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Morgan City radio logs for Nov.16-17

Wed, 11/18/2020 - 11:26am

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.
Monday, Nov. 16
6:36 a.m. Morgan City Police Department; Medical.
6:56 a.m. Brownell Street; Disturbance.
7:53 a.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Animal.
8:12 a.m. 900 block of First Street; Animal.
9:10 a.m. Levee Road and Clements Street; Fight.
9:21 a.m. 1000 block of Fourth Street; Animal.
10:21 a.m. Morgan City Police Department; Theft.
11:14 a.m. 300 block of Union Street; Complaint.
12:21 p.m. 1500 block of North Third Street; Medical.
12:37 p.m. 900 block of Cherry Street; Com-plaint.
12:46 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Drug activity.
1:12 p.m. 1300 block of Front Street; Medical.
1:58 p.m. Morgan City Junior High School; Juvenile problem.
2:59 p.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Com-plaint.
3:04 p.m. Morgan City Police Department; Theft.
3:12 p.m. 1500 block of Front Street; 911 hang up.
3:22 p.m. 7100 block of La. 182; Drug activity.
3:32 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
3:58 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Removal of subject.
4:08 p.m. Federal Avenue; Reckless driver.
4:41 p.m. 2300 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
6:17 p.m. 800 block of South Everett Street; Welfare concern.
6:44 p.m. 7100 block of La. 182; Assistance.
6:54 p.m. 700 block of Bush Street; Burglary.
7:36 p.m. 1000 block of Fig Street; Complaint.
7:44 p.m. 1100 block of Federal Avenue; Assistance.
8:47 p.m. Federal Avenue and Orange Street; Complaint.
8:54 p.m. 7100 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:25 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Ar-rest.
9:50 p.m. Belanger and Second streets; Arrest.
10:12 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Theft.
11:09 p.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Com-plaint.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
12:39 a.m. 200 block of Belanger Street; Medical.

Jeremy Alford: Republican floats another highway financing plan

Wed, 11/18/2020 - 11:20am

JEREMY ALFORD

In roughly two weeks, Rep. Jack McFarland will hit the road to sell his plan to reform Louisiana’s highway funding formula. His target audience will be lawmakers and administration and transportation officials.

McFarland, R-Jonesboro, is working on draft legislation that was unveiled last week to the Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads. While the portion dealing with Louisiana’s 16-cent gas tax will garner the most attention, the plan also calls for a comprehensive audit of the Department of Transportation and Development; future legislative action on those findings; and a new focus on preservation, mainte-nance and regional priorities.

The Republican representative wants his final bill to instruct the legislative auditor to spend two years or more looking for organizational efficiencies and streamlining opportunities at DOTD. The resulting findings would then be forwarded to a committee of five private sector representatives appointed by the governor, speaker and president.

That private sector committee would be charged with sending recommendations to the Legislature in 2025, at the start of a new term of state government. "There would be an impact on the current term, but the next administration and Legislature would really be in the driver’s seat," McFarland said. "This will put them in a position to make real reforms and to stop using capital outlay for highway and road needs. This plan would also mean that the temporary sales tax piece that expires next term won’t be needed any longer."

The revenue that would create this kind of fiscal freedom would come courtesy of an increase in the gas tax of up to 36 cents, phased in gradually through 2033. The bill would also include a $400 an-nual fee for electric vehicles and a $250 fee for hybrid vehicles.

Of course, any kind of a tax, no matter the size, will give some conservatives heartburn. "With over 320,000 Louisianans losing jobs, raising the gas tax is a bad idea that should stay in 2020," said James Lee, deputy director for the Louisiana chapter of Americans for Prosperity. "AFP-Louisiana and our grassroots activists across the state will be making sure legislators hear that message loud and clear."

There is a push, however, to work with conservatives in new ways in the coming years on this issue. One such effort, as previously reported in this space, is led by GOP consultant Charlie Davis and Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills. Called "Build Right," the group will seek to help con-servatives and libertarians rethink how they look at infrastructure and transportation issues. "I can’t think of anything less family friendly than spending time in traffic or losing a life due to a lack of ade-quate infrastructure," said Mills. "From levees and ditches to underground power lines, we’re 20 years behind everyone else."

