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Man arrested on drug charges after stop

A 41-year-old Berwick man was booked on multiple drug charges after narcotics detectives stopped a vehicle on U.S. 90 in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.
—Peter Roberts, 41, of Pharr Street in Berwick, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of crack cocaine, possession of Xanax, possession of gabapentin without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.
Narcotics section detectives stopped a vehicle on U.S. 90 in Morgan City for committing a traffic violation. Detectives observed a passenger, later identified as Roberts, attempting to conceal an item in bag.
Detectives received consent to search the bag and located methamphetamine and two pipes used to smoke methamphetamine. Continuing the investigation, detectives also found a pill bottle containing Xanax, gabapentin, and a piece of crack cocaine. Two juveniles were in the vehicle at the time of the investigation. Roberts was jailed with no bail set.
Hebert reported responding to 160 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:
—Stephen Boyd Jr., 28, of Ratcliff Lane in Ricohoc, was arrested at 8:34 a.m. Saturday on a charge of criminal trespass.
A deputy responded to a report of trespassing on a property off La. 182 in the Patterson area. The deputy located Boyd on private property. Boyd was released on a summons to appear in court Aug. 15.
—Scotty Adkins, 45, of Roderick Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:44 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of direct contempt, operating a vehicle with an expired driver’s license, failure to carry registration, operating a vehicle without proof of insurance, and failure to honor written promise to appear. During booking at the St. Mary parish Law Enforcement Center, a correctional officer located the active warrant for Adkins’ arrest. No bail is set.
—Monique Hebert, 35, of La. 307 in Thibodaux, was arrested at 7:37 p.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace fighting.
—Karmin Smith, 28, of Linder Street in Denham Springs, was arrested at 7:37 p.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace fighting.
A deputy responded to a report of a disturbance at a location on Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista. The deputy found evidence that Hebert and Smith were involved in an argument that escalated into a fight. Both Hebert and Smith were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Smith’s bail is set at $1,000. Hebert was released on $1,000 bail.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported responding to 158 calls and reported the following arrests:
—Randy A. Plessala Jr., 44, of Sandi Street in Patterson, was arrested at midnight Friday on charges of possession of OxyContin, required position and method turning at intersection and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A patrol officer in the area of La. 70 and Victor II Boulevard observed a vehicle disregard a red traffic signal on La. 70 and turn into a parking lot of a local business to enter onto Victor Il Boulevard.
A traffic stop was conducted and the driver identified as Plessala, who gave the officer consent to search him. The officer located a pill identified as OxyContin and items used to smoke illegal narcotics. Plessala was jailed.
—Joel Landry, 32, of La. 70 in Pierre Part, was arrested 9 p.m. Friday on charges of no tail lights and driving under suspension and on a Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of marijuana.
An officer in the area of Victor II Boulevard near Myrtle Street observed a vehicle with improper lighting. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, Landry, had a suspended driver’s license. Landry also held an active warrant for the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Landry was jailed.
—Johnny L. White, 45, of 11th Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:30 a.m. Saturday on a charge of simple battery and a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of expired license plate.
—Lia Evans, 26, of 11th Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:30 a.m. Saturday on charges of simple battery and disturbing the peace intoxicated.
Officers responded to a home on 11th Street in regard to a disturbance. When officers arrived they spoke to White, who stated that he and his girlfriend, Evans, were having a verbal altercation, which later turned physical.
Police then spoke to Evans, who allegedly admitted to having a physical altercation with White. Evans also appeared intoxicated.
A warrant check revealed that White held an outstanding warrant for city court. Both Evans and White were jailed.
—Bradley E. Druilhet, 30, of Adams Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:36 a.m. Saturday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant charging him with criminal neglect of family, Berwick police warrant charging him with domestic abuse battery and an Office of Probation and Parole warrant charging him with probation violation.
A patrol officer in the area of La. 182 near Federal Avenue observed a vehicle swerving in the lane and stopped the vehicle. The driver was identified as Druilhet, who had active warrants for his arrest. Druilhet was jailed.
