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Area drug arrests also involve domestic battery, gun charges

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 12:39pm

Staff Report

(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 and St. Mary deputies made drug arrests that involved other alleged crimes — domestic abuse battery in Morgan City, and possession of stolen firearms in an arrest by the Sheriff’s Office.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 110 complaints and made these arrests:
—Zhacolbi Zherryl Harris, 33, Franklin, was arrested at 12:42 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana, illegal possession of stolen firearms, and stop signs and yield signs.
Smith was released on a $15,000 bond.
—Tim A. Perez Jr., 36, Thibodaux, was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Friday on charges of speeding and driving under suspension. Perez was released on a summons to appear Nov 2.
—Carolyn Ann Burrell, 46, Baldwin, was arrested at 10:40 a.m. Saturday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charge of theft. Bail has not been set.
—Ethan Pederson, 18, Patterson, was arrested at 10:50 p.m. Saturday on charges of brake lights required and possession of marijuana. Pederson was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Tristan Fabre, 21, Irvington, Alabama, was arrested at 4:27 a.m. Sunday on charges of reckless operation (no accident) and no insurance. Fabre was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—John Robert Hymel, 18, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:10 a.m. Sunday on charges of reckless operation (no accident), driver must be licensed and aggravated flight from officer. Bail has not been set.
—Lamonta Lamar Thomas, 24, Franklin, was arrested at 2:14 p.m. Sunday on charges of speeding, possession of marijuana and driver must be licensed. Thomas was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Juvenile female, 16, Jeanerette, was arrested at 5:47 a.m. Monday as an ungovernable juvenile. The juvenile female was released into the custody of a parent pending juvenile court proceedings.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 134 calls for service within the last 72-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
—Mitzi L. Freyou, 51, Freyou Road, New Iberia, arrested at 9:23 p.m. Sunday on a charge of domestic abuse battery and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Mark Gachassin, 52, North Gross Road, New Iberia, arrested on 9:23 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of Adderall, possession of marijuana (first offense), possession of drug paraphernalia and domestic abuse battery.
—Ragan R. Alcina, 42, Kelli Drive, Patterson, arrested at 4:42 p.m. Friday on charges of driving under suspension, switched license plate, failure to register vehicle and no insurance.
—Larosia Washington, 66, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:29 a.m. Saturday on warrants alleging speeding, no insurance, switched license plate, and failure to appear for arraignment on Nov.10 (four counts) and failure to pay fine on Nov. 10 (three counts).
—James Thomas Rowell, 69, Seventh Street, Morgan City, arrested was arrested at 2:35 a.m. Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and stop sign violation.
—Trinity McCraw, 25, Pecos Street, Morgan City, arrested at 6:46 p.m. Saturday on a Jones County, Mississippi, fugitive warrant.
—Krystal Nicole Tolento, 33, Second Street, Berwick, arrested at 12:28 a.m. Sunday on a warrant alleging failure to appear to pay fine (seven counts).
—Johnny Duward Gray, 51, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:11 a.m. Sunday on charges of DWI (first offense), improper lane usage and possession of open alcoholic beverages in a vehicle.
—Phillip Broussard, 38, La. 182 Morgan City, was arrested at 12:28 a.m. Monday on charges of driving under suspension, failure to register vehicle and improper lighting.
Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—Galen D. Naquin, 32, Sixth Street,. Morgan City, was arrested at 8:37 p.m. Saturday on charges of DWI (first offense) and improper lane use.
At 8:14 p.m. Saturday, an officer observed a vehicle traveling on Berwick South Road swerving in and out of its lane of travel. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Naquin.
During the stop, Naquin exhibited signs of impairment on alcohol and he agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests. He performed poorly on the tests and was placed under arrest.
He was transported to the Berwick Police Department where he provided a valid sample of .148g% BAC on the breath test. He was booked into the Berwick Jail and released after posting a $2,750 bond.
—Don C. Williams, 44, Morrison Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Saturday, on a charge of domestic abuse battery.
—Juvenile male, 17, Patterson, was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Sunday on the charge of domestic abuse battery.
At 4:27 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to the 700 block of Utah Street in reference to a disturbance. During that incident, a large crowd had gathered in the area.
At one point, a fight broke out between Williams and the juvenile. Officers intervened and took both individuals into custody.
Following the investigation, they were both booked at the Berwick Police Department. The juvenile was released to a parent pending juvenile court proceedings. Williams was released after posting a $2,500.00 bond.
St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Martil Canales, 43, Schriever, was arrested Sunday on a charge of first-degree rape.
—Tyrus Frederick, 29, Margaret Street, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Sunday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on charges of aggravated fight from an officer; limitations on passing on the left; possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs; violations of the controlled dangerous substance laws; simple criminal damage to property; and insurance required on vehicles.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Travis Lamont Shepard, 36, B&L Street, Napoleonville, was arrested Saturday on charges of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, self-mutilation, public intimidation, four counts of simple assault, two counts of resisting an officer, driving under suspension and no passing zones.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a north bound vehicle commit a traffic violation Saturday near Belle Rose and initiated a stop of that vehicle.
The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Shepard. The deputy attempted to conduct an officer- violator interview. It was determined that Shepard’s driver’s license was under suspension.
At some point during the interview, the deputy determined that there was a fugitive warrant for Shepard.
At this time, other deputies responded after hearing the suspect’s identity and knowing his violent tendencies.
Deputies attempted to arrest Shepard, and he physically resisted those efforts.
Deputies were eventually able to arrest Shepard. After receiving medical treatment, the suspect was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on pending a bond hearing.
—Bruce J. Knockum, 60, James Street, Bertrandville, was arrested Saturday on charges of domestic abuse battery and simple criminal damage to property.
Deputies were dispatched to a complaint near Bertrandville in connection with a disturbance between Knockum and a relative. Deputies were advised upon arrival that the situation had resolved itself.
Upon conducting a computer inquiry, it was determined that there was a warrant for Knockum in connection to an incident that occurred Aug. 8 at a Plattenville business. Deputies interviewed the complainant, who reported that Knockum had come to this business establishment and was angered over an issue related to money.
At some point, Knockum struck the victim with a closed fist. Knockum then allegedly exited the business and went to the victim’s car, causing damage to it. Knockum had left the scene prior to deputies arriving.
Deputies applied for and were granted arrest warrants for Knockum. He was arrested Saturday pending a bond hearing.