As for the money generated by McFarland’s plan, 60 percent would be dedicated to preservation and maintenance, while 40 percent would be for highway priority program projects classified as "capacity projects." In that latter category, certain projects would be prioritized. Some of those projects being considered include:
\
--Replacement of the I-10 Calcasieu River bridge and I-10 improvements from the I-210 inter-change west of the river to the I-20 interchange east of the river

--A new Mississippi River Bridge at Baton Rouge with freeway-level connections from the inter-state west of Baton Rouge to the interstate east of Baton Rouge

--Upgrades to US 90 to interstate standards from the I-10 and I-49 interchange at Lafayette to New Orleans

--Widening of I-12 to six lanes and associated improvements where this interstate is not yet up-graded from Baton Rouge to the Mississippi state line

--A new, four lane Jimmie Davis Bridge on LA 511 across the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier

--Widening to six lanes and associated improvements to I-20 at Monroe from LA 546 to LA 594

--US 90-adjacent access improvements for the Port of New Orleans

To be certain, there are already some conservative corners of the Capitol ready to dismiss McFarland’s proposal, which would be a mistake. The usual opponents should at least reserve judgment for the 2021 regular session, when the legislation will be debated and the public will be allowed to weigh in on the matter. Because right now Louisiana’s infrastructure is on a road to nowhere, and rejecting solutions without presenting competing ideas would create yet another policy pothole.

For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics. com or follow Alford on Twitter@ LaPoliticsNow

Three drug arrests in St. Mary, 15 in Assumption this week

Wed, 11/18/2020 - 10:56am

Drug arrests stayed at the top of the agenda for local law enforcement agencies Monday, when St. Mary deputies and Berwick officers made arrests and a parishwide investigation continued in Assumption.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:

—Willie Joseph Johnlewis, Jr., 33, Jeanerette, arrested at 2:55 p.m. Monday on charges of driving on road-way laned for traffic, illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of a firearm by a felon, introduction of contraband into a penal institution, possession of crack cocaine, obstruction of justice-tampering and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Johnlewis was released on a $25,000 bond.

—Lorenzo Paul Harris, 35, Jeanerette, was arrested at 11:22 p.m. on a charge of possession of marijuana. Harris was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.

—Dezzie Shavers, 63, Franklin, was arrested at 1:12 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of drug para-phernalia, driving under suspension and failure to signal. Shavers was released on a summons to Feb. 23.

—Myrtle Lulmae Naquin, 57, Franklin, was arrested at 1:59 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving under sus-pension. Naquin was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.

Berwick Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:

—Robert Burke, 58, Church Street, Patterson, was arrested at 10:32 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and obstruction of justice.
About 9:57 p.m. Monday, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after receiving a welfare concern for one of the occupants inside. During the course of the stop, officers made contact with the driver, Burke, who consented for a search of his person and vehicle.
Through the course of the investigation, Burke was found attempting to conceal and destroy a bag of metham-phetamine that fell from the inside of his pants. Burke admitted that he was trying to destroy the Methampheta-mine and was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department.

Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:

—Kenneth M. Richard, 36, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:27 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of theft.

Richard was transported from Iberia Parish after being arrested on a warrant from City Court of Morgan City for failure to appear. Richard was booked into the Morgan City Police Department

—Courtlin Carter, 31, Birch Street, Morgan City, as arrested at 10:51 p.m. Monday on a warrant for simple as-sault.

Carter was arrested after officers spoke with him and learned that he had warrants for simple assault. The warrant stemmed from an October 3, 2020 incident. Carter was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.

Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests in connection with a continuing parishwide narcotics investigation.

— Lacey Fabre, 28, Legnon Court, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Monday on a charge of felony distribution of methamphetamine.
Narcotics agents investigating illegal drug trafficking were able to identify Lacey Fabre as a suspect.
On Monday, Fabre was arrested in Bayou L’Ourse and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—William I. Fontenot Jr., 55, La. 663, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of marijuana.
Fontenot was arrested in Bayou L’Ourse and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Facility pending a bond hearing.

--Brandon Suggs Jr., Lillian Street, Plattenville, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of marijuana.
Suggs was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Patricia Lynn Savoie, 49, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of distribution of methamphetamine. Savoie was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Jeramie J. Butler, 36, Maple Street, Labadieville, was arrested Monday on two counts of distribution of crack cocaine.
Butler was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Garland Jones, 37, Foch Road, New Orleans, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of distribution of marijuana.

