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Morgan City man pleads guilty to murder charge

Tue, 02/07/2023 - 4:19pm

A Morgan City man’s guilty plea on a murder charge means he’ll serve life in prison without parole, the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office said.

Louis Foret, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Feb. 1 as the trial was set to begin in the February 2021 shooting death of Chance Benoit.

The District Attorney’s Office quoted Foret as saying, “I’m just doing what I feel is the right thing to do.”

Foret shot Benoit multiple times at the victim’s home in Thibodaux, the District Attorney’s Office said.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office an investigation that revealed that Foret went to the victim’s home on a February night in 2021, the DA's Office said.

After the two talked for a while, Foret began physically assaulting the victim.

The violent attack progressed, and the victim was shot dead, the District Attorney's Office said.

“We took no position on the plea as we cannot prevent him from exercising his constitutional right to enter into the plea of guilty,” said Assistant District Attorney Jason Chatagnier, who prosecuted the case along with Assistant District Attorney Melody Bridgewater. “We were prepared to proceed with the trial. This plea, though, yielded the same results that a guilty verdict from a trial would yield. Our goal was to obtain justice, and we feel we have achieved that.”

In Louisiana, second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

In addition to his plea of guilty, Foret waived his formal sentencing date and wished to be sentenced immediately.

District Judge Rebecca Robichaux, who presided over the proceeding, handed down the mandatory life sentence.

Morgan City residents booked on terrorizing, battery charges

Tue, 02/07/2023 - 4:06pm
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.)

Morgan City police reported arrests on charges of terrorizing and battery against a police officer on Monday.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 63 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Ashley Nicole Jones, 41, Elm Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Monday on a charge of terrorizing.

--Jarrel Joseph Collie, 30, Cardinal Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:44 p.m. Monday on a charge of battery on a police officer and resisting an officer.

--Robert Mulligan, 70, First Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:02 p.m. Monday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Alfred James Daigle Jr., 55, Shaw Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:14 p.m. Monday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court), improper lighting and no driver’s license.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 28 complaints and made this arrest:

--Jeffery Brian Moses, 41, was arrested at 12:22 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of possession of cocaine. Bail has not been set for the additional charges.

Franklin

Interim Police Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 33 complaints over the last 96-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Deshawn Granger, 33, Martin Luther King Boulevard, Franklin, was issued a citation at 5:12 p.m. Monday on a charge of fireworks in city limits. Granger was released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

About 4:44 p.m. Monday, the Franklin Police Department received several calls of possible shots fired in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard and First Street. Upon arrival, officers located a subject who was popping fireworks.

--Michael Morris Jr., 24, Talbot Street, Franklin, was arrested at 5:37 p.m. Monday on a warrant for 15th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on the charges of attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery. Morris was additionally arrested on charges of resisting an officer by force (five counts) and simple criminal damage to property (two counts.

Morris was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

Jonah Madison, 28, Second Street, Franklin, was arrested at 5:42 p.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Madison was booked, processed and held on a $1,000 bond.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 6-7

Tue, 02/07/2023 - 3:37pm

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department 985-380-4605.
Monday, Feb. 6
6:23 a.m. 600 block of Louisa Street; Stolen vehicle.
7:34 a.m. 400 block of Garber Street; Warrant.
7:51 a.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up.
8:32 a.m. 900 block of Onstead Street; Medical.
8:33 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
8:55 a.m. 500 block of First Street; Lost and found.
9:38 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Discharging firearms.
9:44 a.m. 300 block of Glenwood Street; Lost and found.
9:49 a.m. Jennie/Chestnut drives; Animal complaint.
10:08 a.m. 500 block of Hilda Street; Animal complaint.
11:22 a.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Traffic incident.
12:15 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Suspicious person.
12:25 p.m. 3000 block of Leslie Street; Theft.
12:44 p.m. 2700 block of Shaw Street; Complaint.
1:15 p.m. 2700 block of Elm Street; Warrant.
1:27 p.m. 500 block of Second Street; Animal complaint.
1:29 p.m. 1200 block of Clothilde Street; Vehicle accident.
2:01 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Warrant.
2:09 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Ferris Glass; Suspicious person.
2:22 p.m. 1100 block of Railroad Avenue; Open door.
2:26 p.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Civil matter.
2:38 p.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Animal complaint.
2:43 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Juvenile problems.
2:47 p.m. 1100 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.
2:51 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Medical.
2:52 p.m. 300 block of Oriole Street; Medical.
3:39 p.m. La. 182/Ditch Avenue; Assistance.
3:49 p.m. 600 block of Louisa Street; Animal complaint.
3:56 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Open door.
4:24 p.m. 600 block of Fifth Street; Remove subject.
4:31 p.m. 800 block of Clothilde Street; Aggravated assault.
4:33 p.m. 3200 block of Wytchwood Drive; Reckless operation.
5:26 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
5:30 p.m. 100 block of Rizzo Street, Patterson; Complaint.
7:33 p.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Simple battery.
9:52 p.m. 300 block of Pershing Street; Medical.
11:05 p.m. 2000 block of Railroad Avenue; Suspicious person.
11:46 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; 911 hang up.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
12:41 a.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Suspicious activity.
1:15 a.m. Maine/Fourth streets; Suspicious vehicle.
1:24 a.m. 900 block of Cottonwood Street; Juvenile problem.
2:25 a.m. Leona/Sixth streets; Suspicious person.
2:53 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.