—Kane R. Thomas, 28, of Charenton, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. Saturday on warrants for failure to appear on charges of hit and run and open container.
Thomas was transported from the parish jail to the Morgan City Police Department on city court warrants. Thomas was jailed.
—Rony A. Avila, 20, of Egle Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:06 p.m. Saturday on charges of no headlights, no driver’s license and possession of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.
A patrol officer in the area of La. 182 near 11h Street saw a vehicle with improper lighting and stopped the vehicle. The driver, Avila, did not have a valid driver’s license.
While talking to Avila, the officer observed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. Avila was jailed.
—Devon Marsh, 25, of Ciro Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2 a.m. Sunday on a charge of simple battery.
Officers responded to a home on Park Road in regard to a disturbance. Officers arrived and spoke to the victim. The victim stated that she and Marsh had gotten into a verbal altercation that later turned physical.
Officers noticed marks on the victim. Marsh was located inside the home and jailed.
—Jarvis Melton, 31, of Garber Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:50 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension, possession of synthetic marijuana and careless operation.
Officers responded to a home on Sixth Street in regard to a vehicle that had run into a fence. Officers came into contact with the driver, Melton, who had a suspended driver’s license. Officers also located suspected synthetic marijuana on Melton, who was then jailed.
—Jessica Rodriquez, 35, of Tupelo Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 5:14 p.m. Sunday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant charging her with three counts of failure to appear for drug court.
Rodriquez was located at her home on Tupelo Street and arrested her on warrants. Rodriquez was jailed.
—Joseph Boudoin, 28, of River Road in Berwick, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. Sunday on a warrant charging him with unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling.
Boudoin was transported from the Berwick Police Department to the Morgan City Police Department on a warrant. The warrant stems from a March incident during which Boudoin allegedly entered a home without the owner’s permission. Boudoin was jailed.
—Benjamin Cheramine, 46, of Second Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:39 p.m. Sunday on warrants charging him with theft by fraud and possession of stolen things.
Officers located Cheramine on Franklin Street and found active warrants for his arrest. The warrants stem from a May 2016 incident during which Cheramine allegedly brought stolen items to a pawn shop. Cheramine was jailed.
—Christopher J. Vicardis, 35, of New Iberia, was arrested at 10:35 p.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana.
—Christopher H. Cormier, 25, of New Iberia, was arrested at 10:35 p.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana
A patrol officer responded to a stalled vehicle on U.S. 90, the driver of the vehicle, Viscardis, stated that he had run out of gasoline. While speaking to Viscardis the officer noticed suspected marijuana on the center console.
The passenger of the vehicle, Cormier, was asked to exit the vehicle. Neither Vicardis nor Cormier allegedly had knowledge of how the suspected marijuana got into the vehicle. Both Vicardis and Cormier were jailed.
—Eric R. Gilmore, 34, of Apple Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:34 a.m. Monday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.
Officers responded to a home on Apple Street in regard to a disturbance. When officers arrived they noticed that the victim had marks on her arms and face. The victim stated that Gilmore had committed a battery on her. Officers located Gilmore in the home and placed him under arrest. He was jailed.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported the following arrests:
—Maryann Norris, 26, of Sixth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:20 a.m. Friday on a warrant charging her with violation of a protective order. Norris was jailed with no bail set yet.
—Michele Harrell, 51, of Wise Street in Patterson, was arrested at 2:09 p.m. Friday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant charging her with theft. Harrell was transferred to Morgan City jail with bail set at $337.
—James Jones, 31, of Williams Street in Patterson, was arrested at 5:56 p.m. Saturday on charges of appearing intoxicated in public, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, discharging a firearm in the city limits and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jones was transferred to the parish jail with no bail set yet.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrests:
—Kenneth McGill, 68, of Shady Grove in Patterson, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. Saturday on a charge of simple battery. McGill was released on $301 bail.
—Joshua Leblanc, 33, of Ehrlich Street in Berwick, was arrested at 2:51 a.m. Sunday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and improper lane usage. Leblanc was released on bail.

