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Department of Revenue warns of stimulus check scams

Tue, 03/31/2020 - 6:27am

BATON ROUGE – With the federal government preparing to distribute economic stimulus funds to most Americans during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) is warning taxpayers to be wary of potential scams to steal their money.

Phishing scams are among the most common fraud tactics. The goal is to acquire personal information, such as Social Security numbers, to commit identity theft.

“The unfortunate reality is that there will always be criminals trying to take advantage of unsuspecting citizens during a crisis,” Secretary of Revenue Kimberly Lewis Robinson said. “Neither the Louisiana Department of Revenue nor the IRS will contact any taxpayer to ask for personal information, and no government agency will charge a fee of any kind for the delivery of stimulus funds.”

The U.S. Department of the Treasury says on its website, “If you receive calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department and offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond. These are scams.”

Louisiana residents who suspect they are victims of identity theft can take steps to protect themselves by reporting the crime to the police, reporting suspected fraud to the three major credit-reporting bureaus, and submitting a Louisiana Identity Theft Affidavit to the LDR Criminal Investigations Division.

Edwards will extend stay at home order

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 4:54pm

Gov. John Bel Edwards' stay at home order will be extended through the end of the month, and a resumption of K-12 classes this school year seems less likely after the governor's Monday afternoon press conference on COVID-19 progress.

Also Monday, the state announced that all Louisiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enrollees -- food stamp recipients -- will receive the maximum allowable benefits during the pandemic. And Edwards named a commander for the Guard and Navy personnel who will be working in the state.

Edwards noted that President Donald Trump on Sunday extended federal mitigation measures through the end of April. Edwards' orders, including the stay at home proclamation and the closure of public schools, were to continue to April 13.

"By the end of this week," Edwards said, "I will be issuing an additional proclamation to get mine in line with what the president announced yesterday."

Beyond that, "we'll see if any modification of the stay at home order is warranted."

Edwards said he had talked with both the president and Vice President Mike Pence. Trump promised help in obtaining ventilators from a federal emergency stockpile, although there was no firm time.

Louisiana has still only received just over 190 ventilators after requesting 12,000 from private and federal sources.

The governor thanked the president for declaring Monday to be National Doctors Day. Edwards called health care providers heroes for their work in the face of the pandemic.

Pence expressed sympathy to Edwards on the death of April Dunn, a state disabilities advocate.

The food stamp boost will affect just more than half of the state's SNAP recipients. Some additional funds will be posted automatically to EBT cards Tuesday, and more will be added April 17. Work requirements for some SNAP recipients, able-bodied adults without dependents, have been waived for now.

Because call center volume has increased 3-1/2 times, the Department of Children and Family Services is asking people to apply for benefits at dcfs.la.gov/getSNAP or by texting "getsnap" to 898211.

Also Monday:

--Edwards named Brig. Gen. Lee W. Hopkins of the Louisiana National Guard to command Guard troops called up to support the coronavirus effort and the 180-200 U.S. Navy medical personnel who will help staff hospital beds at the Morial Convention Center and a makeshift facility for those awaiting test results in New Orleans.

--Monday's Office of Public Health report showed that the number of Louisiana tests for COVID-19 has topped 4,000, and the number of fatalities is now 185.

"While there is a slight positive trend in our numbers ... under any feasible scenario we are going to exceed our medical capacity," Edwards said.

The first area to be hit will be Region I, the area around New Orleans. Orleans and Jefferson parishes together have more than 2,300 COVID-19 cases and account for 123 of the state's deaths.

Edwards again urged people to follow the stay at home order and social distancing guidelines to slow the spread and avoid a sudden surge that overwhelms hospitals.

"We need to have better compliance than we've had," Edwards said.

This story has been edited to correct the number of sailors who will staff the Morial Convention Center and the personnel housing unit.

GARY PISANI

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 1:51pm

June 20, 1949 — March 26, 2020
Gary Pisani passed peacefully on the morning of March 26, 2020, ending his battle with heart disease. Gary grew up in Bayou Vista, Louisiana, and spent his professional career there and also in New Iberia where he raised his family. An avid fisher, Gary enjoyed a good game of cards and especially loved a great fish story! He was a family man and devoted his life to raising his daughter, Chantelle, and son, Adam. In his final days, Gary loved sitting on his porch and watching the ducks and telling everyone “hi” as they passed by.
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Rita Pisani and father, Horace Pisani.
He is survived by his daughter, Chantelle Dyar, her husband, John Dyar; grandson, Johnny; his son, Adam Pisani, his wife, C.J. Pisani; grandkids, Hudson and Addison; sister, Donna Gail Pisani; brother, Greg Pisani, his wife, Renee Pisani; and brother, Grant Pisani, and his wife, Madeline Pisani.
Regretfully, due to the present public health circumstances, a private service will be held for the immediate family only.

