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A 27-year-old Morgan City man was jailed on drug charges after St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s deputies searched his home and found him inside smoking a synthetic cannabinoid cigar, Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.

—Brandon Durkins, 27, of Mallard Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:59 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoids with intent to distribute, transactions involving drug proceeds, two counts possession of hydroxyzine pamoate and cyclobenzaprine without a prescription, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle not covered by security-no insurance, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, failure to carry vehicle registration certificate and improper use of registration.

Narcotics detectives and the Morgan City Police Department conducted a search warrant at Durkins’ home after developing information that illegal drug activity was taking place at the location, Anslum said.

When detectives entered the home, they observed Durkins on a sofa smoking a synthetic cannabinoid cigar, Anslum said. Durkins was detained. During the search of the property, detectives located a bag of synthetic marijuana, pills, and just over $400 in cash, Anslum said.

The money is suspected of being gained through the sale of the illegal synthetic drug. The home is within the Morgan City Housing Authority, and there was a juvenile at the home. Detectives also located the active warrant for Durkins. He was jailed with no bail set.

Anslum reported that deputies responded to 34 complaints in the parish.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 39 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Gage Ford, 26, of Ditch Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:56 p.m. Monday on warrants charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and obstruction of justice.

Ford was located and arrested in the area of Ditch Avenue on warrants. The warrants stem from a Sunday investigation when officers responded to the area of Headland Street in regard to a disturbance.

During that incident, Ford allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened the victim, Blair said. Ford was arrested on that incident. The investigation continued, and after subsequent interviews, police found evidence that Ford had concealed evidence after the initial incident, Blair said.

Police also learned that Ford was a convicted felon prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. Warrants were prepared for Ford’s arrest. Ford was jailed.

—Jimmy R. Davis, 35, of Ridgefield Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:01 p.m. Monday on charges of three counts of possession of Legend Drug without a prescription and improper lighting.

Patrol officers observed a subject on a bicycle without proper lighting. A stop was initiated and Jimmy R. Davis was identified. Davis was found to be in possession of paroxetine hydrochloride, trazodone hydrochloride and benztropine mesylate, for which he could not provide a valid prescription, Blair said. Davis was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:

—Druvan Robinson, 20, of Fourth Street in Berwick, was arrested at 2:16 p.m. Monday on charges of attempted aggravated escape, aggravated battery on a police officer and on a warrant charging him with simple assault. Robinson was transferred to parish jail.

Robinson had been in the Berwick jail on different charges. Officers attempted to pull Robinson out of his jail cell to book him on additional charges at which time Robinson attacked one of the officers, Richard said.

Robinson used a pencil to stab an officer in an attempt to escape, and hit the officer in the side of the neck, Richard said. But the pencil didn’t break the skin of the officer, the chief said.

