Prairieville couple arrested after anonymous tip

Major Kevin Hanna with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Prairieville couple after deputies received an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip stating the whereabouts of Michael and Monica Berzas who were wanted for felony theft on Tuesday, July 28.

Monica Berzas, 43, was located at a local motel on Tuesday and arrested. Her husband, Michael, 44, was located at his job and arrested a short while later. On June 1, 2014, detectives began an investigation after receiving information that the Berzas’ had stolen approximately $12,300 from an apartment complex that the couple was managing.

As the investigation continued it was learned that the couple were responsible for collecting rent from renters that resided in an apartment complex.

Detectives learned that the couple was giving false receipts to renters but the Berzas’ told the owner of the apartment complex that renters were paying late, added Major Hanna.

The owner visited the renters who were late, and learned that every renter had a receipt advising that they paid in a timely manner.

Michael and Monica Berzas, both of 15110 Airline Highway, lot 6, Prairieville were arrested for felony theft.

They were both booked in the Ascension Parish Jail on Tuesday, July 28. Monica’s bond was set at $20,000 and Michael’s bond was set at $15,000 by Judge LeBlanc.