Morgan City police radio logs for Aug. 21-23

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 12:38pm

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Saturday, Aug. 21
10:22 a.m. 200 block of Third Street; Assistance.
11:09 a.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Disturbance.
11:47 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:22 p.m. 1000 block of Birch Street; Complaint.
3:40 p.m. Front and St. Clair streets; Disturbance.
4:41 p.m. 300 block of Aycock Street; Alarm.
4:52 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Crash.
5:19 p.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Welfare concern.
5:46 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Loud music.
6:02 p.m. U.S. 90; Traffic incident.
6:12 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Arrest.
7:18 p.m. 700 block of Hilda Street; Theft.
7:52 p.m. 200 block of Glenwood Street; Theft.
8:07 p.m. 1000 block of Hilda Street; Animal complaint.
8:22 p.m. 100 block of Everett Street; Suspicious subject.
8:56 p.m. 1000 block of Ninth Street; Arrest.
9:19 p.m. 700 block of Freret Street; Lost and found.
9:39 p.m. Victor II Boulevard and Brashear Avenue; Animal complaint.
Sunday, Aug. 22
1:12 a.m. 1000 block of Front Street; Alarm.
1:51 a.m. Railroad and Myrtle Street; Arrest.
4:37 a.m. 600 block of Sixth Street; Alarm.
8:01 a.m. Third Street and Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
9:01 a.m. 100 block of Glenwood; Medical.
10:42 a.m. 2900 block of Eastgate; Fire.
10:59 a.m. 900 block of Federal Avenue; Civil.
11:47 a.m. 1100 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
12:05 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
12:15 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
12:42 p.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Medical.
12:58 p.m. Fifth and Maine streets; Complaint.
2:52 p.m. Federal Avenue; Complaint.
2:58 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Juvenile complaint.
3:11 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
5:54 p.m. Catherine Street; Complaint.
6:28 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Alarm.
6:57 p.m. Everett Street; Suspicious subject.
8:04 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
8:25 p.m. 400 block of Bush Street; Medical.
8:43 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
8:59 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Arrest.
11:05 p.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Medical.
Monday, Aug. 23
12:08 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Arrest.
1:12 a.m. 1400 block of Sandra Street; Alarm.

