On Friday, September 22, 2017, at approximately 6:00 p.m., security guards at the FBI New Orleans Field Office, 2901 Leon C. Simon Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, observed an unknown male removing construction materials from their facility.

In the course of the FBI New Orleans Field Office’s new visitor center construction, eye witnesses and video surveillance cameras captured Michael Bailey, black male, 39 years old, and New Orleans resident; approach the construction zone, exit his white GMC pickup truck, and scavenge through the construction zone. Bailey was seen removing a quantity of copper wire belonging to the federal contractor assigned to the project. When approached by facility security guards, Bailey fled in his vehicle.

On October 4, 2017, Bailey was interviewed then charged with LA RS 14:67, felony theft. This matter was investigated by the Federal Protective Service New Orleans Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and the FBI New Orleans Field Office.