RSS Feed

Woman charged with child desertion

Two women have been arrested after two young children were found walking by themselves along La. 182 in Morgan City late Wednesday, and an infant was also found unattended in a motel room, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Latasha J. Wolf, 31, of La. 71 in Pineville, was arrested at 4:04 a.m. Thursday on a charge of child desertion.

—Mariah C. Howard, 24, of Everett Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:04 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of juveniles and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone.

Patrol officers were flagged down in the area of La. 182 by a passing motorist in regard to two children walking on La. 182 at nearly 11 p.m. Officers located the two children, who were 4 years old and 2 years old, Blair said. Police learned that the children were staying at a motel in the area of La. 182.

Officers proceeded to that location and located a 10-month-old child in the room unattended, Blair said. Wolf was located in the area. Wolf stated that she had come out of her room and observed the room that the children were in with the door open and a child on the bed without supervision, Blair said.

Howard was identified as the mother of the children, and officers were advised by Wolf that Howard had left the area in the vehicle around 8 p.m., Blair said. Officers conducted a safety sweep of the room where the children had been and located suspected marijuana, Blair said.

The incident took place in a drug-free zone. The Department of Children and Family Services was contacted and the children were released to the care of a family member. Howard later arrived back at the motel. Officers continued their investigation and learned that Howard had been called to work, and she had paid Wolf to babysit the children while she was at work, Blair said.

Police found evidence that corroborated that Howard did, in fact, leave the children in the care of Wolf, Blair said. Wolf and Howard were jailed.

Blair reported that officers responded to 44 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Crystal B. Duhon, 45, of Ricohoc Drive in Ricohoc, was arrested at 3 p.m. Wednesday on warrants charging her with driving under suspension, resisting an officer by giving false information and improper turning.

Duhon was located and arrested at the police department on warrants. The warrants stem from a Nov. 16, 2017, investigation when officers observed a vehicle being operated in the area of Sixth Street negotiate an improper turn.

A stop was initiated when Duhon was eventually identified as the driver. Duhon provided officers with a false identification, Blair said.

Duhon was released based on that false identification. Duhon’s real identity was later learned when warrants were prepared for her arrest. Duhon was jailed.

—David J. Allemond, 51, of Ashton Street in New Iberia, was arrested at 8:07 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of baclofen, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper equipment.

Patrol officers observed a vehicle being operated in the area of Federal Avenue with improper equipment. A stop was initiated when Allemond was identified. Allemond was in possession of suspected marijuana, cocaine, baclofen and drug paraphernalia, Blair said. Allemond was jailed.

—Steve A. Berryhill, 47, of Fairmont Avenue in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 11:56 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and improper turning.

Narcotics division investigators observed a vehicle negotiate an improper turn in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. A stop was initiated when Berryhill was identified as the driver. Berryhill was in possession of suspected methamphetamine, Blair said. Berryhill was jailed.

—Sir Charles E. Evans, 39, of Oak Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:52 a.m. Thursday on a charge of domestic abuse battery-strangulation.

Patrol officers responded to the area of Oak Street in regard to a disturbance. Officers arrived when Evans was identified as one of the parties involved. Evans allegedly struck and choked the victim during the altercation, Blair said. Evans was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported that deputies responded to 42 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—John Demarco, 28, of Mars Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 6:51 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of alprazolam, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Narcotics section detectives patrolling Bayou Vista observed a vehicle travel across the center line on Middle Road. Detectives conducted a traffic stop and made contact with a passenger, Demarco. Detectives learned that Demarco held an active warrant for his arrest. Demarco was jailed with no bail set.

—Kasidy Hebert, 17, of Southwest Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. Wednesday on charges of obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana and violation of a controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone.

—Baleigh Rotolo, 19, of Rosemary Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. Wednesday on charges of obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, possession of Xanax and violation of a controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone.

Narcotics section detectives patrolling Bayou Vista observed a vehicle traveling on Field Road without a license plate light. Detectives conducted a traffic stop and observed a passenger toss an item out of the window. Detectives learned that the item was a bag of marijuana, Anslum said.

Detectives made contact with two passengers, Rotolo and Hebert, and smelled an odor of raw marijuana emitting from the vehicle, the sheriff said. During a search of the vehicle, detectives located loose marijuana in the immediate area where both Rotolo and Hebert were seated.

Detectives also found evidence that Rotolo possessed half of a Xanax pill, the sheriff said. Hebert was released on a summons to appear in court Sept. 14. Rotolo was jailed with no bail set.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrests:

—Jerald Meranto, 79, of First Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:02 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace. He posted $176 cash bail.

—Christopher Landry, 40, of Francis Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:55 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with domestic abuse battery. Bail was set at $2,500.

—Dayshawn Short, 33, of James Street in Siracusaville, was arrested at 5:43 p.m. Wednesday on warrants charging him with domestic abuse battery and violation of a protective order. Short was transferred to parish jail.

—Amanda Williams, 33, of Burchfield Lane in Berwick, was arrested at 10:09 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana, Xanax and drug paraphernalia and improper lane usage. No bail was set.

Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.

(Updated) Three arrested in fatal hit-and-run

Crash claimed the life of Leslie Matthews, 43, of Amelia

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with an early Monday morning, fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in Amelia, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release. The crash claimed the life of Leslie Matthews, 43, of Amelia.

Kristie Blanchard, 40, of River Road in Berwick, was arrested at 5:33 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging her with felony hit and run.

Johnny Giroir Sr., 47, of River Road in Berwick, was arrested at 5:33 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with obstruction of justice.

Leo Vining, 44, of La. 662 in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 5:33 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with obstruction of justice.