City, parish authorities report drug arrests

Tue, 02/07/2023 - 3:30pm

(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.)

Morgan City and St. Mary Parish authorities made three arrests on drug charges over the weekend.

Two suspects were also booked on weapon charges.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 84 complaints and made these arrests:

—Kyreondie Poindexter, 18, Carencro, was arrested at 3:56 p.m. Saturday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of promethazine and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Bail has not been set at this time.

—Antonio Alfred, 18, Scott, was arrested at 3:56 p.m. Saturday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of promethazine.

Bail has not been set at this time.
—Tyrone Eric McCrary, 38, New Orleans, was arrested at 10:10 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of burglary, possession of methamphetamine and simple criminal damage to property.

Bail has not been set for the additional charges.

—Bryanshekia Shantell Harris, 35, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:04 p.m. Friday on a charge of theft. Harris was released on a $1,500 bond.

—Nicholas Daniel Wiggins, 33, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:47 a.m. Sunday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of oxycodone, possession of alprazolam, operating a vehicle with improper taillights, possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle, and possession, distribution or sale of promethazine without a prescription.

Bail has not been set at this time.

—Clarence Joseph Bourque, 66, Jeanerette, was arrested at 5:41 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated and reckless operation with accident.
Bourque was released on a $3,500 bond.

—Dowayne Charlot, 47, Patterson, was arrested at 1:06 a.m. Sunday on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution and on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of simple battery.

Bail has not been set at this time.

—Russell Thomas, 31, Patterson, was arrested at 1:05 a.m. Friday by the Narcotics Section on charges of improper lane usage, driving under suspension, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, and on a warrant alleging criminal neglect of family.

Bail has not been set at this time.

Morgan City
Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 136 calls for service and made these arrests:

—Javion R. Taylor, 21, James Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:32 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no insurance, window tint violation and no taillights.

—Teisha Rochel, 42, Glenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:58 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging contempt of court (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Anita Charles, 35, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:36 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession with intent to distribute Xanax.

—Edmond J. Plaisance Jr., 42, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:58 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging contempt of court (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
—Tory J. Landry, 43, La. 75, Plaquemine, was arrested at 8:26 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to pay fines (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Gabrielle R. Soileau, 21, Robin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:52 a.m. Saturday on a charge of illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

—Amber Collette, 25, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:58 p.m. Saturday on three counts of child desertion.

—Timothy E. Hillebran, 45, Teche Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:49 a.m. Saturday on a charge of criminal damage to property (less than $1,000).

—Ryan Cheramie, 36, Green Court, Spanish Fort, Alabama, was arrested at 9:56 p.m. Saturday as a fugitive from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

—Mykella L. Johnson, 36, Joseph Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:11 a.m. Sunday on a warrant alleging failure to pay probation fees (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Leila W. Grogan, 39, 10th Street, Patterson, was arrested at 5:55 p.m. Sunday on charges of battery on emergency room personnel and disturbing the peace (language)

—Deanna D. Pierre, 37, Baily Street, Boutte, was arrested at 8:11 p.m. Sunday on charges of hit and run, simple criminal damage to property, and driving while intoxicated (first offense).

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 3-5

Mon, 02/06/2023 - 8:56am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call 985-380-4605.