Other officers assisted in apprehending Robinson, who never actually escaped from the jail cell area, Richard said.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis on Jan. 6 advised against making the pursuit of money, a career or success the basis for one’s whole life, urging in his Epiphany remarks to also resist “inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches.”
During a homily at Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said people “often make do” with having “health, a little money and a bit of entertainment.” He urged people to help the poor and others in need of assistance, giving freely without expecting anything in return.
Many Christians observe Epiphany to recall the three wise men who followed a star to find the baby Jesus. Francis suggested asking “what star we have chosen to follow in our lives?”
“Some stars may be bright, but do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honors and pleasures, when these become our lives,” the pope said, adding that path won’t ensure peace and joy.
Later, during an appearance from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Francis urged tens of thousands of faithful gathered below not to be indifferent to Jesus.
“Instead of conducting themselves in coherence with their own Christian faith, they follow the principles of the world, which lead to satisfying the inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches,” Francis said. He prayed instead that “the world makes progress down the path of justice and of peace.”
Francis noted that some Eastern Rite Catholic and Orthodox churches were celebrating Christmas this weekend and offered his cordial wishes to these believers.
“May this glorious celebration be a source of new spiritual vigor and of communion among us Christians,” he said.
In Istanbul, the Greek Orthodox Christian community celebrated Epiphany with the traditional blessing of the waters. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of Greek Orthodox Christians and the Archbishop of Constantinople, led the liturgy Saturday at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George for Epiphany, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Several blessings of the waters took place across Istanbul. The ceremony consists of a cross being tossed into the water to be retrieved by swimmers.
In many places in Europe, Epiphany is a day where children receive gifts or enjoy special entertainment. Rome’s Piazza Navona is famed for a holiday market with many toy stalls. Children believe the Befana witch on a broom brings the well-behaved toys, while those who haven’t behaved get lumps of charcoal.
For crowd control and security, visitors this year to Piazza Navona patiently underwent metal detector checks and authorities limited those entering the vast oval space to no more than 12,000 at a time.
On city sidewalks throughout Spain, parents and their children came out to enjoy the day. On Epiphany eve Friday, streets across Spain were packed with families watching Epiphany parades with decorative floats, camels, clowns and jugglers. Some performers tossed candy to the crowds.
In recent years, security for Epiphany and other holidays has been tightened in Madrid and Barcelona amid fears of potential terror attacks, with large vehicles banned from streets near the parades.
In Poland, the head of the Catholic Church in Warsaw spoke out in support of migrants during an Epiphany procession in the Polish capital. The procession Saturday in Warsaw was held under the motto “God is for everyone” and Warsaw Archbishop Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz says that means no one should be seen as an “alien.”
His words seemed directed at the conservative Polish government, which has many officials who are Catholic but they refuse to accept Muslim migrants into Poland.
Warsaw’s 10th annual procession featured camels and richly-clad Three Magi. A few thousand adults and children marched in it, wearing paper crowns. President Andrzej Duda led another procession in Skoczow, in southern Poland.
In Mexico City, aid workers brought toys and other gifts to brighten the Epiphany holiday for homeless children living in dozens of makeshift tent camps more than three months after a deadly earthquake.
The date — Jan. 6 — is commonly known as “Day of the Magi” in Latin America, and it’s when children traditionally receive holiday gifts rather than on Christmas Day.
Uriel Martinez, 8, woke up early Saturday to find a toy gun had been left for him overnight. That made him happy because he wants to be a soldier when he grows up.
“I heard the kings come, but then I went back to sleep,” he said.
—Rebecca Blackwell in Mexico City, Monika Scislowska in Warsaw and Joseph Wilson in Madrid contributed to this story.