GERALD FONTENOT

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 1:20pm

October 26, 1946 — March 21, 2020
Gerald Fontenot, 73, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans.
Gerald was born on October 26, 1946, in Iota, the son of Thonis Fontenot and Lucy Klumpp Fontenot and he was raised in Lake Charles.
Gerald joined the United States Army and served 5 years, including fighting for our country in the Vietnam War. After his service, Gerald became a skilled carpenter and a member of the Carpenter’s Local 953. He traveled the United States working various jobs until he married the love of his life, Linda, and settled down in Bayou Vista. Gerald was a real Cajun. He loved to go fishing, eat boiled crawfish and speak Cajun French to anyone who could understand. He always had his music playing and enjoyed taking his wife dancing. Gerald was proud to be a part of the VFW Post 4222 and served as Sr. Vice Commander from 2007-2008. Gerald had a vibrant and full life and a heart of gold. He had many, many friends and never met a stranger. Many people will remember Gerald from riding his bicycle all over Bayou Visa with his little dog, “Wa-Wa.”
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Laura Vice Louviere and her husband Roy of Morgan City; grandchildren, Tiffanie Vice, Emilie Businelle and her companion Kevin Merritt, Elizabeth Businelle and Caitlynn Ackerman; and three great-grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Thonis Fontenot; mother, Lucy Klumpp Fontenot; two brothers, David Fontenot and Hadness “Joe” Fontenot; and his wife of 31 years, Linda White Fontenot.
Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2020, in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Eunice.

JACK ANDREW STANSBURY SR.

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 1:17pm

November 4, 1937 — March 26, 2020
Jack Andrew Stansbury Sr., 82, a lifelong resident of Morgan City, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Patterson Healthcare surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born November 4, 1937, in Morgan City, the son of Charles William Stansbury and Rita Breaux Stansbury. He was a 1957 graduate of Morgan City High School where he participated in multiple sports.
Jack was a veteran; he enlisted in the Army in 1962 and served for a year as infantry. Jack was known by the community as a carpenter by trade and also was the caretaker for Morgan City Cemetery for over 17 years where he made many relationships with the community. He loved LSU football and baseball and cherished the time he got to spend with his grandchildren and family.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, CDR Jack A. Stansbury Jr. and wife Michelle of Summerville, South Carolina; daughter, Anna Aloisio and husband Amico of Morgan City; brother, Dick “Dickie” Stansbury and wife Mary Grace of Morgan City; seven grandchildren, Kayla Guidry and husband Justin, Katherine Grubb and husband Kevin, Cassie Aloisio and significant other Nicholas “Nick” Spinella, Jacob Stansbury, Joshua Stansbury, Ashlyn Reaux and Caitlyn Reaux; and two great-grandchildren, Caroline and Blaire Grubb.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rita Stansbury; four brothers, William “Bill”, Merlin, Owen and Huey Stansbury; and six sisters, Rita Mae “Sister” Stansbury, Ella Ruth “Doodie” Mensman, Wanzie Cousin, RoseAnn Williams, Rebecca “Becky” Aucoin and Carolyn “Carol” Darce.
Due to the recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with limited gatherings, the memorial services for Jack will be held privately by the immediate family with military honors at a later date. Friends are encouraged to view and leave a memory of Jack on our website, www.twincityfh.com. The family thanks everyone for their understanding during this difficult time.

BEVERLY JOHN 'BOOKIE' IBERT

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 1:15pm

August 29, 1929 — March 26, 2020
Beverly John Ibert, affectionately known as Bookie, passed away at the age of 90 on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Bookie was born on August 29, 1929, in Centerville and was the first of three children born to the late Isaac and Florence Ibert. He was a longtime resident of Franklin who retired in 1986 from Exxon Mobil following many years of faithful service and remained active with the L’acadian Retirees Club serving as President for many years. In his earlier years he was a big supporter of the Franklin Little League and the Cub Scouts and was active in many civic organizations. He was also a longtime member of the Krewe of Teche of which he served as Captain for many years. He knew no stranger and was a friend to all.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of 67 years, Evelyn Blanchard Ibert; six children, Karen I. Boss, Kathy I. Imel and her husband Rodney, Joan Ibert and her companion Elliott LaPort, Jane I. Graffeo, Ellen I. Koski and her husband John, and Michael Ibert and his wife Claudine; his sister, Linda I. Gaspard and her husband Ted; sister-in-law, Faye Ibert; 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Ibert; his parents, Isaac Ibert and Florence Guillotte Ibert; his brother, Andee Ibert; and a son-in-law, Jeff Boss.
Due to the recent health concerns and restrictions in accordance with limited gatherings, the funeral services for Mr. Bookie will be held privately with the immediate family. He will be laid to rest in the Franklin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Children’s Fund for GSD Research (Glycogen Storage Disease), 20 Sherwood Lane, Cheshire, CT 06410, www.cureGSD.org, info@curegsd.org, (203) 272-7744.
Family and friends are encouraged to view the obituary and express their condolences, support, and love for the family online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.

