Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives have been working to solve a residential burglary that occurred recently on Louisiana Highway 1075, according to WPSO Chief Deputy Mike Haley. The investigation led to the arrest Wednesday of Nicholas Lane Miller, 22, a resident of Abita Springs.

When responding to the burglary report from the homeowner, detectives noticed there was no sign of forced entry into the residence, leading them to believe the intruder possibly had a key to the house, Haley said.

“The homeowner identified Miller as someone he had hired recently to work at his house and shortly afterwards he noticed his house key was missing,” Haley said. “Investigative reports by detectives tied Miller directly to the burglary and he was located and arrested.”

Haley said Thursday that Miller remained in jail with his bond set at $ 2,500. Miller had a previous stay in the Washington Parish Jail from Dec. 4, 2018 through Jan. 22, 2019, charged with burglary of an inhabited dwelling. He was released from custody after posting a $10,000 bond.

Items reported missing from the house include firearms, collectible coins and a safe. Any person with knowledge of this burglary, or any person who has purchased any items from Miller, is asked to contact WPSO Det. Corbet Hunt at 985-839-3434.

“It appears Miller has a propensity for burglary,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “At the young age of 22, he is not going down a good path for the future. Hopefully, he will realize the consequences of his poor decisions and make some lifestyle changes.

“Meanwhile, if he or anyone else wants to continue with a life a crime, they can be assured that we will be hot on their trail and determined to arrest them and put them in jail.”