location, stripped the insulation, and sold the copper to a local scrap yard.
The scrap yard paid approximately $280.40 for the stolen copper, while the estimated cost to replace the electrical wiring was $3,100.
As a result of the investigation, Michael Jayson Derise was arrested and charged with:
La. R.S.-14:62 Simple Burglary
Derise was transported to the Iberia Parish Jail for booking. No bail has been set at this time.
Sheriff Tommy Romero emphasizes that copper theft continues to be a recurring problem throughout the parish, often leaving property owners with thousands of dollars in damages for materials sold for only a fraction of their actual value. Sheriff Romero encourages residents to remain vigilant, look out for their neighbors, and report any suspicious activity. Community awareness and timely reporting play an important role in identifying those responsible and preventing additional thefts.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or other copper thefts in Iberia Parish is encouraged to contact the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-369-3711 or submit a tip through the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office App.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Iberia Crime Stoppers at 337-364-TIPS (8477) or through the P3 Tips App.