Jones was d booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Herman Knockum IV, 22, Belle Point Lane, Napoleonville, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of distribu-tion of marijuana.

Knockum was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
—Calvin Toby LeBlanc, 39, Heriard Street, Plattenville, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of methamphetamine.

LeBlanc was arrested in Plattenville and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Facility pending a bond hearing.

—Jamal Lee Daggs, 38, La. 400, Napoleonville, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of marijuana.
on felony drug distribution charges related to an ongoing parish wide illegal narcotics investigation.

Daggs was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

— Jerome Lemon, 60, La. 1003, Belle Rose, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of crack cocaine.

Lemon was arrested in Belle Rose and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Kenneth Bridges, 44, Jones Street, Bertrandville, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of marijua-na. Bridges was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Wendell Johnson, 60, Jones Street, Napoleonville, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of mari-juana. Johnson was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Corey Packer, 50, Owens Street, Napoleonville, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of crack cocaine. Packer was incarcerated pending a bond hearing

—Shaquille Johnson, 30, La. 1003, Belle Rose, was arrested Monday on a charge of distribution of marijuana.
Johnson was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Brandon Jamar Williams, 36, South Holly Road, Labadieville, was arrested Monday on charges of distribu-tion of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of MDMA (ecstasy).

Williams was arrested in Labadieville and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Facility on the distribu-tion charge. At the time of his arrest, Williams was found to be in possession of marijuana and MDMA.

He was incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

Plan for longer cooking time to smoke a turkey

Wed, 11/18/2020 - 8:56am

Thanks in large part to the global pandemic that has lasted for much of 2020, Thanksgiving figures to be celebrated a little differently this year than in years past.
Family gatherings may not be as large and highways may not be as heavily trafficked as they are on what is normally one of the year’s biggest weekends for travel. In addition to smaller gatherings, many families may opt to host Thanksgiving dinner outdoors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 virus spreads very easily through person-to-person contact, and the risk of spreading the virus is even greater when spending time indoors with other people. As a result, some families are planning to host Thanksgiving dinner outdoors on their patios or decks this year.
That decision has prompted some to consider different ways of cooking Thanksgiving turkeys, including smoking. Smoking has long been associated with cooking foods like brisket at home, but smokers also can be used to make flavorful Thanksgiving turkeys.
Thanksgiving hosts who want to smoke turkeys outdoors this year are urged to take a few trial runs and watch some online tutorials before trying their hand at smoking. Smoking relies heavily on controlling temperatures, which can fluctuate dramatically and quickly inside a smoker. As a result, smoking a turkey may require simple but frequent adjustments to dampers so the temperature inside can remain steady at around 225 F.
Hosts who suspect they will be busy hosting or preparing side dishes on Thanksgiving may want to cook turkeys in more traditional ways, such as baking the bird in the oven.
Those who can devote the time to controlling the temperature on their smokers also should know that the turkey will take much longer to cook in a smoker than in an oven. According to the online grilling resource Heygrillhey.com, cooks should plan to smoke their turkeys at 225 F for approximately 30 minutes per pound.
That means smoking a 15-pound turkey will require at least 7.5 hours cooking time. That’s a significant factor to consider for people who want to host Thanksgiving dinner outdoors this year.
In order to avoid serving smoked turkey after the sun has gone down, Thanksgiving hosts may need to wake up especially early and fire up the smokers around the break of dawn if not earlier

Confession to decades-old infidelity devastates wife

Wed, 11/18/2020 - 8:54am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, my husband of 50 years confessed that 46 years ago, shortly after our son was born, he had a one-night stand with a total stranger he gave a ride to. She offered sex to him, and they went to a hotel for the brief encounter. He said he had totally forgotten about it until recently. He said he was very upset when he remembered, to the point that he felt sick.
He decided to tell me because he didn’t want any secrets between us, and he asked me to forgive him. I forgave him, but I have been devastated ever since. He was a virgin when we married, and he has been unfaithful only that one time.
Abby, I cannot get over the fact that he did this to me. Not a single day goes by without the pain and the images of him being unfaithful in a marriage that I considered to be nearly perfect until then, take hold of me and make me very sad. I don’t cry as much anymore, but the intensity of the pain hasn’t subsided.
I haven’t talked to anyone else about this. My husband loves me and has been very supportive, but it hasn’t been enough to heal this pain. Your words of wisdom will be appreciated.
WOUNDED IN FLORIDA

