On Thursday, Franklinton Police Department detectives arrested Katherine Westmoreland McClain, 37, of 1030 Howard St. in Franklinton.

In doing so, detectives solved nine burglaries inside the Town of Franklinton, including the recently publicized break-ins at Holy Family Catholic Church, First Baptist Church and Trinity Baptist Church. Several other business burglaries were cleared as well.

During interviews with the suspect, detectives determined she had also committed the burglaries of Fisher Methodist and Clifton Baptist churches. Additional arrests are forthcoming and detectives are attempting to recover property that was reported stolen during the burglaries. Multiple search warrants have been obtained, and Franklinton detectives have notified the criminal investigations division of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Heroin addiction and the need to finance the drug was determined to be the motive for the break-ins. The Franklinton Police Department has documented what is believed to be two drug-related overdoses within the last 30 days. Narcotics officers are currently working on identifying the source for the heroin, along with other illicit narcotics.

Maj. Justin Brown, speaking on behalf of Chief Donald Folse, commended the hard work of Corp. Brian Davidson, Detective William Brumfield and Sgt. James Folks.

“Their continued efforts to solve these burglaries, despite being in the middle of a homicide investigation, proves these men are dedicated law enforcement officers,” Brown said. “Detective Robert Harris, with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, also did a great job in in closing out the cases in the parish.”

The Franklinton Police department remains dedicated to keeping our community and residents safe. This monumental task cannot be accomplished by law enforcement efforts alone. Residents are encouraged to contact police whenever they see something or someone acting in a suspicious manner. Such information just may be the tip police need to solve cases like the ones above.