More charges levied against suspect in bomb case
(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.)
The man suspected of possessing homemade explosive devices now faces additional weapons charges.
St. Mary
Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:
--Joey Jermaine Francois, 45, was arrested Feb. 25 on two warrants alleging possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies; possession of firearms with obliterated numbers; illegal possession of stolen firearms; and manufacture and possession of a bomb.
Francois was booked last week on the bomb-making charge.
On Feb. 20, a detective with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division was contacted by a detective with the Morgan City Police Department regarding information that Francois may have been in possession of illegal narcotics and firearms believed to be stored in a storage facility in Amelia.
An investigation was initiated, and SMPSO detectives worked in collaboration with MCPD throughout the course of the case. Detectives conducted a search of a residence in the Siracusaville area and obtained search warrants for a storage facility located in Amelia.
During the execution of these warrants, detectives located illegal firearms as well as what appeared to be three homemade explosive devices.
Out of an abundance of caution, detectives immediately contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police for assistance. The suspected explosive devices were safely rendered inert and collected by the Louisiana State Police.
Arrest warrants were subsequently obtained for Francois in connection with the investigation. Detectives made contact with Francois, who was already incarcerated at the Morgan City Jail on charges filed by the Morgan City Police Department. He was formally booked on the additional warrants. Bond for all charges has been set at $463,500.
Driskell thanked the Morgan City Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for their critical involvement and assistance in this investigation.
--Ernest James Perez, 49, Jeanerette, was arrested at 12:19 p.m. Sunday on charges of criminal trespass, illegal carrying of a weapon, driver must be license, no insurance and violation of protective orders.
Bail was set at $91,000.
--Xavion Lamar, 21, Franklin, was arrested by the Narcotics Section at 11:40 a.m. Sunday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle without proper equipment and possession of marijuana. Bail has not been set at this
time.
--Edward Joseph Trimm Jr., 50, Siracusa, was arrested by the Narcotics Section at 11:40 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of a legend drug without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Natishia Wilbur Savoie, 46, Jeanerette, was arrested at 9:36 a.m. Feb. 25 on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of disturbing the peace (offensive words). Bail has not been set at this time.
--Christopher Maurice Williford Jr., 41, Patterson, was arrested at 1:40 a.m. Thursday on charges of proper equipment required on vehicles, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest or officer.
Bail has not been set at this time.
<.b>Morgan City
Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:
--Michael Federer Jr., 35, Theriot Alley, Berwick, was arrested at 7:44 p.m. Feb. 25 on two counts of criminal trespassing and disturbing the peace (intoxicated).
--Brian Arceneaux, 48, Chateau Lafitte Drive, Kenner, was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Feb. 25 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, three counts of possession of testosterone, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to signal.
--David Lopez, 49, Elk Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. Feb. 25 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of synthetic cannabinoids, possession of drug paraphernalia and letting a disorderly place.
--Scott Abshire, 58, Bush Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
--Donald Byrd Jr., 56, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:12 p.m. Feb. 25 on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Franklin
Chief Cedric Hardy reported these arrests:
--Sorangelyz Vega, 20, Railroad Avenue, Franklin, was arrested at 11:27 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging four counts of theft. Vega was booked, processed and released on a $6,000 bond.
--Toi Pradia, 38, St. James Avenue, Opelousas, was arrested at 8:55 a.m. Sunday on two counts of simple criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace (language) and obstructing public passages. Pradia was booked, processed and held on a $4,000 bond.