DEAR WOUNDED: So your husband chose to ease his guilty conscience about this one-time infidelity 46 years ago and lay it on you. It would have been kinder had he “confessed” to his spiritual adviser.
Focus on the fact that what happened (once) four years into your marriage is less relevant than the quality of the relationship you have shared during the ensuing nearly half-century. Because it has been two years since your husband told you and you are still in emotional pain, consider enlisting the help of a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Talking it out may help these feelings to dissipate so you will no longer be haunted by the images in your head. Please do not wait to do this. Your physician is the first person to ask for a referral.

DEAR ABBY: I have read about how narcissistic, angry, depressed people shame others and spread lies on social media. May I take a moment to remind your readers that they do not HAVE to have social media?
I stopped looking at it two years ago, after the death of my sister. People said some horrible things, so I decided enough is enough — I’m done. Not only have I not missed it, I’m much more peaceful and less stressed. I connect with people I love through email, texting and sometimes good old-fashioned letter-writing. That works for me.
FREEDOM REGAINED IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR FREEDOM REGAINED: I have received an increasing number of letters from people about problems in which there is a social media element. For those who have become overwhelmed, I recommend limiting time spent online. For people who have been victimized by trolls, another solution is to simply block or delete them.
I’m sharing your suggestion for anyone who might need it — and I suspect there may be quite a few. However, disconnecting from social media does take more effort because the dropouts must decide not only who they wish to communicate with but also by what means to do it.
***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Veterans Day collection at Patterson Junior High

Tue, 11/17/2020 - 2:40pm

Submitted Photo
Patterson Junior High students conducted a Veterans Day collection in coordination with Col. Corey Williams of the Morgan City High Junior ROTC program. Casey Falgout’s eighth-grade publication class has organized the abundant donations that will be distributed to the veterans home in Reserve. PJHS thanked families for their overwhelming support and generosity. Pictured from left are Keaton Chaisson, Elena Espinal and Lainey Blanco.