Chitimacha Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported the following arrests:
Erikeonia Delasbour, 20, of Lincoln Street, Baldwin, was arrested Saturday on charges of theft, and was released on summons.
Officers responded Thursday to a tribal business in reference to a theft. During the investigation, it was learned that Delasbour was involved, but had already left. A warrant was issued for Delasbour and she was arrested.
On Feb. 19 of last year, officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a theft. During the investigation it was learned that Tammy Patrick and Brock Gonsoulin were involved but had already left. Warrants were issued for Patrick and Gonsoulin. The Chitimacha Police Department was notified by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office that the two alleged offenders were picked up on warrants.
Tammy Patrick, 41, of S. Cemetary Street, St. Martinville, was arrested Saturday on charges of theft and obstruction of justice. She was transported to the parish jail.
Patrick was arrested by St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office on a Chitimacha Police Department warrant and released to the Chitimacha Police Department.
Brock Gonsoulin, 32, of S. Cemetary Street, St. Martinville, was arrested Sunday on charges of accessory after the fact for theft and obstruction of justice. He was transported to the parish jail.
Gonsoulin was arrested by St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office on a Chitimacha Police Department warrant and released to the Chitimacha Police Department.
Junior Francis, 40, of Ambroise Street, Lafayette, was arrested Sunday on the charge of principle to felony theft. He was transported to the parish jail.
Francis was arrested by Lafayette Police Department on a Chitimacha Police Department warrant and he was released to the Chitimacha Police Department.
On June 10 of last year, officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a theft. During the investigation, it was learned that Francis was involved and a warrant was issued.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Reinerio Guillen-Gavarrete, 29, of 115 West Sils Lane, Amelia, was arrested Friday at 11:23 p.m. on charges of improper lane usage, possession of open alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles and no driver’s license.
A deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Lake Palourde Road and identified the driver as Gavarrete. While speaking with him, the deputy observed open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle. The deputy also found that Gavarrete was driving without a license. Gavarrete was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
Thasa Thammavongsa, 21, of 2815 A Stacey St., Broussard, was arrested Saturday at 9:50 a.m. on the charge of criminal trespass.
Drake Blanchard, 21, of 1031 Louis Records St., Broussard, was arrested Saturday at 9:50 a.m. on charges of criminal trespass and expired boat certificate.
A deputy responded to a call for service regarding trespassers in the Cypremort Point area. The deputy found evidence that Thammavongsa and Blanchard went onto private property in a boat without the property owner’s permission. Thammavongsa and Blanchard were released on summonses.
Doneyda Galeas, 35, of 112 Beau Lane, Bayou Vista, was arrested Sunday at 12:09 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of hit and run driving and ignoring a stop sign.
A deputy located Galeas at her residence on the warrant and transported her to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $2,500.
Juvenile male, 13, New Iberia, was arrested Sunday at 12:56 p.m. on the charge of criminal damage to property.
A deputy responded to a call for service about damaged property. The deputy collected evidence that a juvenile broke a window of a property owner’s residence while shooting a pellet gun in the Four Corners area. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
David Bobb, 58, of 1058 La. 318, Four Corners, was arrested Sunday at 4:40 p.m. on the charge of three counts of aggravated assault.
A deputy responded to a call for service at a residence in Four Corners regarding a subject pointing a weapon at several individuals. During the investigation, the deputy collected evidence that Bobb pointed a handgun at three victims in a threatening manner. Bobb was transported to the St. Mary parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Harry Francis III, 54, of 401 Hanson St., Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 9:25 p.m. on charges of warrant for failure to pay annual registration fee as a convicted sex offender, two warrants for failure to register as a sex offender or child predator and another warrant for failure to pay annual registration fee as a convicted sex offender.
Francis turned himself in at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. No bail is set.
Daniel Williams Jr., 37, of 427 Seventh St., Franklin, was arrested Monday at 5:08 a.m. on charges of possession of Schedule IV clonazepam, introduction of contraband into a penal institution and on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
A deputy responding to a call for service on Prairie Road North in Centerville where a disturbance was reported, spoke with the subjects involved and learned that Williams refused to get out of a vehicle after being given a ride to a residence. The deputy located an active warrant for Williams and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. During booking, correctional deputies located a pill bottle containing dozens of clonazepam pills. The prescription listed on the bottle did not belong to Williams. No bail is set.
Ty Chauvin, 20, of 243 Genevieve St., Franklin, was arrested Monday at 4:05 p.m. on charges of improper display of license plate, possession of Schedule I marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
A deputy traveling on La. 182 near Yokley Road in the Franklin area conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that did not have a license plate. The deputy identified the driver as Chauvin and smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The deputy also observed a shotgun inside the vehicle. While speaking with Chauvin, the deputy learned that there was marijuana inside the vehicle and located a bag of the substance, a grinder and a pipe used for smoking the drug. Chauvin was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Chauvin was released on a $2,750 bond.
Brandon Durkins, 27, of 207 Mallard St., Morgan City, was arrested Monday at 12:59 p.m. on charges of possession of Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids with intent to distribute, transactions involving drug proceeds, two counts of possession of Legend Drugs hydroxyzine pamoate & cyclobenzaprine without a prescription, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law drug free zone, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and a warrant for failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle not covered by security no insurance, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, failure to carry vehicle registration certificate and improper use of registration.
Narcotics detectives and the Morgan City Police Department conducted a search warrant at Durkins residence after developing information that illegal drug activity was taking place at the location. When detectives entered the residence, they observed Durkins on a sofa smoking a synthetic cannabinoid cigar. Durkins was detained. During the search of the property, detectives located a bag of synthetic marijuana, pills, and just over $400 in cash. The money is suspected of being gained through the sale of the illegal synthetic drug. The residence is within the Morgan City Housing Authority and there was a juvenile at the residence. Detectives also located the active warrant for Durkins. He was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Albert Walter III, 40, of Eleventh Street, Franklin, was arrested Monday at 6:32 p.m. on charges of peeping, attempted unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and criminal trespassing. Walter was additionally charged with a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court Iberia Parish for failure to appear on the charge of speeding. Walter was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.
Luther Depass, 37, of Morris Street, Franklin, was arrested Monday at 6:58 p.m. on a warrant for Third Ward City Court for failure to appear on the charge of no license plate light. Depass was booked, processed, and released on a $218 bond.

Franklin Mayor Raymond Harris Jr. has withdrawn his candidacy for another term in office.
Though Harris qualified for re-election last week, he said this morning that “I feel like my tenure for being mayor is up. Everything I’m hearing and everything I’m sensing from the community tells me my time is up.”
Harris said, “That combined with that I really didn’t have the desire to get out and campaign, I just think it’s time for me to move on. There’s a movement out there for change, and I can’t change it or stop it.”
That leaves the contest between incumbent Councilman Eugene Foulcard and former Councilman Jimmie Daniel II.