Friday, Feb. 3
5:26 a.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Animal complaint.
8:21 a.m. 100 block of Brownell Street; Animal complaint.
8:34 a.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Welfare concern.
8:47 a.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Animal complaint.
9:19 a.m. 900 block of Everett Street; Removal of subject.
9:25 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
9:27 a.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; Complaint.
10:07 a.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Theft.
10:53 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Suspicious person.
10:54 a.m. 100 block of Montana Street; Animal complaint.
10:58 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
11:39 a.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Animal complaint.
11:54 a.m. Area Youngs Road; Complaint.
12:01 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
12:13 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.
12:33 p.m. Area of Catherine Street; Complaint.
1:11 p.m. Corner of Sixth Street and Brashear Avenue; Vehicle accident.
1:51 p.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
2:03 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
2:36 p.m. Area of Duke Street; Suspicious person.
2:42 p.m. 1000 block of Federal Avenue; Theft.
4:08 pm; 3100 block of Wytchwood Drive; Animal complaint.
4:21 p.m. 100 block of Lennys Lane; Assistance.
4:34 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
5:44 p.m. 1000 block of Levee Road; Medical.
7:39 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
7:53 p.m. Second and Union streets; Suspicious subject.
8:14 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Arrest.
8:22 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
9:40 p.m. 2400 block of Sixth Street; Loud music.
9:47 p.m. Roderick Street; Suspicious vehicle.
10:12 p.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Arrest.
11:05 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Removal of subject.
11:34 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
11:42 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
11:45 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Warrant.
11:57 p.m. Poncio Street and Railroad Avenue; Suspicious subject.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Midnight; Glenwood and Halsey streets; Open door.
12:06 a.m. 7000 block of Railroad Avenue; Loud music.
12:14 a.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Arrest.
12:58 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious subject.
5:49 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
9:34 a.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Theft.
10:03 a.m. Area of Bernice Street; Suspicious person.
10:25 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Assistance.
11:17 a.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Suspicious person.
11:20 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
11:59 a.m. 600 block of Louisa Street; Complaint.
12:18 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Disturbance.
12:43 p.m. 100 block of Canary Street; Medical.
12:47 p.m. Area of La. 182; Complaint.
1:35 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Removal of subject.
3:10 p.m. Area of U.S. 90; Stalled vehicle.
3:52 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
4:45 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
4:48 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
5:11 p.m. Area of Acorn and Garber streets; Loud music.
5:45 p.m. 1000 block of Hilda Street; Suspicious person.
5:54 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Complaint.
6:24 p.m. La. 182; Traffic incident.
6:25 p.m. 1000 block of Hilda Street; Juvenile complaint.
6:59 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:30 p.m. 200 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
9:48 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
Sunday, Feb. 5
12:22 a.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Juvenile complaint.
1:26 a.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up.
1:31 a.m. 1200 block of South Prescott Street; Arrest.
1:56 a.m. Sixth and Hickory streets; Suspicious subject.
3:05 a.m. Redwood and Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious subject.
3:57 a.m. 1700 block of Filmore Street; Complaint.

UPDATED WITH STORY: Patterson's Jennings signs with Mississippi College

Fri, 02/03/2023 - 4:15pm

Josiah Jennings did it all for Patterson High’s football team in 2022. Now Jennings will see what he can do for Mississippi College next year.

Jennings signed a letter of intent Friday to attend and play football for the Clinton, Mississippi, Baptist college.

“I’m really excited for him,” Patterson head coach Garrett Kreamer said. “He earned it. He’s been a playmaker on both sides of the ball. He’s been a leader for us.”

Patterson went 8-5 and reached the state Non-Select Division III quarterfinals in November. Jennings played a big role in the team’s success on both sides of the ball.

Jennings finished the year with 62 rushes for 339 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s as a running back.

As a tight end and occasionally a wide-out, he had 17 receptions for 200 yards and a TD.

Then there was his work at linebacker: 27 tackles, five for losses, 21 assists, two sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

“He was a tackling machine,” Kreamer said. “He made every tackle that came to him.

As much as for his stats, Jennings stood out for the intensity with which he plays.

That, Jennings said, was motivated by assistant coach Termaine Lightfoot.

“He told me, ‘Just be you, because I know you’ve got it,’” Jennings said.

“He’s definitely got that ‘it’ factor to him,” Kreamer said. “He’s just a dominant player out there on the field. We counted on him a lot.”

