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Jeremy Alford: Who's got how much for state campaigns?

Fri, 02/24/2023 - 5:35am

JEREMY ALFORD

As you certainly know by now, money is the mother’s milk of Louisiana politics.

In fact, if a candidate for statewide office tells you they don’t care about campaign cash, they’re either destined to lose or embracing intellectual shortcuts.

Until state legislators rewrite campaign finance laws to lessen the impact of big dollar donations, which will probably never happen, raising millions is the most surefire way to survive a jungle primary here.

That said, anyone who takes Louisiana politics seriously should give this year’s statewide fundraising numbers a serious look.

Candidates and incumbents alike recently filed their annual reports with the state Ethics Commission and revealed their campaign transactions for the 2022 calendar year.

Here’s the political balance sheet for this fall’s statewide elections, based on the reports filed by the announced and unannounced candidates and the entities that will support their efforts:

Governor
—About the Incumbent: Gov. John Bel Edwards continues to wind down his fundraising operation, with just $53,000 in his campaign account and $128,000 in his leadership PAC.
—Attorney General Jeff Landry: $5 million cash on hand; raised $2.6 million last year
—Cajun PAC II (Landry leadership PAC): $1.5 million cash on hand
—Louisiana Citizens for Job Creators (Pro-Landry super PAC): $338,000 cash on hand
—-GOP Victory Fund (Pro-Landry support account): $525,000 cash on hand
—Treasurer John Schroder: $2.4 million cash on hand; raised $487,000 last year; plus another $11,800 in his Schroder Leadership PAC
—Attorney Hunter Lundy: $1.65 million cash on hand; $1.4 million personal loan; $600,000 raised last year
—State Sen. Sharon Hewitt: $617,000 cash on hand; $200,000 personal loan; raised $283,000 last year; plus another $3,990 in her Hewitt PAC
—State Rep. Richard Nelson: $197,000 cash on hand; raised $94,000 last year
—Unannounced or Uncommitted: Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is expected to announce next month, but hasn’t yet raised money. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said last week he’s still thinking about the race, but “loves” the job he has. In his latest report, Moore listed “future major office” for what’s next and had $162,000 in the bank. Congressman Garret Graves is staying on the fence, too, but his growing profile in D.C. has many wondering if he’ll just stay put. While Graves does not have a state campaign account, Delta Good Hand PAC was formed to support his decision. The PAC has $34,000 in the bank.
—Worth Noting: Aside from posting large numbers fueled by a large personal loan (maybe just the first of the cycle), Lundy has an impressive fundraising base that’s made up of support from Pentecostals and trial lawyers from Louisiana and Mississippi. Lundy’s faith-based support is what really matters, though, as there may be some legal questions involved. Under the Internal Revenue Code, section 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in any political campaign. Yet the Sulphur United Pentecostal Church donated $150 to Lundy’s campaign.

Lieutenant governor
—Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser: $3.3 million cash on hand; $1 million personal loan; raised $1 million last year
—Former state Sen. Elbert Guillory: $1,445 cash on hand; raised $2,900 last year

Attorney general
—Solicitor General Liz Murrill: $896,000 cash on hand; raised $710,000 last year
—HGA Chair John Stefanski: $512,000 cash on hand; $25,000 personal loan; raised $388,000 last year
—District Attorney John Belton: $452,000 cash on hand; $250,000 personal loan; raised $171,000 last year
—Attorney Marty Maley: $14,000 cash on hand; $54,000 personal loan; raised $13,000 last year
—Unannounced or Uncommitted: Former Sen. Ryan Gatti has been mentioned as a possibility. His latest report shows $6,800 in the bank.
—Worth Noting: In one of the biggest developments to date in this race for attorney general, Murrill has been endorsed by the Republican Attorneys General Association.

Insurance commissioner
—Insurance executive Tim Temple: $1 million cash on hand; $750,000 personal loan; raised $176,000 last year
—Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon: $524,000 cash on hand; raised $219,000 last year
—Unannounced or Uncommitted: Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is being urged to consider the contest. He has $7,000 in the bank, but also the ability to self-finance.

