Inmate from Berwick booked on child porn charges
(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.)
A Berwick man already jailed on indecent behavior and computer solicitation charges now faces 15 child porn counts, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
St. Mary
Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:
--Benjamin Lemoine, 24, Berwick, was arrested at 8:15 a.m. Monday on 15 counts of child sexual abuse material.
On Oct. 31, a St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office detective received a complaint of indecent behavior with a juvenile in the Bayou Vista area. The detective met with a complainant who provided information alleging improper behavior by Lemoine involving a juvenile.
An investigation was initiated, during which the detective obtained digital evidence corroborating the statements provided during the course of the investigation. Based on these findings, a warrant was obtained for Lemoine's arrest on charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
The detective coordinated with the Louisiana State Police, who were advised of the active warrant. An investigator with LSP subsequently located Lemoine at a festival and placed him under arrest.
On Nov. 3, Lemoine was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
As the investigation continued, SMPSO detectives discovered digital evidence (photos/videos) on Lemoine's phone, and obtained a warrant for the charge of child sexual abuse material (15 counts).
On Monday, detectives traveled to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center to arrest him on the additional charges. Lemoine continues to be incarcerated at the center.
Bail has been set at $275,000.
--Raven T. Mayon, 40, Baldwin, was arrested at 6:46 p.m. Monday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Bail was set at $3,000.
--Austin James Theriot, 31, Patterson, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft. Bail was set at $50,000.
--Tanner Joseph Scarbrough, 26, Houma, was arrested at 11:40 p.m. Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage, no driver’s license on person, resisting arrest or officer, theft, and theft of a motor vehicle.
Bail was set at $19,000, and a hold was placed on Scarbrough for probation violation.
Morgan City
Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:
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-Alyssa Ashmore, 36, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested on 12:02 p.m. Tuesday on charges of simple battery and 17 counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--David Mire, 50, Glenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:19 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Frank Emmons, 56, Ashland Drive, Houma, was arrested at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear on a charge of no driver’s license (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Donald Plessala, 51, Fifth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4 p.m. Tuesday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Kebe Ennis, 45, Gerber Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:05 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana (less than 14 grams) and obstruction of justice.
Franklin
Chief Cedric Handy reported this arrest:
--Quincy Jones, 39, La. 318, Franklin, was arrested at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated April 19, 2025, alleging possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jones was additionally arrested on a warrant dated June 20, 2025, alleging unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Jones was booked, processed and held on an $11,000 bond.