New COVID case count falls, but five deaths reported in St. Mary

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 12:20pm

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported for St. Mary on Tuesday was 29, a drop from recent daily counts of 80 or more. But five more COVD deaths were also reported here Tuesday by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

The pandemic death toll for St. Mary is now 180. Thirty-three of those deaths have occurred since Aug. 1.

The pandemic case count in St. Mary is now 7,636.

Statewide new cases were also down. The OPH reported 3,814 new cases Tuesday, along with 139 deaths. Another 22 people were hospitalized in Louisiana for COVID treatment, raising that total to 2,856.

Area births from Thibodaux Regional

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 8:41am

Born to Landolph O. Prevot and Tina M. Clark of Morgan City, a boy, Kane Anthony Prevot, on July 16 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20½ inches.
——
Born to Jordyn Janee’ Mcgraw of Patterson, a girl, Jayda Denee’ Mcgraw, on Aug. 1 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 19.25 inches.
——
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Howard (nee: Mary Schahn) of Berwick, a boy, Brayden Major Mathias Howard, on Aug. 2 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 19.5 inches.
——
Born to Megan E. Billiot and John T. Blanchard of Patterson, a boy, Keizer Joseph Blanchard, on Aug. 2 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 21 inches.
——
Born to Tatiyanna Marie Gray and Harol Demond Bias of Berwick, a boy, Harlem Demond Bias, on Aug. 6 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 20 inches.
——
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Jermaine Thompson (nee: Shakeithy E. Walker) of Morgan City, a boy, Josiah Elijah Thompson, on Aug. 8 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 17.5 inches.