Secretary of state
—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin: $321,000 cash on hand; raised $244,000 last year
—Grocery chain owner Brandon Trosclair: $21,000 cash on hand; $21,000 personal loan; raised $10,000 last year
—Unannounced or Uncommitted: State Rep. Randal Gaines has expressed interest in the contest. A new annual report for Gaines could not be located at www.Ethics.La.Gov.
—Worth Noting: Trosclair has retained the consulting services of former state Rep. Lenar Whitney.

Treasurer
—State Rep. Scott McKnight: $307,000 cash on hand; raised $318,000 last year
—Unannounced orUncommitted: Financial advisor Dustin Granger said he might run. He reported $14,000 in the bank. Former Congressman John Fleming is thinking about the contest as well.

The only statewide office not mentioned above is agriculture commissioner, a post which incumbent Mike Strain is holding down with ease.

With $600,000 in the bank, he doesn’t seem to have a marketable challenger yet, but that could change in the coming weeks.

So for now, Strain (and everyone else in this campaign finance cheat sheet) will continue raising money.

For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow

Courtney Long is Chamber's Citizen of Year; Cabot honored as Business of Year

Thu, 02/23/2023 - 11:16pm

The St. Mary Chamber's first awards banquet since 2020 was Thursday at Nico Bella's in downtown Morgan City.

In addition to individual awards, former District Judge Greg Aucoin swore in Laura Meadows, an aide to state Sen. Bret Allain, as the Chamber's new chairperson for 2023. She succeeds Ed "Tiger" Verdin. The new vice chair is Tammie Moore, a St. Mary Parish School Board member and South Louisiana Community College campus director.

The new Chamber board members for 2023 are Robert Allain III, Anthony Baham, Scott Berry, Brady Borel, Evan Boudreaux, Howard Castay, Stephanie Guidry, Terry Matthews Foulcard, Blaze Landry, Danika Foley Long, Steven Mara and Reginal Weary.

The Review/Bill Decker

Two juveniles arrested in Berwick bridge shooting

Thu, 02/23/2023 - 10:19pm

Berwick police have arrested two juveniles in the Feb. 17 U.S. 90 bridge shooting that wounded three people, including a child. A fourth suspect, an 18-year-old, remains at large.

Berwick police had announced that they were looking for Da’Mari Watkins, 18, Berwick, and a 16-year-old male in connection with the shooting into a vehicle on the bridge, which cause minor injuries to three of the vehicle’s four occupants, including one of two children in the vehicle. Another child in the vehicle was unharmed.

On Thursday, the Police Department said investigators have uncovered new evidence that linked a fourth suspect to the crime. The evidence revealed a 16-year-old female from Morgan City was driving the suspect vehicle at the time of the shooting.

Using this information, that juvenile was located and questioned where she confessed to her involvement in the crime, Berwick police said.

She was subsequently arrested on a warrant alleging four counts of principal to attempted first-degree murder.

Police also received a tip Wednesday about the whereabouts of the 16-year-old male juvenile who was wanted on a warrant from the shooting.

Berwick investigators met with the Morgan City Police Department and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and were able to verify the tip and confirmed that the wanted individual was at a residence in Siracusa.

Investigators from each department traveled to the residence, where they were able to locate and take the suspect into custody without incident. The juvenile was booked at the Berwick Police Department on the warrant alleging four counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Due to the nature of the warrant, the male juvenile was ordered to be held in custody, Berwick police said. Following booking, he was transported to an out-of-town juvenile detention facility for incarceration.

The Berwick Police Department is still working to locate Da’mari Watkins, who is wanted on warrants in connection with this case.

Also arrested in the shooting is Adonte J. Williams, 18, Patterson, who was booked this week on four counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Berwick Police Department or your local law enforcement agency. You can remain anonymous. The investigation is ongoing and further information will be released as warranted.

MELVIN J. BROWN SR.

Thu, 02/23/2023 - 3:17pm

Melvin J. Brown Sr., 73, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at Ochsner St. Mary.

Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Lee Chapel AME Church in Mor-gan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Hawkins Brown of Morgan City; son, Melvin Brown Jr. of Patter-son; two daughters, Alacia Brown of Morgan City and Heather West of Lafayette; two brothers, Herbert Brown Sr. of Houma and Anthony Brown of St. Martinville; four sisters, Joetta Hebert, Carolin Long and Janita Randle, all of Morgan City, and Annie Wilson of Spring, Texas; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 22

Thu, 02/23/2023 - 1:49pm

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.
Wednesday, Feb. 22
6:32 a.m. 300 block of Second Street; Medical.
7:04 a.m. 7900 block of La. 182; Alarm.
7:04 a.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up.
7:35 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
7:56 a.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
8:15 a.m. 1700 block of Filmore Street; Juvenile complaint.
8:50 a.m. Levee Road and Elm Street; Complaint.
10:16 a.m. 400 block of Idaho Street; Theft.
10:28 a.m. 3200 block of Jennie Drive; Animal complaint.
11:13 a.m. Victor II and Martin Luther King boulevards; Crash.
11:55 a.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Complaint.
1:04 p.m. 300 block of Third Street; Crash.
2:01 p.m. 3000 block of Catherine Street; Medical.
2:20 p.m. Youngswood Road; Suspicious vehicle.
2:32 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
2:38 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Warrant.
2:44 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Animal complaint.
3:59 p.m. 600 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
4:38 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90; Suspicious subject.
4:44 p.m. Victor II Boulevard and David Drive; Stalled vehicle.
5:08 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Trespassing.
5:16 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Criminal damage to property.
5:28 p.m. 700 block of Franklin Street; Animal complaint.
6:08 p.m. 400 block of Union Street; Alarm.
6:48 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
6:49 p.m. 900 block of Sixth Street; Welfare concern.
7:01 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
7:05 p.m. 900 block of David Drive; Alarm.
7:29 p.m. Area of Youngs Road; Animal complaint.
7:45 p.m. Area of U.S. 90; Complaint.
8 a.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Complaint.
8:07 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Medical.
8:15 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Theft.
8:38 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Medical.
9:33 p.m. Area of U.S. 90; Reckless driver.
10:48 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Alarm.
11:37 p.m. 1200 block of David; Animal complaint.
1:43 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
4:33 a.m. 1600 block of Mayon Street; Disturbance.
5:32 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Alarm.

Hanagriff: 'They heard us' on flood insurance rates

Thu, 02/23/2023 - 1:43pm

St. Mary Parish officials have lodged their objections to the new formula for setting flood insurance rates, a formula that will mean premium increases of up to $240 a year.

At Wednesday’s Parish Council meeting, the council also heard that two parks will soon have new playground equipment, and Kemper Williams will get some new bleachers. An attempt to lower the speed limit on a portion of La. 182 in Amelia is a no-go.

Parish President David Hanagriff noted Wednesday that he and some council members attended last week’s National Association of Counties legislative conference in Washington. The association’s Coastal Caucus discussed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s new Risk Rating 2.0 formula for the National Flood Insurance Program.

“They heard us loud and clear,” Hanagriff said. “I truly believe that they’re going to have to do something because the rates we’re going through now, and once 2.0 comes through, are going to be unbearable, not only for St. Mary Parish but for all of Louisiana and all the coastal states.”

The flood insurance program, which guarantees coverage for property owners in flood-prone areas, is struggling to reach firm economic ground. A General Accounting Office study two years ago found that the program was $20.5 billion in debt, even though Congress wiped out $17 billion in debt in 2017.

One key issue is repeated claims made by property owners in areas with especially high flood risks. FEMA’s proposal for reform is Risk Rating 2.0, which bases premiums on the risk for individual properties rather than the risk across the ZIP Codes where they’re located.

FEMA says Risk Rating 2.0 will be a good deal for some. The agency estimates that 20% of Louisiana’s 496,000 NFIP policy-holders have or will see immediate premium decreases. Another 70% will see premium increases of no more $120 a year.

Seven percent will see hikes of up to $240 per year, while the most flood-vulnerable 3% will pay at least $240 more.

That 3% amounts to more than 17,000 NFIP policy-holders, including some who have seen premiums go from hundreds each year to thousands. Louisiana’s congressional delegation has been advocating a slowdown of Risk Rating’s 2.0 rollout or doing away with it altogether.

