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St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reports that Rodney Frederick, 58, of David Road in Bayou Vista, has been arrested on a warrant for aggravated incest and aggravated crime against nature.
—Frederick was arrested at 5:12 p.m. Wednesday after detectives received a report Tuesday of molestation of a juvenile. Through investigation, a detective found evidence that Frederick inappropriately touched two juvenile female victims over the course of several years at a residence in Bayou Vista. One victim is a juvenile and one is now of adult age.
Frederick was located at his residence and transported to the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office in Morgan City in reference to the investigation. He was subsequently arrested on the warrant and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set. The investigation is ongoing.
—Trent A. Marcelle, 30, of Lafayette Street in Gretna, was arrested at 1:43 p.m. Wednesday for reckless operation of a vehicle. A deputy responded to a request for assistance from a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Agent in stopping a driver that was operating a vehicle recklessly.
The deputy located the vehicle in the Calumet area where the driver had been stopped by the agent and a Patterson Police Officer. The deputy learned from the agent that the driver, Marcelle, drove through a construction zone at a high rate of speed. He then entered a construction area marked by traffic cones, causing his truck to throw dirt and dust onto other vehicles traveling on the roadway.
Marcelle was released on a summons to appear in court June 13.
—Jonathon Ashley, 28, of La. 182 in Franklin, was arrested at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday for reckless operation of a vehicle. A deputy investigating a two-vehicle crash on La. 182 in the Patterson area collected statements indicating that one of the drivers, Ashley, was operating a vehicle in a reckless manner causing the crash.
He was released on a summons to appear in court June 13.
—Deontay Jones, 20, of Taft Street in Patterson, was arrested at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of direct contempt, speeding and failure to honor written promise to appear. A deputy assisting a Berwick Police Officer with a complaint on California Street encountered Jones and located an active warrant for his arrest.
Jones was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. He was released on a $380 bond.
—Michael L. Lisenby, 31, of Madison Lane in Kelly, was arrested at 12:37 a.m. Thursday for theft and remaining where forbidden.
A deputy responded to a complaint of a person refusing to leave and causing a disturbance at a business on La. 182 in Bayou Vista. The deputy learned that the subject, identified as Lisenby, failed to pay for items that he consumed at the location and refused to leave after being asked to do so by an employee.
Lisenby was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $1,500.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported the following arrests:
—Krystal L. Meranta, 27, of Clark Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 1:06 a.m. Thursday on active arrest warrants held by the 16th Judicial Court for failure to appear and a warrant for resisting an officer by false in-formation.
When the officer first came in contact with Meranta, she provided a false name. After she was properly identified it was learned that she held two active arrest warrants.
Meranta was transported to the Morgan City Jail where she was booked and incarcerated.
—Joshua A. Falgout, 37, of Sycamore Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday on 16th Judicial Court warrant for failure to pay fine and failure to appear for trial.
Falgout was located and arrested at the Iberia Parish Detention Center. He was transported to the Morgan City Jail where he was booked and incarcerated.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.
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Chitimacha Tribal Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported the following arrests:
Jualea S. Knight, 30, MacArthur Drive, Jeanerette, was arrested on Tuesday for domestic abuse battery and simple battery. She was released on a summons for simple battery and transported to the parish jail for domestic abuse battery. No bail is set.
Wayne Armelin, 48, Bollard Street, Baldwin, was arrested on Tuesday for outstanding Jeanerette City Court warrants. No bail is set.
Danny Arceneaux, 61, Kerr Street, Opelousas, was arrested on Thursday for disturbing the peace and aggravated assault. He was released on a summons.
Baldwin Police Chief Harry Smith Jr. reported the following arrests:
Emma Johnson was arrested on Friday, for an outstanding bench warrant on failure to appear. She was released on a $400 bond.
Clarence Colbert Jr. was arrested on Friday, for an outstanding bench warrant on failure to appear. He was released on a $250 bond.
Kerry Ramey was arrested on Friday for an outstanding bench warrant on failure to appear. He was released after paying a $120 fine.
Wade Phillips was arrested on Friday, for an outstanding bench warrant on failure to appear. He was released on a $300 bond.
Devon Thomas, 19, 11 Eighth St., Franklin, was arrested on Monday on the charges of simple robbery and second degree battery. No bail is set.
Michael Hudson, 1303 Martin Luther King Street, Baldwin, was arrested on Monday for simple assault. He was released on appear in court.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
Dominique Joseph, 24, 416 Morris St., Franklin, was arrested on Wednesday at 11:27 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and following too closely. Joseph was released on a $1,000 bond.
Female juvenile, 16, Centerville, was arrested on Wednesday at 2:32 p.m. for battery of a school teacher and disturbing the peace by fighting. She was released to guardians.
Albriela Jackson, 18, 771 Deforest Brown Lane, Apt. #26, Centerville, was arrested on Wednesday at 12:43 p.m. for disturbing the peace by fighting. Jackson was released on a recognizance bond.