Police Reports 5-30-17

Chitimacha Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported the following arrests:
Kane Thomas, 28, Chitimacha Trail, Charenton, was arrested on Saturday for driving under suspension, a warrant for failure to appear for possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle and a warrant for failure to appear for hit and run and possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Thomas was transported to the parish jail.
Sally Roberts, 23, US 90 West, New Iberia, was arrested on Saturday for disturbing the peace by fighting. Roberts was released on a summons.
Kristian Roberts, 43, Azelea Drive, New Iberia, was arrested on Saturday for simple battery. Roberts was released on a summons.
Rebecca Chapman, 32, Preaster Parkway, Lafayette, was arrested on Saturday for disturbing the peace by fighting. Chapman was released on a summons.
Vernon Higgins, 57, Grey Eagle Road, Charenton, was arrested on Monday for no insurance on vehicle, no seat belt, expired motor vehicle inspection sticker and suspended license. Higgins was released on a summons.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Angel Ybarra, 27, Shiloh Road, Tyler, Texas, was arrested on Friday at 11:19 a.m., for the charge of possession of Schedule I narcotics – marijuana, second offense. No bond is set.
Travis Sophus, 32, of Gumpoint Lane, Franklin, was arrested on Friday at 12:35 p.m., on a warrant for the charge of domestic abuse battery. Sophus was released on a $3,000 bond.
Ronald Jones, 37, Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested on Friday at 11:31 p.m., for the charges of driving under suspension, possession of Schedule I narcotics – marijuana, second offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia, second offense. Jones was also arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of driving under suspension. No bond is set.
Morris Thibeaux, 60, Franklin, was arrested on Saturday, at 8:54 p.m., for the charge of disturbing the peace by public intoxication. Thibeaux is held on a $1,000 bond.
Jarnell Payne, 39, Blakesley Street, Franklin, was arrested on Monday at 6:51 p.m., for the charges of resisting an officer and driving under suspension. Payne is held on a $3,500 bond.
Andre Broussard Jr., 25, Cayce Street, Franklin, was arrested on Monday at 6:53 p.m., for the charge of resisting an officer, resisting an officer with force, possession of Schedule I narcotics – marijuana, possession of Schedule II narcotics – cocaine, two counts of criminal trespassing and two counts of criminal damage to property. Broussard was also arrested on a warrant for probation violation. No bond is set.
Michael Viator, 18, Julia Street, New Iberia, was arrested on Monday, at 10:13 p.m., for the charges of handicap parking, open container, possession of Schedule IV narcotics - Xanax, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of person under 17 years of age, possession of an alcoholic beverage under 21 years of age and resisting an officer with force. No bond is set.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
Lenzy McDaniel, 20, 236 Easy St., Franklin, was arrested on Sunday at 1:16 p.m. for possession of Schedule I - marijuana with intent to distribute, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. McDaniel was released on an $8,000 bond.
Cherie Couvillier, 30, 122 Big Bear Lane, Franklin, was arrested on Saturday at 12:42 p.m. for speeding, possession of Schedule V – promethazine and possession of open alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles. Couvillier was released on a summons.
Jesse Landry Sr., 27, 146 Big Bear Lane, Franklin, was arrested on Saturday at 12:42 p.m. for possession of Schedule I – marijauna and possession of drug paraphernalia. Landry was released on a summons.
Stephen Boyd Jr., 28, 541 Ratcliff Lane, Ricohoc, was arrested on Saturday at 8:34 a.m. for criminal trespass. Boyd was released on a summons.
Scotty Adkins, 45, 501 Roderick St., Morgan City, was arrested on Saturday at 7:44 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of direct contempt, operating a vehicle with an expired driver’s license, failure to carry registration, operating a vehicle without proof of insurance and failure to honor written promise to appear. No bail is set.
Brian Polk, 44, 1130 La. 83, Lot #1, Franklin, was arrested on Sunday at 2:14 p.m. for domestic abuse battery. Polk was released on a $2,500 bond.
Louis Dumesnil, 49, 123 Oakwood Drive, Franklin, was arrested on Monday at 2:49 p.m. for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Dumesnil was released on a summons.
Monique Hebert, 35, 1025 La. 307, Thibodaux, was arrested on Monday at 7:37 p.m. for disturbing the peace by fighting. Hebert was released on a $1,000 bond.
Karmin Smith, 28, 31531 Linder St., Denham Springs, was arrested on Monday at 7:37 p.m. for disturbing the peace by fighting. Smith was released on a $1,000 bond.
Narcotics agents arrested Peter Roberts, 41, 4200 Pharr St., Berwick, on Friday at 5:25 p.m. for possession of Schedule II – methamphetamine, possession of Schedule II – crack cocaine, possession of Schedule IV – Xanax, possession of a Legend Drug without a prescription – gabapentin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. No bail is set.