“We are talking about the financial crisis unfolding at kitchen tables across my state,” U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said in the Senate chamber last week. “Families cannot afford the premium hikes that
NFIP is planning with Risk Rating 2.0. For some, premiums have become unaffordable and could collapse the value of their home.”

NFIP premium increases are capped at 18% per year. But Cassidy argued that the higher premiums will lead some to drop flood insurance.

The playground equipment authorized by the council last fall is due to be delivered Friday, said Chief Administrative Office Henry C. “Bo” LaGrange. The equipment is headed for the Sorrel and Elizabeth Davis parks.

New bleachers for the tennis courts at Kemper Williams Park near Patterson are also scheduled for delivery Friday, LaGrange said.

The lower 55 mph speed limit had been proposed by the council for La. 182 in Amelia, along with a mid-block crosswalk.

But Department of Transportation and Development engineer Nicholas Fruge wrote to the council to say that the DOTD’s report doesn’t recommend lowering the speed limit. And department policy forbids mid-block crosswalks where the speed limit is over 40 mph.

The council also made these appointments Wednesday:

—Don Hicks to the Consolidated Gravity District No. 2A board, which serves Morgan City and Amelia.

—Carla Gagliano to the Recreation District No. 1 board, which serves Amelia.

—Joel Authement to remain on the West St. Mary Parish Harbor, Port and Terminal board.

Deputies make Amelia-area arrests on drug, vehicle theft charges

Thu, 02/23/2023 - 12:03pm

Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Assumption Parish deputies reported three recent arrests in the Amelia area, two on drug and gun charges and one on a count of motor vehicle theft.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

--Jamison Michael Beals, 20, Dore Alley, New Iberia, was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of hydrocodone, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and proper procedures on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle.

--Iyania Jhonae Caesar, 21, Pelican Court, Jeanerette, was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of hydrocodone, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges followed a traffic incident Tuesday on U.S. 90 near Amelia.

A uniformed patrol deputy assigned to the I.C.E. detail observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Beals, and engaged an interview of the driver. The deputy noted a pungent odor of suspected raw marijuana emitting from the vehicle.

The deputy also interviewed the passenger, now identified as Caesar.

At some point, the driver advised the deputy that he was in possession of a handgun. The deputy took possession of the .45-caliber handgun.

The deputy requested permission to search the vehicle, which was granted.

During the search, a significant quantity of marijuana was seized. Additionally, assorted drug paraphernalia and a quantity of hydrocodone were seized.

Beals and Caesar were booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. Both were incarerated, and each was released on a $22,500 bond.

--Baily Elijah Andras, 22, Bayou Bouef Road, Amelia, was arrested on a charge of theft of a motor vehicle.

On Sunday, uniformed patrol deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Bayou Bouef Road in reference to a possible stolen vehicle. Deputies made contact with the complainant, who advised that sometime after he closed his business on Friday, someone had taken a company truck, wrecked it, and then returned it without notifying anyone.

Deputies initiated an investigation and quickly developed Andras as a suspect.

Deputies located Andras and proceeded to interview him as a potential suspect. Following the interview, Andras was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention center with bond set at $40,000.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 55 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Ve’ante Louis Seiss, 20, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on charges of remaining after forbidden, resisting an officer and battery on a police officer.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 34 complaints and made this arrest:

--John Anthony Henry, 43, Amelia, was arrested at 8:14 a.m. Wednesday on a restraining order violation. Bail has not been set at this time.

Franklin

Interim Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to seven complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Renold Hawkins, 64, Ninth Street, Franklin, at 8:14 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of simple battery. Hawkins was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond.

EARL JOSEPH WIGGINS

Thu, 02/23/2023 - 7:57am

Earl Joseph Wiggins, 94, a resident of Morgan City, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at his residence.

He is survived by three children, Jerrell Wiggins, Janice Aucoin and Julie Wiggins; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and grandson.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Morgan City Cemetery.

Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Wednesday's St. Mary Parish Council agenda

Wed, 02/22/2023 - 1:14pm

Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the agenda.

