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Survey: 4 in 10 U.S. adults experience online harassment

NEW YORK (AP) — A new survey says a whopping 41 percent of U.S. adults have experienced online harassment, ranging from offensive name-calling to stalking and sexual harassment.
That’s up from 35 percent in 2014.
The Pew Research Center said Tuesday that 66 percent of respondents have witnessed other people being harassed. While some people’s experiences could be “shrugged off” as a nuisance, Pew said, some 18 percent said they were subjected to “severe” forms of harassment. This included physical threats, stalking and harassment over a sustained period.
The vitriol of the 2016 presidential election has brought the issue to the forefront for many people. In fact, 14 percent of respondents said they have been harassed online specifically because of their political views.
Twitter and other online companies have promised to crack down on abuse.
For example, Twitter introduced new controls aimed at curbing harassment — or at least preventing the targets of abuse from seeing what is said about them. Now, users can disable notifications when someone they don’t know tweets about them. Still, this doesn’t necessarily remove the abuse from Twitter — just hides it from those who are targeted.
Pew’s report called social media an “especially fertile ground” for online harassment and found that 79 percent of respondents think online services have a “duty” to step in when abuse occurs on their platforms.

Mixed messages from mom have teen looking for clarity

DEAR ABBY: I’m 17. My mom and I often disagree on things. Don’t get me wrong — I don’t care what she does in her free time, but lately I have learned she’s talking to people about bisexuality. I don’t know how to handle this or how to talk to her about it. I feel betrayed. When I told her I was gay, she rejected my sexuality, and now she’s possibly wanting relationships with other females? Even now, when we watch the news and something about the LGBT community comes on, she still mutters about marriage being between one man ...

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Police seek ID of person of interest in counterfeit money investigation

The Morgan City Police Department is seeking the identity of a white male subject seen in the above photo.

The subject is a person of interest in an investigation being conducted by the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division involving counterfeit money. He is believed to be driving an older model Ford Ranger pick-up truck dark blue in color.

Anyone knowing the identity of the subject is urged to contact the Morgan City Police Department at 985-380-4605.

Section of Karen Drive in Morgan City to close for road work

Work will begin on a Karen Drive road project in Morgan City late Wednesday or Thursday morning. That work will require closure of a section of Karen Drive from Justa Street to McDermott Drive, according to a city news release.

This project will consist of cracking and removing all the old cement slabs that have sunk into the ground and are causing other problems.

Karen Drive between Justa Street and McDermott Drive will be closed to all traffic with the exception of residents that live on the block.

Weather permitting, crews expect the work to take at least two weeks before the lanes can be reopened.

Franklin woman arrested on 20 counts of juvenile porn

A 33-year-old Franklin woman was arrested Monday on Louisiana Attorney General’s Office warrants charging her with 20 counts of pornography involving juveniles, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.

—Jennifer McKaskle, 33, of Guidroz Street in Franklin, was arrested at 11:39 a.m. Monday on two warrants from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office charging her with 10 counts each of pornography involving juveniles.

McKaskle was charged with 10 counts of sexual abuse images/videos of children under 13 and 10 counts of sexual abuse images/videos of children over 13, Attorney General's Office Spokeswoman Ruth Wisher said in an email.

Detectives of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section assisted the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office in serving the warrants.

Detectives located McKaskle at her home, took her into custody on the warrants, and transported her to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. McKaskle was released on $10,000 personal surety bail.

The arrest was made as part of a joint investigation between the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation's Cyber Crime Unit, Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“Our office will not rest in our pursuit of child predators," Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said in a news release. "We remain diligent in investigating and arresting those who break the law and prey on our children."

Hebert reported responding to 47 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Huey Bertrand Jr., 35, of South Palmetto Street in Walker, was arrested at 11:15 a.m. Monday on a charge of possession of heroin.

A deputy responded to the Fairview Treatment Center after receiving a complaint of illegal drugs at the business. The deputy learned from the complainant that a small plastic baggie containing suspected illegal drugs was found and that the illegal substance belonged to Bertrand, Hebert said.

The deputy examined the substance and found that it was a small amount of heroin. The deputy spoke with Bertrand who admitted that the illegal drug was his, Hebert said. Bertrand was jailed with no bail set.

—Melissa Thomas, 38, of Mars Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. Monday on charges of disturbing the peace intoxication.

While the deputy was speaking to the people involved, Thomas began yelling at one of the people in the parking lot causing a disturbance. The deputy repeatedly ordered Thomas to leave the area. Thomas refused. She was released on a summons to appear in court Oct. 11.

