Traffic stop nets three 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.)

Authorities in the region made four arrests on drug-related charges this week, including three after a single traffic stop in Bayou L’Ourse.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

--Kevin Michael Anderson, 35, La. 1011, Labadieville, was arrested Thursday on charges of prohibited acts (possession of a Schedule III drug), possession of methamphetamine, driving under a suspended driver’s license and use of multibeam road-lighting equipment.

--Elton James Ryder Jr., 40, Hurvey Street, Leonville, was arrested Thursday on charges of prohibited acts (possession of a Schedule III drug) and possession of methamphetamine.

--Amy Lynn Benoit, 33, Moffet Court, Morgan City, was arrested Thursday on charges of prohibited acts (possession of a Schedule III drug) and possession of methamphetamine.

The charges followed a traffic stop Thursday morning on La. 662 in Bayou L’Ourse.

A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop. The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Anderson, and interviewed him.

It was determined that Anderson was driving under a suspended driver’s license. The deputy also interviewed one of the passengers, identified as Ryder.

At this point, the deputy requested a K-9 unit to the location. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted positive to the presence of controlled dangerous substances.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine.

Anderson, Ryder and Benoit were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending bond hearings.

-- Maranda Hampton, 30, Andras Street, Bayou L’Ourse, was booked Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to register as a sex offender and on a detainer for Probation and Parole.

Hampton was convicted of indecent behavior with a juvenile in 2021. As a result, Hampton is required to register and notify as a sex offender.

Hampton was not residing at the address she registered and did not notify of a change of address. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Hampton.

Hampton was arrested Monday by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. Hampton was transported to Assumption Parish on Wednesday and booked pending a bond hearing.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 75 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Chad Carmouche, 43, St. Claire Street, Morgan City, was arrested 4:47 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of synthetic marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Alysha M. Carlton, 33, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:38 a.m. Wednesday on a charge failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 75 complaints and made these arrests:

--Derrick Cartez Walker, 30, Patterson, was arrested at 5:06 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of fraud (access device).

--John Paul Ashmore, 52, Franklin, was arrested at 9:31 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $105,000.

--Mitchell Alen Martin, 38, Franklin, was arrested at 11:27 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Kenneth Kendell Lee, 44, Franklin, was arrested at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on charges of battery on a police officer and resisting arrest or officer. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Dekota Paul Johnson, 21, Schriever, was arrested at 9:44 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities and aggravated criminal damage to property. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Kayla Michelle Davis, 34, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail has been set at $466.20.

--Selena Marie Percle, 25, New Iberia, was arrested at 9:33 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of possession of MDMA, possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle with an expired motor vehicle inspection. Bail has been set at $3,000.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to eight complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Junior Gonzales, 28, Lindne Street, New Orleans, was arrested at 9:21 a.m. Thursday on charges of speeding and no driver's license. Gonzales was booked, processed and released on a $403 bond.

--Joseph Landry, 50, Sidney Gautreau Street, Abbeville, was arrested at 9:54 a.m. Thursday on charges of speeding and reckless operation. Landry was booked, processed and released on $568 bond.

--Keenze Howard, 58, Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested at 1:14 a.m. Friday on charges of theft and misrepresentation during booking. Howard was booked, processed and held on a $1,500.00 bond.