A Louisiana man has been arrested after authorities connected him to the alleged theft of a vehicle that was later discovered at a scrap yard. Investigators say the case became even more serious after deputies reportedly found methamphetamine inside a patrol vehicle following the suspect’s arrest.
Covington-Area Man Arrested in Stolen Vehicle Investigation
Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 56-year-old Mark Finn on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, during an investigation involving a stolen motor vehicle.
According to authorities, the investigation began after a buyer contacted deputies regarding concerns about a vehicle purchased from Finn.
Officials said the buyer later discovered the vehicle may have been stolen while attempting to sell it to a scrap yard.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Mark Finn |
| Age | 56 years |
| Location | Covington area, Louisiana |
| Main Allegation | Stolen vehicle sale |
| Additional Allegation | Methamphetamine possession |
| Arrest Date | May 6, 2026 |
| Jail | St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center |
Scrap Yard Employee Helped Uncover Alleged Theft
According to investigators, the buyer attempted to sell the vehicle to a scrap yard after purchasing it from Finn.
Authorities said an employee at the scrap facility recognised the vehicle and informed the buyer that it may have been stolen.
The employee’s alert reportedly led the buyer to contact law enforcement and begin the investigation.
Detectives with the Property Crimes Division later traced the vehicle back to Finn.
Deputies Arrested Suspect at Home
Officials stated that deputies located Mark Finn at his residence on Wednesday morning.
Authorities said he was arrested without incident and transported to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
However, investigators claim additional evidence was discovered during the transport process.
Methamphetamine Allegedly Found in Patrol Vehicle
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a transporting deputy later noticed a white powdery substance on the rear floorboard of the patrol unit after Finn arrived at the jail.
Authorities tested the substance, which reportedly produced positive results for methamphetamine.
Investigators have not publicly released details about how the substance ended up inside the vehicle.
The discovery led to several additional criminal charges against Finn.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Mark Finn
According to booking information, Finn now faces several charges connected to both the stolen vehicle investigation and the alleged narcotics discovery.
The charges include:
- Theft of a motor vehicle valued between $1,000 and $5,000
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Obstruction of justice
- Contraband in a penal institution
Authorities have not yet released additional information regarding future court appearances.
Investigation Remains Active
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has not stated whether additional suspects could be involved in the investigation.
Officials continue reviewing evidence connected to both the vehicle theft allegations and the drug-related charges.
The case has attracted local attention because what started as a routine stolen vehicle investigation quickly expanded into multiple felony allegations.