Acadiana Center for the Arts Gulf Brew is set Oct. 16

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 8:40am

LAFAYETTE — Gulf Brew, Louisiana’s oldest craft beer festival, relocates to downtown Lafayette as an outdoor street festival along Jefferson Street on Oct. 16, according to an Acadiana Center for the Arts news release. It is the Acadiana Center for the Arts’ largest fundraiser.
Organizers have relocated it outdoors to allow for better social distancing in light of current COVID-19 regulations.
Ticket holders have access to samples of more than 200 beers from craft breweries across the county while strolling along four pedestrian-only blocks of Jefferson Street between Juliet Hotel and La Carreta Restaurant. The event is one of the few occasions where all of Louisiana’s craft breweries and brewpubs showcase its newest beers in one place.
The event features beer tap trucks, music stages and crafts booths scattered along the route, with the main stage located in front of the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.com/e/gulf-brew-2021-tickets-161654873077 or at the event. Online general admission, early bird, tickets are $25 plus a $3.10 fee, deadline is Aug. 31 (day of is $35). Brewmeister VIP ticket is $100 plus the $7.59 fee which includes access to the VIP lounge overlooking main stage, VIP football watch party in Moncus Theater for LSU vs Florida (time TBD), complimentary food and beverages and VIP restrooms. Designated Driver Experience tickets are $10 and the $2.19 fee which includes complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages. Deadline for the VIP and designated driver tickets is Oct. 16.
Gulf Brew is a fundraiser for the Acadiana Center for the Arts, which presents performances and art exhibitions year-round in downtown Lafayette, as well as serving as the arts council for the eight-parish region. AcA brings art education to more than 77 public schools across Acadiana.
“The past year has allowed us to re-think Gulf Brew as an event that could safely take place following all state and local health guidance, while also creating a more enjoyable experience for all,” said AcA Executive Director Samuel Oliver. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have taken every precaution to ensure our audiences are safe, while still allowing for people to come together for music, art, and community. That is our mission.”
AcA is hosting vaccination events during Second Saturday ArtWalk for the two months leading up to Gulf Brew at the AcA on Sept. 11 and Oct. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m.
“Vaccination against COVID-19 is the best way to preserve the things that make our community special: our music, culture, and festivals,” Oliver said. “We hope everyone joins in the effort to preserve the things that make us unique.”
The event will begin with the coronation of “King and Queen of the Brew,” two community leaders who have triumphed in a fundraising competition in support of AcA’s work in bringing art, theater and dance education.
Gulf Brew is driven by volunteers. All volunteers get a wristband to attend Gulf Brew (either before or after their shift), a volunteer T-shirt, and complementary beer at the Rock’n’Bowl after party. To volunteer online visit acadianacenterforthearts.org/event/gulf-brew-2021.
AcA is also seeking partners, sponsors, and vendors to be included in the Brew Book, which lists all 200+ beers and their origins with a map of Featured Venues across downtown. The Brew Book will be distributed to all participants at registration and available at the Featured Venues. To become a partner email gulfbrew@acadianacenterforthearts.org.

Birth mother reconnects with biological son

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 8:37am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: When I was an unmarried 18-year-old, I had a child out of wedlock. Unsure that I could provide for him, I chose to place him for adoption so he would have a chance for a better life. This year, we connected through DNA. The reunion has been great, even though I choose to remain in the background because his mother is still living.
Would it be appropriate this fall and winter to include him in my holiday festivities as long as it doesn’t interfere with the time he should be spending with his family? And, after his mother passes away, what role should I play in his life? His father is deceased, and he and his adopted brother are estranged.
BIO MOM IN TEXAS

DEAR BIO MOM: Your son should have told his adoptive mother about the reunion, regardless of who initiated it. I think it would be better for everyone if she was included. A way to do that would be to thank her for taking such good care of your son and helping him to become the man he is today. I do not think secrecy is healthy. If it backfires, there will be deeply hurt feelings because of the subterfuge. At this point in your son’s life it’s too late for you to be his mommy.
However, you CAN be a good friend, since his only family now is the woman who loved and raised him.

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating a man for almost three years. He’s retired; I’m still working. He refuses to stay with me during the week because I need to go to bed early. I see him only on the weekends. Am I wrong for wanting him to stay with me during the week? I feel like we really don’t have a relationship. My previous boyfriends would stay with me every night. Am I doomed with this man?
By the way, he’s been married four times.
WANTS MORE IN MICHIGAN

DEAR WANTS MORE: Wake up. The man you have been dating isn’t going to change. He has struck out at marriage four times and may have “plans” during the week that do not include staying with a “Sleeping Beauty.” If you want more companionship than what you’re getting, you are going to have to seek it elsewhere.

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is getting married. Her father and I never married, but legally he’s listed as her father. For the past 40 years she has used my last name. Well, her wedding invitation arrived today and her father’s name is on it. Mine isn’t even mentioned!
My parents and I raised her. Her dad was around but never an active father. I raised her, but he gets the glory and the privilege of walking her down the aisle? She says I’m being “a wacko.” Must I accept this and let it go? I feel so hurt that I really don’t want to go to the wedding.
LOVING, LEFT-OUT MOM

DEAR MOM: I understand your feelings. If you haven’t asked your daughter why she chose to do this, you should. At the least, you deserve an explanation. Please understand that if you refuse to go to her wedding, it could create a permanent rift. There may be grandchildren and milestones you also could miss. Of course, the decision is yours to make, but since you asked me to weigh in, I’m suggesting you take the high road, attend and support your daughter on “her” day.
***
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Cajun Coast sets Destination Branding Meeting

Mon, 08/23/2021 - 9:09pm

The Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau and Chandler Thinks are hosting a Destination Branding Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Patterson Civic Center, said Cajun Coast Director Carrie Stansbury.