Morgan City police radio logs for Nov. 13-16

Tue, 11/17/2020 - 2:38pm

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.
Friday, Nov. 13
7:24 a.m. Brownell Homes; Medical.
7:33 a.m. Morgan City High School; Juvenile problem.
8:15 a.m. 4000 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
8:28 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Alarm.
8:40 a.m. Second Street; Reckless driver.
8:56 a.m. 200 block of Glenwood Street; Animal.
10:10 a.m. 900 block of Youngs Road; Drug activity.
10:21 a.m. 200 block of Glenwood Street; Patrols.
11:07 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Accident.
1:31 p.m. 2400 block of Maple Street; Medical.
1:50 p.m. East Garner Street; Animal.
2:48 p.m. Youngs Roa; Reckless driver.
2:58 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; Loud music.
3:27 p.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Arrest.
3:31 p.m. 300 block of Bowman Street; Animal.
4:11 p.m. Morgan City Police Department; Arrest.
4:14 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Theft.
4:27 p.m. Egle near Sixth streets; Loud music.
4:39 p.m. 800 block of North Everett Street; Complaint.
4:53 p.m. Brownell Homes; Complaint.
5:47 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Crash.
5:59 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Patrol.
6:17 p.m. 500 block of Levee Road; Complaint.
6:21 p.m. 2300 block of Elm Street; Stand by.
6:53 p.m. 1000 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.
7:10 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Reckless operation.
7:12 p.m. 1900 block of Cedar Street; Complaint.
7:46 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90; Stalled vehicle.
10:22 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Disturbance.
10:30 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
Saturday, Nov. 14
2:12 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
4:29 a.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.
4:51 a.m. 6600 block of La. 182; Alarm.
5:48 a.m. Amelia; Assistance.
6:25 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Complaint.
6:47 a.m. 400 block of Bowman Street; Alarm.
9:45 a.m. 1000 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.
10:12 a.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Complaint.
10:47 a.m. 900 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal.
11:22 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Complaint.
1:23 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Debris in road.
2:48 p.m. 300 block of Glenwood Street; Loud music.
3:46 p.m. Brownell Homes; Complaint.
3:51 p.m. Fourth Street and Brashear Avenue; Arrest.
4:04 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Assistance.
4:11 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Drug activity.
4:55 p.m. 1300 block of Victor II Boulevard; Theft.
5:39 p.m. 2500 block of Maple Street; Telephone harassment.
6:05 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
6:13 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Loud music.
8:14 p.m. 2000 block of Keith Street; Complaint.
8:26 p.m. La. 182; Traffic incident.
8:45 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
8:53 p.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Loud music.
8:59 p.m. 800 block of Freret Street; Complaint.
9:24 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
9:30 p.m. Justa and Allison streets; Stalled vehicle.
9:35 p.m. 800 block of South Everett Street; Theft.
9:49 p.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Assistance.
10:43 p.m. Terrebonne Street; Disturbance.
10:54 p.m. 2000 block of Railroad Avenue; Arrest.
11:03 p.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Removal of subject.
11:45 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Fire.
Sunday, Nov. 15
12:41 a.m. 500 block of Greenwood Street; Arrest.
2:10 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
3:49 a.m. 1500 block of Chestnut Drive; Complaint.
4:31 a.m. 911 block of Railroad Avenue; Fire.
5:51 a.m. 300 block of Laurel Drive; Loud music.
6 a.m. Sixth Street and Brashear Avenue; Accident.
8:31 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
8:50 a.m. Dixie Homes; Disturbance.
9:06 a.m. 1400 block of Chatsworth Drive; Alarm.
9:31 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Suspicious person.
10:39 a.m. 400 block of First Street; Medical.
11:58 a.m. 3100 block of Lake Palourde Drive; Alarm.
12:26 p.m. 7900 block of La. 182; Alarm.
12:27 p.m. 1300 block of McDermott Drive; Alarm.
2:15 p.m. Roderick Street; Welfare check.
2:36 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
3:38 p.m. Eleventh Street and La. 182; Fire.
4:00 p.m. Lake End Park; Accident.
4:15 p.m. Mount Street; Arrest.
5:29 p.m. 2000 block of Keith Street; Loud music.
5:57 p.m. 900 block of Kimberly Drive; Disturbance.
6:46 p.m. Duke and Arkansas streets; Complaint.
7:02 p.m. 800 block of Ninth Street; Assistance.
7:07 p.m. 400 block of Bush Street; Animal complaint.
8:20 p.m. 1600 block of Victor II Boulevard; Removal of subject.
8:20 p.m. 3000 block of Helen Drive; Medical.
9:54 p.m. 900 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
11:55 p.m. 600 block of General McArthur Street; Medical.
Monday, Nov. 16
1:07 a.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Alarm.
1:35 a.m. 400 block of Bush Street; Animal complaint.

UPDATED: BERTHA MARIE WALKER CHENEVERT

Tue, 11/17/2020 - 2:36pm

Bertha Marie Walker Chenevert, known to many as Mrs. Mann, a resident and native of Morgan City, passed away November 10, 2020, in Baton Rouge, LA at Our Lady Of The Lake.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, November 21, 2020, from 8 a.m.-11 a.m., service at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 507 Fourth Street in Morgan City, LA. Burial will follow funeral service in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Memories of Bertha will forever remain in the hearts of her three daughters, Martoaka Mann, Shontel Chenevert and Courtnie Chenevert; eight grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; two sisters; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, John Chenevert Jr.; her parents, Junious and Patricia Walker Jr.; her son, Darwin Mann; two grandsons, Geremiah Thibodeaux and Stewart Granger Jr.; and four brothers, Junious “Billy”, Charles “CW”, Warren, and Lionel Peter Walker.
Hall and Davis of Baton Rouge, LA is in charge of arrangements. You can visit www.halldavisandson.com to send condolences to the family.

Local authorities make multiple drug arrests

Tue, 11/17/2020 - 2:19pm

Local authorities made seven arrests on drug-related charges and warrants over the weekend, including a Centerville man on counts of possession of heroin and methamphetaimine.

—Raymond Terry Chapman, 40, Centerville, was arrested at 12:38 pm. Friday by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office on two warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceled (two counts); possession of heroin; possession of methamphetamine; and obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence.