Jennings said he picked Mississippi College because of “how they treated my family and how they treated me.”

Mississippi College — the Chocktaws — relied heavily on the running game during a 4-7 2022 season in NCAA Division II’s Gulf South Conference.

Jennings appears likely to play at running back or H back, a receiver position similar to tight end but lining up in the backfield.

“He’s going to be a bruiser for them,” Kreamer said.

Jennings' mother and stepfather are Jarel Jones and Mark Jones Jr.. His grandparents are Johnel and Jennings Sr. and Etta Ruffin.

Arrests on weapon, heroin, cocaine charges reported

Fri, 02/03/2023 - 10:16am

(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.)

Morgan City police reported arrests on weapon and heroin charges, and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office booked a suspect on cocaine charges.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 112 calls for service over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Trampas John Lapoint, 35, Sun Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:08 p.m. Thursday on charges of illegal carrying of a weapon, resisting an officer, remaining after forbidden and unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.

--Fred Purnell Kenner, 36, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Dustin Paul Fitch, 35, Shady Grove, Patterson, was arrested at 3:59 p.m. Thursday on a charge of criminal damage to property.

--Randy Lee Hatcher, 44, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:53 p.m. Wednesday on charges of disturbing the peace and resisting an officer.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 62 complaints and made these arrests:

--Russell Thomas, 31, Patterson, was arrested at 1:05 a.m. Friday by the Narcotics Section on charges of improper lane usage, driving under suspension, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, and on a warrant alleging criminal neglect of family.
Bail has not been set at this time.

--Jamie Dale Boudoin, 52, Scott, was arrested at 7:11 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on acharge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $65,341.79.

--Brian Joseph Delaune Jr., 37, Patterson, was arrested at 4:53 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging simple burglary and attempted theft. Delaune continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. Bail has not been set for the additional charges.

--Mark Anthony Robin Jr., 38, Franklin, was arrested at 9:31 a.m. Thursday on charges of theft and possession of stolen things. Robin continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. Bail has not been set for the additional charges.

--Brian Joseph Delaune Jr., 37, Patterson, was arrested at 1:31 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $65,341.79.

--Lacey Nicole Yates, 39, Patterson, was arrested at 3:53 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to maintain automobile liability insurance, and operating a vehicle with improper headlamps. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Heather Serenity Stone, 42, Lafayette, was arrested at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of theft. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Tajh Jeon Guilbeau, 32, Lafayette, was arrested at 7:11 p.m. Wednesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of speeding; operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled; and failure to stop or d at stop sign. Guilbeau was released on a $1,500 bond.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 1-2

Fri, 02/03/2023 - 9:35am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, callt 985-380-4605.
Wednesday, Feb. 1
6:20 a.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Hit and run.
7:31 a.m. U.S. 90 West/Martin Luther King Boulevard; Suspicious vehicle.
7:41 a.m. 3100 block of Tammy Drive; Medical.
7:58 a.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Fire.
8:14 a.m. 1700 block of Maple Street; Animal complaint.
9:03 a.m. 300 block of Greenwood Street ; Alarm.
10:08 a.m. 3000 block of Karen Drive; Assistance.
10:46 a.m. 1000 block of North Victor II Boulevard; Harassment.
10:55 a.m. 300 block of Grizzaffi Street; Animal complaint.
11:21 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Stand by.
11:52 a.m. 700 block of Bush Street; Complaint.
11:55 a.m. 1600 block of Mayon Street; Medical.
12:24 p.m. 800 block of North Everett Street; Subject removal.
12:32 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Stand by.
12:57 p.m. 400 block of Halsey Street; Animal complaint.
11:53 p.m. Hilda Street/Federal Avenue; Suspicious person.
2:35 p.m. 1800 block of Sixth Street; Theft.
4:10 p.m. 500 block of Hilda Street; Complaint.
4:17 p.m. 600 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
5:23 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Theft.
5:27 p.m. 1600 block of Front Street; Complaint.
6:13 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Frequent patrol.
6:45 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Welfare check.
6:54 p.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Medical.
8:10 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
8:25 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Theft.
8:48 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Oak Street; Suspicious person.
8:57 p.m. Fourth/Arenz streets; Suspicious person.
9:05 p.m. 500 block of Garber Street; Frequent patrol.
9:44 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Martin Luther King Boulevard; Suspicious person.
9:46 p.m. 2100 block of Railroad Avenue; Suspicious person.
9:56 p.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up.
10:05 p.m. Fourth/Freret streets; Suspicious person.
10:28 p.m. 200 block of Franklin Street; Disturbance.
11:11 p.m. 8300 block of La. 182; Medical.
Thursday, Feb. 2
12:50 a.m. Cherry Street; Suspicious person.
12:55 a.m. Federal Avenue/Hilda Street; Suspicious person.
1:11 a.m. Brashear/Federal avenues; Suspicious person.
1:21 a.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Suspicious person.
1:23 a.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious vehicle.
1:41 a.m. Railroad Avenue/Fifth Street; Suspicious person.
3:57 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
4:18 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Animal complaint.
4:31 a.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.