Teen arrested on gun charge on parade route

Wed, 02/22/2023 - 12:23pm

Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

A teenager carrying a weapon on a Franklin parade route was arrested Tuesday, St. Mary Parish deputies said.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 108-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 145 complaints and made these arrests:

--Ja’vinnie Ja’Brya Austin, 18, New Iberia was arrested at 3:11 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on a charge of illegal carrying of a weapon.

Detectives with the Narcotics Section were assisting the Franklin Police Department by working security for a parade in Franklin on Tuesday, when they observed a male subject who showed signs of concealing a weapon.

The detectives approached the male, identified as Austin, and it was discovered that he was concealing a handgun. Austin, who is underage to have a concealed carry permit, was arrested n and was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Noel Russel Naverro, 38, Houma, was arrested at 10:40 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of simple battery. Bail has not been set at this time.

--David Wade Woods Jr., 38, Patterson, was arrested at 8:25 p.m. Friday on a restraining order violation. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Aaliyah Shanti Chevalier, 19, New Iberia, was arrested at 3:45 p.m. Saturday on a Harris County warrant alleging failure to appear. Chevalier is being held for another agency.

--Anthony Jerelle Dixon, 33, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Sunday on four active MCPD warrants. Dixon is being held for another agency.

-Mauricio Rejes Gustio, 36, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:51 p.m. Monday on charges of speeding, no driver’s license, open container and driving while intoxicated.

Bail was set at $3,500.

--Kevin Glen Davis, 55, Houston, was arrested at 12:04 p.m. Monday on a charge of reckless operation (no accident). Davis was released on $1,000 bond.

--Drake Christopher Miller, 21, Patterson, was arrested 2:46 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and driver must be licensed. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Alton Paul Granger, 38, Franklin, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane usage. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Alonzo Andrew Bennett, 37, Baker, was arrested at 5:56 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of simple battery. Bennett was released on a $5,000 bond.

--Quinton Dwayne Robinson, 37, Franklin, was arrested at 9:01 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug
paraphernalia. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Troy Russell Billiot, 36, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:08 p.m. Tuesday on three warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile, possession of methamphetamine, possession of hydrocodone, possession of diazepam, possession of drug paraphernalia and domestic abuse battery.

Bail has not been set at this time.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 80 calls for service over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Shawn Lovell Jr., 19, River Road, Berwick, was arrested at 8:13 p.m. Monday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fines (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Amber Lashaundra Grogan, 37, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:07 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle and resisting an officer.

--Myles Anthony Morgan, 35, Front Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:25 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear for review (16th Judicial District Court).

--Alvin Joseph Durapau Jr., 34, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Reginald J. Tarver, 22, Tall Timber Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 3:28 p.m. Monday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of disturbing the peace, aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm. Tarver is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Adonte J. Williams, 18, Tiffany Street, Patterson, was arrested at 2:15 p.m. Monday on a charge of illegal carrying of a weapon. Bond was set at $125,000.

Franklin

Interim Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 28 complaints over the holiday weekend and made these arrests:

--Denise Reaves, 49, Hamilton Street, Franklin, was arrested at 9:17 a.m. Friday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of front lamps on bicycles. Reaves was booked, processed and held on a $313 bond.

--Davis Howard, 44, Sixth Street, Franklin, was arrested at 7:37 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on charges of no seat belt and operating a vehicle not covered by security. Howard was booked, processed and released on a $200 bond.

--Damien Perro, 38, Becky Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 12:02 a.m. Sunday on charges of simple assault and remaining where forbidden. Perro was booked, processed and released on a $1,500 bond.

--Joseph Darby, 41, Hamilton Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Monday on a warrant dated Feb. 16 alleging domestic abuse battery and aggravated assault. Darby was booked, processed and held on a $25,000 bond.

--Ronald Lumpkin, Jr., 21, Railroad Avenue, Franklin, was arrested at 5:21 a.m. Tuesday on the charge of third-degree rape. Lumpkin was booked, processed and held on a $150,000 bond.

--Lawrence Gilton, 23, Grand Prix Boulevard, New Iberia, was arrested at 1:12 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of illegal carrying of a firearm. Gilton was booked, processed and held on a $25,000 bond.