On Monday, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Duhon Boulevard in Amelia. Through the investigation, detectives connected Blanchard, Giroir and Vining to the hit-and-run, Anslum said. Detectives found evidence that Blanchard hit Matthews and left the scene of the crash, the sheriff said.

Detectives also learned that Giroir and Vining had knowledge of the crash and helped Blanchard, Anslum said. Blanchard, Giroir, and Vining were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and incarceration. No bail was set.

BETTY DUCHAN

Betty Singleton Young Duchan, 73, a native of Morgan City and resident of Patterson, died Sunday, June 10, 2018 at her residence.
Visitation will be Saturday from 8 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. at Walmsley United Methodist Church in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Rudy Duchan of Patterson; one son, Joseph Young III of Patterson; three daughters, Ina Irvin of Patterson, Jo Dardar of Houston and Tina Hamilton of Bay Town, Texas; two brothers, Robert Walmsley of Baltimore and Larry Singleton of Thibodaux; three sisters, Mary Vining of Marrero, Marion Murray of Patterson and Diann Johnson of Morgan City; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandmother, first husband, a brother and three sisters.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ALVIN BALLET

Alvin Ballet, 63, a native of Berwick and resident of Houston, died Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at his residence.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at Word of Life Family Church in Patterson. Burial will follow in Berwick Cemetery.
He is survived by five sisters, Myra Delco, Ethel Johnson and Linda Smith, all of Berwick, Rebecca Johnson of Patterson, and Shirley Jones of Houston; three brothers, Eugene Johnson of Patterson, Edward Johnson of Berwick and John Johnson of Bayou Vista; a companion; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and five sisters.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JOSEPH HARDING SR.

Joseph Harding Sr., 75, a native of Grand Caillou and resident of Houma, died Thursday, June 7, 2018.
Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church in Houma. Burial will follow in Combon Cemetery.
He is survived by two sons, Joseph Harding Jr. of Franklin and Jude Harding of Houma; three daughters, Sylvia McKinley of Morgan City, and Latia Williams and Sharon Stoves, both of Houma; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Lee Harding, the Rev. Fred Trosclair Sr. and McArthur Harding, all of Houma; two sisters, Hester Smith and Alice Swinson, both of Houma; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, companion, parents and two brothers.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

VERLEEN S. JUNIOR

Verleen Short Junior, 70, a native of Terrebonne Parish and resident of Gibson, died Friday, June 8, 2018.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at New Vision Family Worship Center in Houma. Burial will follow in Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery.
She is survived by three sons, Craig Williams, Gregory Williams and Bruce Short, all of Gibson; six grandchildren; a brother, Freddie Short of Franklin; a sister, Dorothy Harvey of Morgan City; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, brothers and sisters.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

SHELIA ROBERSON

Shelia Roberson, 60, a native and resident of Patterson, died Monday, June 11, 2018 at Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City.
Visitation will be Saturday from noon until services at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Shields Cemetery in Patterson.
She is survived by two sisters, Faye Thomas of Morgan City and Connie Fleeks of Houston; two brothers, William Roberson of Houston and Hebert Charles Jr. of Dickinson, Texas; three grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by a daughter and her parents.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GODFREY F. SAMPEY

Funeral Services for Godfrey F. Sampey will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018, beginning with the family receiving visitors at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral, 515 Cathedral Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. The Funeral Mass will begin at 3 p.m. Celebrant will be Father Gary Schexnayder.
Godfrey will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Lafayette, Louisiana.
It is with great sadness that the family of Godfrey F. Sampey announces his passing on Monday, June 11, 2018. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 35 years, Cindy J. Sampey; sons, Godfrey J., Chad and his wife, Amanda, Jason and Joshua; grandchildren, Courtland, Myles, Maura, Logan, Shannon and Patrick Sampey; sisters, Lois Burgo and Janet Culbertson; and brother, Malcolm Sampey; with nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends too numerous to list.
Godfrey was preceded in death by his parents, Wilton Octave Sampey and Eve Boudreaux Sampey; his brothers, Robert Sampey and Wilton Sampey; and sister, Sadie Sampey.
Godfrey worked in the oilfield most of his life and really enjoyed his work. He was a coach for Little League and had several Select baseball teams. He was an avid LSU fan. Godfrey loved to hunt, but most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Share your condolences, words of comfort or send memorial gifts to the family of Mr. Godfrey Sampey by visiting www.lafuneralservices.com.
Mr. Godfrey Sampey and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Louisiana Funeral Services & Crematory of Broussard (337) 330-8006.

Miles Liner scholarships

The Miles Liner Foundation, named for a young Berwick man whose donated organs helped six people live, recently awarded its annual scholarships.

Dominique resigns as MCHS football coach

For the second time in the last six months and now less than three months before the start of the season, Morgan City High School will be looking for a new head football coach as Ferrante Dominique tendered his resignation Tuesday.
“It wasn’t an environment conducive for me to be successful,” he said as the reason for his resignation.
Dominique, who also was the school’s athletic director, was hired in January to replace Eric Howard. Howard was not retained after a one-year stint leading the Tigers following a 2-8 overall mark and an 0-6 record in District 7-4A action.
Morgan City High School Principal Mickey Fabre said advertising for the position will be done immediately, both locally and on the Louisiana High School Athletic Association website.
“Hoping to close that advertisement period by next Friday … and then hoping to start calling in some candidates and starting the interview process,” he said.
Whoever takes over the Tigers will have extra time in the fall to work with the program as Dominique elected to forgo the Tigers’ spring workouts to instead take the extra time allowed in the fall.
Dominique came to Morgan City with experience in coaching and administration with a career coaching record of 47-33 with two district championships and a Class 1A state title in 2010. He also had a head coaching stop at South Plaquemines in 2016 where his squad finished 8-4 and advanced to the second round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Pages

ST. MARY NOW

Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255