—Quijakius Johnson, 35, of Apple Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:43 p.m. Monday on charges of improper lane usage, obstruction of justice, possession of synthetic cannabinoids, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.

A deputy patrolling U.S. 90 in Berwick observed a vehicle driving onto the shoulder of the roadway and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy identified the driver as Johnson.

While speaking with him, the deputy received consent to search the vehicle and located synthetic cannabinoids. Johnson then attempted to flee on foot but was detained by the deputy, Hebert said.

Johnson continued to attempt to pull away from the deputy several times, Hebert said. During the traffic stop investigation, the deputy found evidence that Johnson ate some of the synthetic drugs, the sheriff said.

Johnson was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. After being released from the medical center, Johnson was jailed with no bail set.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported responding to 50 complaints and reported the following arrests:

—Jalen D. Allen, 24, of Federal Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:27 a.m. Monday on warrants charging him with conspiracy to distribution of marijuana, conspiracy to possession of marijuana, conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone, forgery and bank fraud.

Allen was located and arrested at the Lafayette Parish Detention Center on Morgan City Police warrants. The warrants stem from two separate investigations.

The first warrants are in connection to an investigation conducted by the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division that began June 4 in regard to an attempted introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

During that investigation, police recovered suspected marijuana and tobacco. Allen was identified as a suspect, Blair said. Investigators found evidence linking Allen to the drugs, and warrants were prepared for his arrest, Blair said.

The incident took place in a drug-free zone. Allen is the fourth arrest in this investigation.

The second warrant stems from an investigation conducted by patrol officers June 23 in regard to a forgery. Allen was identified in this investigation and allegedly cashed a check belonging to a local company that was allegedly stolen. Officers found evidence linking Allen to this crime, and warrants were prepared for his arrest, Blair said. Allen was jailed.

—Asia Piggot, 21, of Carol Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:15 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace and on a warrant charging her with possession of marijuana.

Patrol officers responded to a business in the area of Seventh Street in regard to a disturbance. Officers arrived and Piggot was identified as a suspect in the disturbance.

Warrants check revealed that Piggot held an active warrant for her arrest. The warrant stems from a January 2015 investigation during which officers responded to the area of Sixth Street in regard to a vehicle crash.

During the investigation, Piggot was identified as the operator of the vehicle. Suspected marijuana was located and seized pending further investigation. Police found evidence linking Piggot to the suspected marijuana, Blair said. Warrants were prepared for Piggot’s arrest. Piggot was jailed.

—Manuel L. Arnouville, 45, of Bayou Black Drive in Gibson, was arrested at 2:08 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace intoxicated and on a warrant charging him with failure to appear to pay a probation fee.

Patrol officers responded to the area of Victor II Boulevard in regard to a suspicious person. Officers arrived, and Arnouville was identified as a suspect in question.

Arnouville was found to be in an intoxicated state. A warrants check revealed that Arnouville had warrants for his arrest through city court. Arnouville was jailed.

—Timothy Collier, 18, of Honey Lane in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:32 p.m. Monday on warrants charging him with simple assault and telephone harassment.

Collier was located and arrested in the area of La. 182 on active arrest warrants. The warrants stem from a July 14 investigation during which officers responded to a hotel in the area of La. 182 due to a complaint of telephone harassment.

Officers arrived and Collier was identified as a suspect. Police learned that Collier began threatening the victim via text message, Blair said. Collier was jailed.

—Raul O. Nevarez, 54, of Mallard Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:52 p.m. Monday on a charge of obscenity.

Patrol officers responded to the area of Brashear Avenue and Front Street in regard to a man exposing himself. Officers arrived, and Nevarez was identified as a suspect, Blair said.

Police learned that a witness observed Nevarez expose himself in the presence of patrons, which included children in the area, Blair said. Nevarez was jailed.

—Abel K. Garza Jr., 27, of Carmen Street in Patterson, was arrested at 9:39 p.m. Monday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear for revocation, disregard of traffic control and no driver’s license.

Patrol officers observed a vehicle being operated in the area of Second Street that disregarded a stop sign. A stop was initiated, and Garza was identified as the operator of the vehicle.

Garza did have a valid driver’s license, Blair said. A warrant check revealed that Garza held an active warrant for his arrest through the 16th Judicial District Court. Garza was jailed.

—Mandi Hatfield, 30, of Florence Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:41 p.m. Monday on a warrant charging her with failure to appear for trial. Hatfield was located and arrested in the area of La. 70 on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant. Hatfield was jailed.