A female juvenile, 16, Franklin, was arrested on Wednesday at 2:51 p.m. for disturbing the peace by fighting. She was released to guardians.
A female juvenile, 16, Franklin, was arrested on Wednesday at 1:50 p.m. for disturbing the peace by fighting. She was released to guardians.
Trent A. Marcelle, 30, 1901 Lafayette St., Gretna, was arrested on Wednesday at 1:43 p.m. for reckless operation of a vehicle. Marcelle was released on a summons.
Jonathon Ashley, 28, 5711 La. 182, Franklin, was arrested on Wednesday at 4:58 p.m. for reckless operation of a vehicle. Ashley was released on a summons.
Rodney Frederick, 58, 330 David Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested on Wednesday at 5:12 p.m. on a warrant for aggravated incest and aggravated crime against nature. No bail is set. The investigation is ongoing.
Deontay Jones, 20, 528 Taft Street, Patterson, was arrested on Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of direct contempt, speeding and failure to honor written promise to appear. Jones was released on a $380 bond.
Michael L. Lisenby, 31, 157 Madison Lane, Kelly, was arrested on Thursday at 12:37 a.m. for theft and remaining where forbidden. Bail is set at $1,500.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Amanda Rudolph, 29, of Railroad Avenue, Baldwin, was arrested on Tuesday, of 1:40 p.m., on a warrant for the charge of theft of goods. Rudolph allegedly left a local store with $43.14 worth of clothing without paying. Rudolph was released on a $1,500.00 bond.
Jai’lynn McDaniel, 18, of Cayce Street, Franklin, was arrested on Tuesday, at 5:17 p.m,, on warrants for the charge of disturbing the peace by fighting. McDaniel was also arrested on warrants for the charges of simple battery and disturbing the peace. McDaniel was released on a $3,750 bond
Shallyn Vincent, 21, of Cayce Street., Franklin, LA, was arrested on March 21, 2017, at 5:17 PM, for the charges of possession of Schedule I – marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Vincent was released on a $3,500 bond.
Joseph Nedd, 52, of Tabor Street, Franklin, was arrested on Tuesday, at 10:19 p.m., for the charge of remaining where forbidden. Nedd was and held on a $500 bond.
Darien Mitchell, 20, of Adrian Street, New Iberia, was arrested on Wednesday at 1:07 a.m., for the charge of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Mitchell was held on a $1,000 bond.
Kemyon Alexander, 18, of Antigua Drive, Lafayette, was arrested Wednesday, at 1:07 a.m., for the charge of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Alexander was released on a $1,000 bond.
A 15 year old female was arrested on Wednesday for disturbing the peace by fighting. The juvenile was released to a legal guardian.
Two 16 year old females were arrested on Wednesday for disturbing the peace by fighting. The juveniles were released to their legal guardians.
An arrangement has been made to keep the Avoca Island Ferry in service.
St. Mary Parish President David Hanagriff told the parish council Wednesday that funding has been secured to keep the ferry running to the island.
Stepping up to the plate were: St. Mary Levee District, $20,000; Terrebonne Levee District, $10,000; Cleco, $5,000; Avoca Inc, $7,500; and Avoca Duck Club, $7,500; City of Morgan City, $5,000.
This is for one year of support for the ferry.
Chief Administrative Officer Henry “Bo” Lagrange reported that work is progressing on Wilson’s Boat Landing in Patterson. A concrete ramp and limestone parking area are under way. A 120-day closure had been instituted, and LaGrange said the project could meet that timeline.
In other business Wednesday:
—Willie Peters asked the council to adopt a resolution opposing federal dismantling of the Affordable Care Act, saying it would affect local services and affect health insurance rates.
—An ordinance was approved granting a right of way with Cleco for an underground servitude.
—Resolutions were passed adopting a citizen participation plan for the Louisiana Community Block Grant Program; another for a change order to the parish shredder building enhancement work; support for the 16th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office; and authorized the parish president for surveying on a mitigation grant project.
—Edward Smith was reappointed to the 911 board, and Scott Anslum was appointed to the same board.
—Councilman Gabriel Beadle asked the administration if there was funding to repair or replace the sound system in council chambers after problems arose during Wednesday’s meeting. LaGrange said it would be addressed.
—Stan Robison was appointed to the Industrial Development Board to represent the St. Mary area.
Holly LeBlanc, the advocate supervisor for CASA of the 16th Judicial District Court system, appeared before the St. Mary Parish council Wednesday.
CASA works alongside the Department of Children, Schools and Families’ attorneys and judges “as an extra set of eyes to help advocate for the child.” LeBlanc asked that council members and Franklin residents enlist as board members and volunteer mentors.
To be a mentor or board member, the volunteer must be at least 21 years old, participate in an interview and be willing to provide a background check and references. In addition, volunteers must complete 30 hours of training, which can be completed online in a five-week training program. CASA is in need of male role models.
