A Bogalusa man was recently charged with multiple crimes in connection to two burglaries of businesses on Highway 21 South.

Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office said that Derek Moss, 25, of Plum Street in Bogalusa, was arrested Friday after an investigation by WPSO detectives. Moss was placed in the Washington Parish Jail charged with felony criminal damage, criminal trespass, burglary of a vehicle and theft.

His bond has been set at $9,000. Haley said that Moss is on probation, so it is unlikely that he will be released.

Haley said that two businesses on Highway 21 south of Bogalusa recently reported theft and burglary offenses, which were investigated by WPSO detectives.

When detectives responded to the complaints, they learned that the suspects had been captured on security surveillance cameras at one of the business locations. The surveillance video showed one suspect approach the camera and look directly into it, Haley said.

Haley said that once the suspect realized he was being recorded, he cut the camera cable. Detectives reviewing the video were able to identify the suspect as Moss, after law enforcement officers who had prior dealings with Moss on other criminal matters were able to quickly recognize him.

When Moss was arrested, he confessed to his participation in the crimes, Haley said. The investigation continues and more arrests are possible.

“This is another example of the importance of security surveillance cameras,” Sheriff Randy Seal said. “I encourage all parish businesses and homeowners to seriously consider the installation of camera systems. Recently, we were able to identify a residential burglar through images caught on the homeowner’s camera system.

“Now we have another burglar in custody due to images captured on the camera system of the business he violated. We continue to make arrests and we will always have room in our jail for burglars and other criminals.”