Valentine’s Day indulgence done devilishly right

Fri, 02/03/2023 - 9:33am

If asked to describe the favored foods of Valentine’s Day in a single word, “decadent” might prove the most apt descriptor. Foodies and non-foodies alike recognize that Valentine’s Day and chocolate are intertwined, making the day an ideal time to indulge in something decadent.
This Valentine’s Day, couples can share their love for decadent delights by working alongside one another to whip up this recipe for “Devil’s Food Layer Cake” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books).
DEVIL’S FOOD LAYER CAKE
Cake layers
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
4½ Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
1¼ cups cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2¾ cups sugar
5 large eggs
1¼ cups full-fat buttermilk
Chocolate Ganache
24 oz. or 32 oz. bittersweet chocolate
3 cups or 4 cups heavy cream
½ cup plus 1 Tbsp. caramel
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter and lightly flour the sides of two 9-inch cake pans, knocking out excess flour. Line bottom of each pan with parchment paper cut to fit exactly.
To make cake layers, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder and salt into a bowl and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium-high speed until light and creamy. Slowly add sugar and continue to beat on medium-high until light in color and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until incorporated before adding the next egg.
Stop mixer and scrape down sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in 3 equal batches alternately with buttermilk in 2 batches, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stop mixer, scrape down sides of the bowl and then mix again for another few seconds.
Divide cake batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake until the top springs back when lightly touched or a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cakes cool completely in pans set on a wire rack.
When cakes are cool, turn them out by inverting pans, and then turn cakes upright. Using a serrated knife, slice off the domed portion from the top of each cake to make tops flat. If you want to decorate the cake with crumbs, reserve the slices for making the crumbs.
To make crumbs, preheat oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick liner. Break up cake slices and spread on the lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and toast until completely dry, about 1 hour.
Let cool completely, then transfer to a food processor or blender and process until finely ground. Sift the crumbs through a medium-mesh sieve. (Don’t use a sieve with fine mesh or the crumbs won’t pass through.) Set aside.
To make the ganache, place chocolate in a heatproof bowl, using the smaller amount of each ingredient if you will be decorating the cake with crumbs and the larger amount if you will not. Bring the cream to just under a boil in a small saucepan. Pour the cream over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes without stirring until the chocolate is partially melted, and then stir with a rubber spatula until smooth and shiny.
To assemble cake, split each cake into 2 layers to make 4 layers in all. Transfer 1 layer to a serving plate.
Using an offset spatula, spread 3 tablespoons of caramel evenly over the cake layer. Spread a thin layer of ganache (about 1/4-inch thick) over the caramel. Repeat with each layer expect the top layer.
Refrigerate the cake until the center seems firm, 1 to 2 hours. Cover remaining ganache with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for finishing the cake.
Remove the cake from the refrigerator.
Using the rest of the ganache, frost the top and sides of the cake with the offset spatula. If you are going to coat the cake with the toasted cake crumbs, the cake must be evenly frosted and the ganache must be soft enough for the crumbs to adhere. If the ganache has hardened, use a kitchen torch to soften it slightly, or put the whole cake into a 400 F oven for 10 seconds or so, just until the chocolate looks shiny.
Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the top of the cake, then tilt and turn the cake so that they spill over the sides, adhering to them as they fall. If you are using only the ganache and not the crumbs, the ganache will be thicker on both the top and sides.
Serve the cake at room temperature. To store, cover tightly and keep in a cool place for up to 4 days. It is not necessary to keep this cake in the refrigerator.
Yields 1 10-inch cake; 12 to 16 servings

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