No bail has been set.

Sheriff Blaise Smith also reported these arrests:

—D’Andre Deshawn Charles, 24, Franklin, was arrested at 7:22 a.m. Saturday on a charge of theft. Charles was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.

—Benjamin J. Authement, 39, Gray, was arrested 8:53 a.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of failing to comply with PFD requirements. Authement was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.

—Michelle Ocasio, 43, Amelia, was arrested at 12:46 p.m. Saturday on a charge of battery-aggravated and on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceled, and improper lane usage. Ocasio was released on a $10,500 bond.

—Quentin Jamar’r Cooper, 30, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:57 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension and no seat belt. Cooper was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.

—Kody Myers, 30, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:23 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension and no seat belt. Myers was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.

—John Henderson, 59, Siracusa, was arrested at 8:46 a.m. on a charge of driving under suspension. Henderson was released on a summons to appear on February 23, 2021.

—Steven James Morris, 34, Amelia, was arrested at 11:29 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension and no seat belt. Morris was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.
—Cheddrick Domond Roberson, 41, Franklin, was arrested at 12:37 a.m. on charges of driving under suspension and improper lane usage. Roberson was released on a summons to appear Feb. 23.

Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:

—Andrea Bourgeois, 39, Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:04 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of a legend drug and improper lane use and on warrants for possession with intent to distribute Fentanyl, Adderall, oxycodone and Clonazepam.

Bourgeois was stopped after an officer observed her crossed out of her lane of travel on La. 182. During the stop, officers of learned of warrants for her arrest. The warrants stemmed from an investigation by detectives from March 6. Bourgeois was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department.

—Adrian Billiot, 38, Franklin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:01 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of methamphetamine and a warrant for failure to appear from arraignment from the 16th Judicial District Court.

Officers saw Billiot on Brashear Avenueand knew of a warrant from the 16 JDC. The officer made contact with Billiot and placed her under arrest.

After placing her under arrest, the officer located suspected methamphetamine on her. Billiot was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department.

—Sarah Bran, 34, Railroad, Berwick, was arrested at 11:02 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant for theft under $1,000.

Officers were called to a local storage company due to two storage buildings being open. Upon checking the buildings and while doing so located suspected marijuana. Bran was then located in the second building and confirmed that the unit, where the marijuana was located, belongs to her.

Officers also learned that Bran had warrants from Morgan City Police Department. Bran was placed under arrest and transported to Morgan City Police for booking

—Denver Chapman III, 28, Village Lane, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Friday on a warrant for domestic battery.

Chapman turned himself in on a warrant for Domestic Battery. The warrant stemmed from a Nov. 9 incident. Chapman was booked into the Morgan City Police Department Jail.

—Anderson Singleton, 55, 11th Street, was arrested 12:53 a.m. Sunday on charges of attempted burglary and disturbing the peace.

—Officers were called to the Greenwood Street area after a subject attempted to gain entry into two vehicles. A description of the subject was given to officers by the victim and officers were able to locate the suspect near the area. Upon speaking with Singleton, the officer believed him to be intoxicated also.

Singleton was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.

—Breionne Dedrick, 27, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was at 9:06 a.m. Sunday on a warrant for theft under $1,000.

Dedrick was arrested on a warrant from Morgan City Police Department. The warrant stemmed from an investigation from August 2019 in which Dedrick is accused of taking items from a local store. Dedrick was placed arrest and transported to the

Morgan City Police Department for booking.

—Keith Clark, 47, Mount Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:29 p.m. Sunday on a warrant for unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.

Clark was arrested after an officer located him near Railroad Avenue. Officers knew of a warrant for his arrest.

The warrant stemmed from an October 2020 investigation after officers were called to a local apartment complex when the manager attempted to gain entry into a vacated apartment.

Officers located a female in the room and found that she had been let into the room by a male subject later identified as Clark.

Berwick Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:

—Jacoby Phillips, 24, Park Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:54 a.m., on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), open alcohol container in vehicle, improper license and no driver’s license.

At 12:34 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the intersection of U.S. 90 West at Thorguson Drive in reference to a crash. Phillips was identified as one of the drivers involved and officers learned that he committed a traffic violation that led to the crash.

