Shreveport Man Found Guilty of Church Burglary

A man who broke into a Keithville church late last year and stole numerous items pleaded guilty to the crime Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Caddo District Court. The pleading occurred just after a six-person jury had been seated and the first witness was sworn in.

Joshua Matthew Boyett, 31, admitted to simple burglary with regard to the September 23, 2023 break-in of the Providence Road Baptist Church before District Judge Donald Hathaway Jr. Caddo Parish deputies went to the church to investigate thefts reported at a church building. Investigation led to Boyett and another man who lived nearby. A search warrant was issued and executed, leading to the discovery of several items that belonged to the church.

When Boyett returns for sentencing September 17, 2024, he faces a prison term of up to 12 years with or without hard labor.

Boyett was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stephen Folk-Cruthirds and Christopher Bowman. He was defended by Carlos Prudhomme.

The case was docket No. 397851.