KEVIN LYNN BIAS

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 1:12pm

Kevin Lynn Bias, 60, a native of Morgan City and resident of Houma, died Friday, March 27, 2020, at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are pending at this time.

Getting ready for high water

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 12:59pm
The Daly Review/Bill Decker

Mark Duhon, right, the St. Mary Parish councilman for District 8, has donated a two-hopper, foot-operated sand bagger to the parish government. It can fill 400 bags an hour. Duhon is shown with parish Public Works Director Jean Paul Bourg.

State offers information for COVID-affected businesses

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 12:53pm

Gov. John Bel Edwards and Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development announced the opening of an LED help desk that provides email and hotline support for Louisiana businesses impacted by COVID-19.
For COVID-19 business questions, LED may be reached at LEDbiz@la.gov or via the toll-free hotline (833-457-0531.) The COVID-19 hotline is staffed 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be aware that high call volumes might result in delays. Callers are encouraged to keep trying, leave a voice mail or contact LED via email.
For Louisiana businesses seeking federal financial assistance, they are encouraged first to contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at SBA.gov/Disaster to apply for COVID-19 disaster aid. The SBA Customer Service Center may be reached at 1-800)-659-2955, with an additional TTY line at 1-800-877-8339.
“Louisiana has experienced the fastest rate of increase for confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world, and it is imperative that everyone in our state take part in the efforts to slow the spread of this disease,” Gov. Edwards said. “Businesses are making tremendous sacrifices to slow the spread, and resources are available to help businesses navigate this crisis. If your business has questions, please make use of the resources that Louisiana Economic Development has made available to you.”
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Edwards issued proclamations meant to slow the spread of the disease. The health and safety of Louisiana residents is the utmost priority for the administration.
LED is working with all levels of government and the private sector to support Louisiana businesses and their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the LED website — OpportunityLouisiana.com/covid19 — businesses may find workplace guidance from the Governor’s Stay At Home Order and other proclamations; COVID-19 public health recommendations; sources of COVID-19 financial aid; regional resources across the state; and links to information from business and industry trade associations.
About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana, and promotes business opportunity for employers of all sizes. In 2019, LED attracted more than 80 new economic development projects representing 12,300 new jobs, 15,500 retained jobs and over $8.4 billion in new capital investment. LED’s Small Business Services team assisted more than 9,500 Louisiana small businesses and entrepreneurs in 2019. For more information, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.

Berwick police arrest three in drug probe

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 12:48pm
Staff Report

A Berwick Police Department operation led to the arrest of three people on drug charges that include a variety of narcotics, including heroin, Police Chief David S. Leonard said.
—Betheny N. Mecom, Tiffany Street. Patterson, was arrested at 4:53 p.m. Thursday on charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, heroin and Xanax.
—Peter J. Little, 36, Bayou Black Drive, Gibson, was arrested at 5:02 p.m. on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, heroin, Fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and Xanax; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance; obstruction of justice; aggravated flight from an officer; violations of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance law (drug free one) and transactions involving drug proceeds.
—Mary M. Chatman, 34, Laban Avenue, Houma, was arrested at 5:02 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, Fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and Xanax possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance; obstruction of justice; aggravated flight from an officer; violations of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance law (drug free one) and transactions involving drug proceeds.
On Thursday, Berwick police detectives and patrol officers, along with assistance from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, conducted a joint narcotics operation targeting individuals selling illegal narcotics in Berwick, Leonard said.
Throughout the course of this investigation, a suspect, identified as Mecom, arrived at a designated area and she was taken into custody without incident. A second vehicle, which was occupied by Little and Chatman, arrived at the location as well, but fled in a reckless manner upon observing the police officers. Patrol officers intercepted the fleeing truck and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
During the pursuit, one of the occupants threw a handgun out of the window and the gun was retrieved by investigators. The truck pulled into a driveway of a residence on Sixth St. and Little and Chatman were taken into custody without incident. During Little and Chatman’s arrest, they were found to be in possession of the following drugs:16.7 grams of marijuana, 13.5 grams of methamphetamines, 14.4 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, 8 grams of crack cocaine, and 24 Xanax pills.
Little and Chatman were also found to be in possession of a combined $1,841 in currency.
Through investigation, it was determined that some of the drugs were being delivered to Mecom, who in turn, was going to sell the drugs. The area that the incident occurred is within 2,000ft of posted drug free zones. Furthermore, a criminal history check revealed that Little is a convicted felon.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported this arrest:
—Bryan Gene Coburn, 44, Bailey Street, West Monroe, was arrested at 2:23 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of for battery of a correctional officer and resisting a police officer with force. Coburn continues to be incarcerated.
at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

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