He was found to not have a driver's license and there was an open alcohol container inside of his vehicle. Phillips exhibited signs of impairment and performed poorly on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Phillips was placed under arrest and transported to a local medical facility where he gave consent for a sample of his blood to be collected.

He was later transferred to the Berwick Police Department for booking. He was booked into the Berwick Jail and later posted a bond of $3,250.

Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

--Devin Michael Lang, 34, Timothy Street, Pierre Part, was arrested Monday on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.

Lang was arrested on a felony drug distribution charge as part of an ongoing parish wide narcotics investigation.

During that investigation, agents developed substantial information that Lang was trafficking in illegal narcotics.

Based on probable cause obtained during this investigation, agents secured an arrest warrant for Lang.

Lang remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

— Jude Michael Metrejean, 33. La. 70 South, Pierre Part, was arrested Sunday on charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (second offense), possession of Suboxone and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The arrest was part of a parishwide drug investigation. As part of this investigation, agents developed information that Metrejean was involved in illegal drug trafficking.

As a result of that investigation, agents developed probable cause to secure arrest warrants for Metrejean.

Metrejean was arrested in Pierre Part late Sunday. Incidental to the arrest, Metrejean was searched and found to be in possession of a large quantity of illegal drugs.

Metrejean was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention and remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

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—Michael Jerome Batiste, 34, Claiborne Street, Donaldsonville, was arrested Friday on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, possession of a stolen firearm, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with into to distribute MDMA (ecstacy), possession of marijuana, aggravated flight from an officer, speeding, no driver’s license, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, disobeying signs and signals, and resisting an officer.

Near near Plattenville, a uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on La. 70 East. The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Batiste. The suspect drove off with the deputy in pursuit. At some point, the suspect vehicle crashed.

A short time later, Batiste was arrested in a nearby cane field.

During the recovery, and subsequent search of the vehicle, a stolen firearm as well as quantities of MDMA. Heroin and marijuana were seized.

As a result of this incident, Batiste was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center
with bond set at $76,400.

—Derrick A. Johnson, 39, La. 400, Napoleonville, was arrested Friday on a charge of distribution of marijuana.

As part of an ongoing parishwide narcotics investigation, agents developed information indicating that Derrick A. Johnson was engaged in illegal drug trafficking.

As a result of that investigation, agents established probable cause sufficient to obtain an arrest warrant Johnson.

Already in jail on unrelated charges, Johnson was arrested Friday morning on the new charge with bond set at $75,000.

—John Mark Mabile, 28, Keith Street, Pierre Part, was arrested Sunday on charges of distribution of marijuana and failure to appear on court on previous drug charges.

As part of an ongoing parishwide narcotics investigation, agents developed information that Mabile was engaging in illegal narcotics trafficking.

As a result of the probe, agents established probable cause sufficient to obtain arrest warrants for Mabile.

Mabile was arrested on Sunday night and incarcerated pending a bond hearing on the new charges.

Local, statewide COVID-19 cases continue upward trend

Tue, 11/17/2020 - 1:43pm

The trend in new COVID-19 cases across the state and in St. Mary, St. Martin and Assumption parishes continues to rise sharply, according to figures released at midday Tuesday by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

In St. Mary, where the number of new cases each day has often been in single digits beginning in late summer, 23 cases confirmed by PCR tests were reported Tuesday, raising the pandemic total to 2,163. Another 76 cases are rated as probable based on the less sensitive antigen tests.

Thirty-six new confirmed cases were reported in St. Martin, where the pandemic total is now 2,467. Another 29 cases are listed as probable.

Assumption has seven new confirmed cases for a total of 888, plus 48 probable cases.

No new fatalities were reported Tuesday, so the death tolls remain 89 confirmed deaths and five probable in St. Mary; 65 confirmed deaths with five probable in St. Martin; and 24 confirmed deaths with one probable in Assumption.

Statewide:

--2,592 new confirmed cases raise the total to 199,659. The state has recorded another 8,026 probable cases..

--17 new fatalities raise the confirmed death toll to 5,916 with another 240 deaths listed as probably COVID-related.

--56 more COVID-positive people were in hospitals, raising that total to 874. The number of people in hospitals for COVID treatment has risen by 210 since Nov. 3.

--11 more people are on ventilators for a total of 92.