Berwick Mayor: New subdivisions under development

BY JANELL PARFAIT
The St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon at The Forest in Franklin on Wednesday for the parish mayors and leaders to give updates on their respective communities.
Mayor Louis Ratcliff of Berwick spoke about upcoming projects in the town.
“Our Renwick Subdivision continues to be a success story of our area,” he said. “Today, over 140 (homes) have been built in Renwick.”
In addition, two new Berwick subdivisions are in development: Centerview Park, which contains 59 lots, and Atchafalaya River Estates, which contains 40 lots. The construction of these subdivisions has allowed the town’s value to increase from $11.3 million in 1997 to $40 million as of 2016.
Berwick Elementary School, Berwick Junior High School and Berwick High School “continue to rank in the top ten schools of Louisiana,” Ratcliff said.
Berwick is working with St. Mary Parish to upgrade the storm drainage system; the parish managed to secure funding for the project in 2012.
“Like everyone else in the parish, our revenues have been down for the past two years,” Ratcliff said. “So we also had to reduce our expenditures by cutting or delaying nonessential projects. We have not yet had to reduce our manpower or cut wages or benefits. Hopefully in the midterm, we will see a more positive outlook when our revenue increases.”
Three events will be held in Berwick: the Fourth of July festival in Berwick Bay, a ham radio festival in August and the Lighthouse Tour du Teche Festival in October.

Sunday wreck claims one life, multiple injuries

A two-vehicle accident on Yokely Road near Northwest Boulevard claimed one life Sunday. Franklin Fire Department personnel responded at 4:05 p.m. to the scene of a head-on collision. There were eight persons involved, with three trapped in vehicles. The fire department implemented the parish-wide mass casualty protocol that was developed after a tragic school bus and car accident in Centerville. Seven patients were transported from the scene. Four were transported by Acadian AirMed to facilities in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, including three adults and one child. Three were transported by Acadian Ambulance ground units. Eleven FFD personnel responded, along with personnel from Baldwin, Centerville, Chitimacha and Dist. 11 fire departments. Also on scene were the Franklin Police Department, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin Police, Louisiana State Police, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. The deceased was identified as Parrish Caesar, 42, of Baldwin. No further details were available and the incident is under investigation.

Gilmores celebrate 50th anniversary

Tim and Jan Gilmore of Bayou Vista celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 6 at the Lighthouse Community Church in Berwick. The Rev. Mo Seneca was officiant of the renewal of vows. The couple was married May 6, 1967, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City. Hosting the celebration was the couple’s children and their spouses, Christy and Donnie Roberts of Pineville and Chris and Bethel Gilmore of Broussard. The anniversary couple also have four grandchildren.

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Hospitals announce births

Born to Kaylee Booty and Taylor Richard of Morgan City, a boy, Bradlee Michael Richard, on April 28 at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 19 inches. —— Born to Valaria Dale Guillory and Jonathan Glenn Forristal of Morgan City, a girl, Allison Michelle Forristal, on May 12 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 15.9 ounces and measured 20.24 inches. —— Born to Leah Bethany Wiese and Davan Michael Louviere of Morgan City, a boy, Bennett Lee Louviere, on May 15 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 8.8 ounces and ...

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Family’s disapproval stops woman from opening up

DEAR ABBY: I’m a pansexual female and open about it with my friend and also my brother. The rest of my family is super Christian. I tried to bring up the “gay” word, but they’re all against it and have strong opinions about the subject. I just want to feel accepted for who I am, and not keep anything from them. I need your opinion on when I should tell them — or should I just not tell them at all? Your help would be appreciated. PANSEXUAL IN THE USA DEAR PANSEXUAL: According to Wikipedia, the definition of pansexuality is “the sexual,

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Jennings-Jones to hold June 10 wedding

Etta Butler Ruffin and Johnel Jennings Sr., both of Patterson, wish to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Jarel Tramol Jennings, to Mark Tremaine Jones Sr., son of Vera Watson Jones of Morgan City and the late Robert Jones. The wedding will take place at 6 p.m. June 10 at Good Hope Baptist Church in Patterson. A reception will follow at the Patterson Area Civic Center. Family and friends are invited through this media.

