In late 2020, and on into 2021, the Pike County area was overrun with automobile burglaries.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and Criminal Investigation Division conducted numerous covert surveillance operations, search warrants at several addresses, interviewed witnesses, obtained video surveillance footage, and even used GPS tracking technology to identify the suspect, Frederick Tremaine Catling Jr.
On February 3, 2021, detectives obtained 12 arrest warrants on Catling, all for Automobile Burglary. On February 6, 2021, after conducting covert surveillance on Catling, detectives and deputies attempted to stop and arrest him for his outstanding warrants. The suspect led officers on a chase through the west side of McComb at speeds of 80 mph.
Timeline of events:
On February 22, 2021, Catling finally turned himself in to the Pike County Jail.
On April 13, 2021, detectives and deputies testified at Catling’s Preliminary Hearing in Pike County Justice Court. As a result of the Preliminary Hearing, Catling was ordered to remain incarcerated until a disposition in Circuit Court.
On October 26, 2021, Catling was served an indictment for 15 counts of Automobile Burglary, one count of Conspiracy to Commit Automobile Burglary, and one count Felony Fleeing Law Enforcement. On May 31, 2022, Catling plead guilty to all counts in the indictment.
On counts 1-15, he was sentenced to 7 years each. On counts 16 and 17, he was sentenced to 5 years on each. Catling will remain incarcerated at the Pike County Jail until he is released to the Mississippi Department of Corrections to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Most of the property which Catling stole during his crime spree has unfortunately not been recovered. All stolen property that is unrecovered will remain on the stolen property data base, and the owners will be notified if/when said property is recovered.
Sheriff Brumfield said he would like to personally commend all deputies and investigators involved in the investigation, apprehension, and conviction of Catling. Sheriff Brumfield also thanked the Pike County citizens and all of the community for being supportive during this lengthy process.