CASA is also in need of financial support, as they lost their funding in January 2016. LeBlanc believes that the influx of board members and volunteers “will lead to potential funding.”
In other business, Dawn Kaiser-Melancon and Ed “Tiger” Verdin also addressed the council. Kaiser-Melancon is the president of Fit, Fun & Fabulous in Franklin, an event that promotes health and wellness. She asked that the council provide funding for an event on Oct. 7.
“We’re on the mark with this program; we’re on the mark with our event,” Kaiser-Melancon said. “And if we can continue to build this, we can continue to reach more people, (and) we’re going to have more success stories.
Councilman Rev. Craig Mathews moved to allocate $2,000 to go into Fit, Fun & Fabulous’s fund. The council approved.
St. Mary Parish Councilwoman Pamela G. Washington, left, was presented a plaque in appreciation for her interim service as council member for Dist. 10. Washington filled the unexpired seat of former member Steve Bierhorst until an election set for Saturday either results in a new member or a runoff between three candidates. Parish President David Hanagriff, center, presented the plaque along with Councilman Sterling Fryou.
Action by the St. Mary Parish Council may have put to rest the fate of a residential development in Garden City after years of contention.
The council voted Wednesday to change the zoning designation of the property at the La. 182 and La. 3215 by ordinance originally introduced by Councilman Dale Rogers.
The ordinance changes the zoning from high-density residential to single family residential.
During a public hearing before the parish council’s regular meeting, developer Lloyd Harris urged that the property not be rezoned. Also voicing opposition was Mark MacMurdo, attorney for the Bailey family, original owners of the property.
Nearby resident Lynn Klutz, in favor of the zoning change, presented the council with a copy of the covenant agreement he said other property owners have to abide by when they purchased their lots, which outline several restrictions which he said were counter to the development.
Harris said single-family development does not suit his plans. “There’s no restrictions that I can’t build a multi-family residential” development on the site, he said.
Rogers and Councilman Glenn Hidalgo offered the rezoning ordinance for action during the regular meeting.
Councilmen Craig Mathews and J Ina were vocal in their opposition to the change.
Mathews worried about personal liability of council members should the ordinance pass; legal counsel said council members hold a certain level of immunity in such matters.
Ina said over the last three years no zoning board-approved recommendation has been denied by the parish council. “I’m curious why today we’re going to set a precedent,” he said.
Parish President David Hanagriff said there was one, possibly two past instances where the council did overrule the zoning board. He noted that the property first came to notice in 2009 when another developer proposed a similar high-density project that “went nowhere.” From 2009 through present day, Hanagriff said the surrounding area has changed considerably to single-family residential.
He said Harris first approached the council in 2013. Opposition mounted then, and by 2017 the project “has not advanced at all.”
Harris’ initial approval expired after one years, which he said at an earlier meeting was because of the depressed economy.
“Is this a parish council issue or is this an issue of private citizens?” Ina asked.
Hanagriff insisted it is a parish governmental matter.
“It seems like we’re headed down the road to litigation and the parish is going to have to spend money (to defend against litigation,)” Ina said. He added that parish employees have not had raises in quite a while but “we can find tax payer dollars to fight this.”
Hanagriff countered that he always considers costs, but bases his actions on “true and honest” conditions of a matter.
“I find it interesting that right down the street Mr. Bailey is selling similar single-family residential spots,” Hanagriff added. “I sympathize with Mr. Harris and Mr. Bailey and will work with them any way I can.”
Mathews said he has during his tenure in public office voted counter to what his constituents expected.
Rogers then called for the vote, but despite usual protocol the debate continued. Legal counsel said the chairman could limit who is allowed to speak.
Harris added that, “I will use every avenue I have at my disposal…no one is interested in loaning $24 million dollars if there is litigation.” He said he has spent $320,000 so far on the project, and that improvements to the local water system will improve service pressure as far as the east edge of Franklin. His cost to accomplish that would be about $700,000, and he would donate the improvements to the parish. Harris also added that he will be paying property taxes, and that other business owners in the parish are in support of the development.
Hanagriff and Harris engaged in a debate about alleged threats of litigation and a previous litigation issue Harris had reportedly instigated.
Mathews said neighboring parishes are growing but “this parish continues to be stagnated and devoid of growth financially…when are we going to stop that? I know that there are people in this parish that are privileged and have a sense of entitlement that is by design, and developments are rejected…if we turn away every potential developer…where will we end up in 20 years?”
The ordinance was approved with Mathews, Ina and council Chairman Paul Naquin against; Councilwoman Pamela Washington abstained.
The council agenda also contained the zoning board’s recommendation to approve the Harris development. Legal counsel recommended that the matter be deferred, based on the passage of the previous ordinance since it is unlikely the parish president will issue a veto.
Mathews and Ina amended a motion to defer to bring the zoning recommendation back to the table for action. Harris asked to take the floor several times, but Naquin denied his request.
The amendment failed and the deference passed.
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