Social distancing and masks will be required, and Stansbury said your input is welcome.The meeting should last no longer than one hour.

Berwick checkpoint results in three arrests on marijuana-related charges

Mon, 08/23/2021 - 2:20pm

Staff Report

The Berwick Police Department’s impaired driver checkpoint over the weekend resulted in three arrests on marijuana-related charges, Police Chief David Leonard said.
The checkpoint Friday night and into Saturday was a part of a late-summer and Labor Day campaign targeting drivers who have been drinking or are otherwise impaired.
—Samantha Harper, 29, Field Road. Bayou Vista, was arrested, at 9:58 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana (less than 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Richard Willoughby, 34 years old, Bush Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:17 p.m. Friday on the charges of driving under suspension and possession of marijuana (less than 14 grams).
About 9:50 p.m. Friday, a vehicle driven by Willoughby entered the DWI checkpoint on La. 182.
While screening the driver for signs of impairment, officers detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle, according to the Berwick Police Department press release.
The vehicle was pulled to the side and search was conducted. Willoughby was found to be in possession of marijuana and his driver’s license was suspended, the release said.
The passenger was identified as Harper and she was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the release said.
They were both placed under arrest and were released on a summons to appear in court.
—Demetrius Green, 30, Carol Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:05 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana (less than 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
About 12:05 a.m. Saturday, a vehicle entered the DWI checkpoint on La. 182.
While screening the driver for signs of impairment, officers detected an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle and observed the passenger trying to stuff something into his pants, the press release said.
The passenger was removed from the vehicle and identified as Green. He admitted to putting a bag of marijuana in his pants, and it was recovered.
He was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.
Green was placed under arrest and was released on a summons to appear in court.

La. COVID hospitalizations down for third straight report

Mon, 08/23/2021 - 12:28pm

But 111 new COVID cases were recorded in St. Mary

The number of people in Louisiana's overextended hospitals for COVID-19 treatment fell over the weekend, marking the third straight Office of Public Health report in which hospitalizations were down.

But in St. Mary, another 111 new COVID cases were reported for Saturday and Sunday.

Those cases raised the number of cases recorded in St. Mary since the pandemic began to 7,607. The number of COVID-related deaths in St. Mary is at 175, all of them reported as of Friday. One death in six since the first St Mary COVID death in April 2020 has occurred since Aug. 1.

Statewide, hospitalizations fell by 161 to 2,836. Before the first of three straight daily decreases, the number of hospitalizations set records for 16 consecutive days.

The state reported 10,950 new cases and 59 deaths over the weekend.

Vaccinations, answers available Saturday in Patterson

Mon, 08/23/2021 - 11:42am

Patterson Outreach will host a parishwide Educate & Vaccinate Seminar 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Patterson Community Center, 1101 First St.

Vaccinations are available to ages 12 (Pfizer only with parental consent) and older. All three vaccines will be available.

A Q&A Session for parents and citizens with concerns will be held 10-11 a.m..

Locals scheduled to attend for the Q&A are Dr. Erica Menina, MD, Suzanne Favors Clay, RN, and Dr. Tyler Olivier.

Vaccinations will begin at 10 a.m.

Giveaways: $100 every hour with PlayStation games, gift cards and
other prizes.
The final drawing of the day will be a PlayStation awarded to a vaccinated 12- to 17-year-old.

Free food and beverages will be available.