—Miguel Amador, 41, of Bowman Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:41 p.m. Monday on charges of driving under suspension and improper turning.
Patrol officers observed a vehicle negotiate an improper turn in the area of La. 70. A stop was initiated, and Amador was identified as the operator of the vehicle. Amador’s driver’s license was under suspension, Blair said. Amador was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.

Dooley is hospital's interim CEO

Frazier leaves Teche Regional to 'pursue other opportunities

Teche Regional Medical Center announced Monday that Jerry Dooley will be the new interim CEO. Dooley will replace Butch Frazier, who had been with Teche Regional since 2010 and left to pursue other career opportunities. In a press release, LifePoint Health Louisiana Market CEO Scott Smith said, “We appreciate Jerry’s willingness to step into this important interim leadership role and know that he will do a wonderful job guiding the hospital through this transition.” Dooley has over 30 years of experience as a healthcare administrator and has previously provided interim leadership with other LifePoint Health facilities in recent years. Dooley provided interim leadership for the following facilities under LifePoint Health:
—Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kansas.
—Rockdale Medical Center in Conyers, Georgia.
—Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, a four-campus system in southern Tennessee.
—Scott Memorial Hospital in Scottsburg, Indiana.
—Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Kentucky.
—Georgetown Community Hospital in Georgetown, Kentucky.
“I am excited to welcome Jerry to Teche Regional Medical Center and the Louisiana Market. He is a strong leader with significant professional experience,” said Smith. Dooley will hold the position temporarily at Teche Regional Medical Center and LifePoint Health is currently looking for someone to fill the position on a permanent basis.

Sheriff: Man threatened to burn house after pouring gas on floor

A 37-year-old Centerville man allegedly poured gasoline on a kitchen floor of a home in Centerville on Monday and held a burning piece of paper over the gas, threatening to burn down the house, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.

Anthony Brooks, 37, of Chandra Lane in Centerville, was arrested at 9:10 p.m. Monday on a charge of attempted aggravated arson. Deputies responded to a report of possible arson at a home on Chandra Lane in Centerville.

Deputies entered the home, smelled the strong odor of gasoline, and escorted several subjects, including juveniles, out of the home for their safety. The Centerville Volunteer Fire Department also responded and used ventilation fans to help remove the fumes from the home.

Through investigation, deputies found evidence that Brooks poured gasoline onto the kitchen floor and then held a burning piece of paper over the gas while making threats to burn the house down, Hebert said. Brooks was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.

Radio Logs for July 25

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, July 24
6:41 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
7:51 a.m. 1000 block of Levee Road; Animal.
9 a.m. Ninth and Florence streets; Found item.
11:20 a.m. La. 182 and 11th Street; Suspicious person.
11:31 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Welfare check.
11:59 a.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Disturbance.
12:19 p.m. 1500 block of Youngs Road; Animal.
12:19 p.m. 900 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal.
12:36 p.m. Ninth Street and Brashear Avenue; Traffic incident.
1:48 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Found item.
1:51 p.m. 1900 block of Cedar Street; Disturbance.
2:01 p.m. 1400 block of Victor II Boulevard; Medical.
2:02 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
2:27 p.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Suspicious person.
3:31 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Assistance.
3:59 p.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Found item.
4:49 p.m. 1600 block of Victor II Boulevard; Disturbance.
4:52 p.m. Brashear Avenue and Front Street; Suspicious person.
5:05 p.m. 300 block of Federal Avenue; Phone harassment.
5:10 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
5:25 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Warrant.
6:07 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Medical.
6:21 p.m. 800 block of South Everett Street; Disturbance.
6:43 p.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Theft.
6:51 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Warrant.
7:18 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
7:25 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Officer stand by.
7:59 p.m. 200 block of Federal Avenue; Welfare check.
8:09 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Complaint.
8:47 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
9:05 p.m. 2300 block of Elm Street; Patrol request.
9:17 p.m. Second and Everett streets; Arrest.
9:32 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Patrol request.
10:13 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious vehicle.
10:26 p.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Warrant.
11:23 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Arrest.
Tuesday, July 25
12:32 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.
1:38 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.

'Dunk a Cop' fundraiser will be Friday

Event at East Gate BBQ to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

The 2017 'Dunk a Cop' fundraiser will be held Friday at East Gate BBQ in Morgan City.

The dunking booth will be open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi has also agreed to be in the booth, East Gate BBQ owner Harlan Kappel said.

All proceeds raised from the booth will be donated to the Southwest Louisiana Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

CORLISS MOORE

Corliss Moore, 57, a resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Morgan City Health Care Center.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete at this time.

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