COVINGTON—A six-person jury found Louis Robertson, 57, of Slidell, guilty Tuesday of simple burglary for trying to steal a generator from a garage in February. Robertson faces up to 24 years in prison if he is sentenced as a habitual offender during a hearing Jan. 6 before District Judge Scott Gardner.
The victim testified during the trial that he has known Robertson since 1995, when they worked together doing landscaping. But on Feb. 13, the victim entered his garage and was startled to find Robertson, trying to steal a generator. Robertson had knocked other items out of place to get to the generator, but he fled when he spotted the victim. The victim notified police, and Slidell Police Department officers were dispatched to investigate.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Cuccia handled the prosecution. The jury deliberated 30 minutes before finding Robertson guilty as charged.