Six arrested in jailhouse contraband investigation

Six people have been arrested after a Sheriff’s Office investigation into attempts to get contraband into the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

Sheriff Gary Driskell and Maj. Nick Rogers, the center warden, say bringing contraband into the center will not be tolerated.

"We remain committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of our facilities and community," Driskell said in a Facebook post. "I appreciate the work of our Narcotics Detectives and all involved in this investigation."

Booked by the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Section were:

--Joseph James, 43, Franklin, was arrested at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. James remains incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Tajae Taylor, 21, Patterson, was arrested at 9 p.m. Nov. 26 on charges of introduction of contraband into a penal institution and inciting a felony. Taylor remains incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Craig Robinson, 42, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:01 p.m. Nov. 26 on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Robinson remains incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Renata Taylor, 41, Patterson, was arrested at 5:02 p.m. Nov. 26 on charges of introduction of contraband into a penal institution, display of temporary registration or license plate, and window tint. Bail has been set at $25,500.

--Charnise Safford, 46, Franklin, was arrested at 4:50 p.m. Nov. 18 on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Bail has been set at $100,000.

--Earl Landry Jr., 43, Franklin, was arrested at 10:28 a.m. Nov. 27 on a charge of criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility. Landry was released on a $5,000 bond.

The six suspects appeared in previous coverage of local arrests.

St. Mary

Driskell reporteed that over the last 24 -hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 48 complaints and made this arrest:

--Lavontre Jerome Johnson, 23, Berwick, was arrested at 3:44 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of firearm by a felon and possession of marijuana. Bail was set at $40,000.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 34 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Joshua Michael LaCoste, 50, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday as a fugitive from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Brock Elix Williams, 45, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday on charges of disturbing the peace and alcohol consumption in public.