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Headpieces are a glamorous touch to finish any bridal look

Brielyn Souza donned a cathedral-length veil for her church wedding in 2015, but popped on a fresh floral crown for the reception. With its earthly beauty, the crown fit the laid-back, rustic-glam feel of her barn party, and felt true to a bride who often wore flowers in her hair as a girl.
“It was my version of a bride,” Souza, 33, of Dartmouth, Massa-chusetts, said of the crown. “Some people put on a veil and they feel like a bride. I put on that floral crown and I felt like a bride. I felt complete in my bridal look.”
Crowns and other types of headpieces, often made with crystals, rhinestones and pearls, have become more popular among brides in recent years, experts say. Delicate or statement-making, a bridal headpiece serves as a finishing touch, a way to add a little bit of extra glamour to a wedding-day outfit.
“They’re really an exquisitely beautiful way to finish your look, and something that’s really special, rooted in tradition but really modern,” said New York luxury accessories designer Jennifer Behr, whose designs have been worn by many A-list celebrities.
“It’s really jewelry for the hair,” she said, adding that like makeup, headpieces “bring a lot of brightness and attention and beauty to the face.”
With all eyes (and cameras) on the bride, Behr, who has a namesake accessories company, said the headpiece is the bride’s most important accessory, and can be worn with or without a veil.
The floral crown, made of fresh flowers or fashioned from metal or silk, is a standout among headpieces, said Shane Clark, senior fashion and accessories editor at Brides magazine.
“Floral crowns are the biggest hair accessory trend we’ve been seeing,” Clark said. “It makes it feel more romantic. You have that ethereal, hippie, romantic, laid-back vibe.”
Behr also offers several golden, metal floral styles she calls “a more sophisticated take on the floral crown. It’s a little bit more elegant.”
If a crown’s not your thing, consider a decorative comb, clip or pins. A beautiful comb can hold your veil in place, or pins or combs could be tucked into an updo or low chignon.
Headbands too, are plentiful. Newer versions, called circlets and halos, which often have ties at the ends, can be worn across the top of the head like a traditional headband or lower down, toward or across the forehead. Hair vines are flexible strands that can be woven into bridal braids.
Tiaras, famously worn by British royals like the former Kate Middleton and Princess Diana, are there for those princess moments, and may soon be making a bridal comeback, Clark said.
How to find your perfect hair accessory? Choose something that complements your gown, wedding venue and hairstyle, and a design that feels natural, Clark advises. “Make it your look, but make sure you feel comfortable,” she said.
While a tiara is befitting the bride tying the knot in a ballgown in a castle, a flower crown works well with a boho, romantic gown or a beach wedding, Clark said. A deco or vintage look is often well suited by a comb or a pin.
There are now many choices in metals, Clark notes, with yellow and rose gold mixing in with the traditional silver finish among hair accessory options. A different color gives the same accessory a completely different feel, she said.
Behr said her gold pieces work well with cream or lace gowns. Clark advises matching the metal in a headpiece to the finish of any jewelry. If you’re using the headpiece to add color, wear fresh blooms in the same color family as your bouquet and keep the colors appropriate for the season.
Pay attention to scale so your hair accessory isn’t out of balance with or competing with details on your gown, Clark said.
Remember to try the hair accessory on with your gown and, ideally, bring it to a trial hair appointment, so the stylist can find the best placement to go with your bridal hairstyle, Clark said.
If nothing else, remember this about your headpiece:
“It shouldn’t be the center of attention,” Clark said, “because your gown should be.”

Nosy co-worker makes a stink over the office perfume policy

DEAR ABBY: My workplace, like many others, is “scent-free” because of the possibility that some employees might be chemically sensitive. We don’t know of anyone with sensitivities, but it’s company policy. I changed to using unscented laundry soap and stopped wearing perfume when the policy started. The other day, a lady in my office came in and announced loudly that there was a “terrible perfume smell” in the corridor. After what I think was intrusive sniffing, she decided it was coming from me. I had showered that morning and the only things it could have been were my shampoo, hair ...

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