Morgan City police make four drug-related arrests

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Morgan City police made four drug-related arrests Thursday, including two for possession of cocaine.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that in the last 24-hour reporting period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 36 calls for service and made these arrests:

--Luis A. Benavides, 26, Shaw Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:57 p.m. Thursday on charges of proper equipment required on vehicles, child passenger restraint system, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of fraudulent documents for identification and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17.

--Roberto C. Ventura, 22, Victor II Boulevard, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:57 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of fraudulent documents for identification and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17.

On Thursday, investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division, while on patrol, conducted a traffic stop in the area of Fig and Elm Street. Benavides was identified as the vehicle’s operator and Ventura as a passenger. Two juveniles and another adult subject were located inside of the vehicle.

Through investigation, detectives located suspected cocaine and paraphernalia inside the vehicle, as well as developing evidence that led detectives to conduct search warrants at residences in the 1000 block of Shaw Drive and the 1600 block of Victor II Boulevard. During the search, investigators uncovered more cocaine as well as paraphernalia consistent with the sale of Illegal narcotics. Multiple fraudulent Identification documents were also located and seized. The total amount of cocaine was approximately 100 grams. Ventura and Benavides were transported to the Morgan City Jail, where they booked and incarcerated.

--Tanisha L. Wilkerson, 47, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at midnight Thursday on charges of headlights required, possession of marijuana, possession of crack cocaine, obstruction of justice (tampering with evidence), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a legend drug without a prescription (Gabapentin).

--Dex Clements, 36, Woodview Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:14 a.m. Friday on a charge of possession of buprenorphine hydrochloride and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

--David A. Ackman, 42, Vince Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:32 p.m. Wednesday on two counts of failure to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

-- Jamarcus Clark, 32, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:09 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging criminal neglect of family (16th Judicial District Court).

--Alton Hue, 44, Franklin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:14 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 53 complaints and made these arrests:

--Jerrell J. Hall, 29, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of theft. Hall was released on a $2,000 bond.

--Jimmie Rulf, 60, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:53 a.m. Thursday by the Narcotics Section on charges of stop sign violation, improper lane usage, driving under suspension, possession methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm with an obliterated number or mark and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rulf also was named in a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of improper running lights, failure to comply with PFD requirements and failure to comply with tiller outboard engine cutoff. Bail has not been set at this time.

:--Kerri Lee Short, 36, Bayou Vista, , was arrested at 12:31 a.m. Friday on charges of disturbing the peace (language) and resisting arrest or officer. Short was released on a $2,500 bond.