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Morgan City man arrested on methamphetamine charge

Wed, 08/31/2022 - 7:36am

(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.)

St. Mary deputies arrested a Morgan City man Monday on a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 37 complaints and made these arrests:

—Brad Derouen, 32, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:10 p.m. Monday on two warrants alleging possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving drug proceeds, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile, criminal trespassing, resisting an officer and possession of a Schedule II drug.

Bail was set at $55,000.

—Schaft Romero, 47, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:36 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging possession of stolen things. Bond has not been set.

—Ricky Mire, 41, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:49 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bail has not been set.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 50 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—Randy J. Jackson, 43, Floy Lee Road, Gilmore, Texas, was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Monday on a charge of failure to appear for restitution (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Jennifer C. Jones, 50, Green Acres, Larose, was arrested at 5:31 p.m. Monday on a charge of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Patterson

Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

—Rosalyn M. Collins, 30, Live Oak, Patterson, was arrested at 8:19 a.m. Monday on charges of illegal carrying of a weapon, resisting an officer (failure to comply) and remaining on premises after being forbidden. Collins was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

—Kirkland Chargois, 19, L Street, Patterson, was arrested on charges of simple assault and disturbing the peace. Chargois is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $544.

Woman arrested in Shannon Homes shooting; another suspect sought

Wed, 08/31/2022 - 7:13am

An Egle Street woman was arrested and police are looking for another suspect after a stolen gun went off during a struggle Tuesday, leading to a lockdown at two schools, Morgan City police said.

Tiara Knighten, 32, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday on charges of disturbing the peace (fighting), illegal use of dangerous instrumentalities, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone.

No one was injured in the incident.

According to the Morgan City police account, just before 3 p.m. Tuesday officers responded to a report of shots being fired in the area of Egle Street in Shannon homes.

An earlier report said M.E. Norman and Julia B. Maitland elementary schools were put on lockdown as a precaution.

Officers arrived and learned that one of the parties involved had left the area.

According to reports, Knighten and Tieka Junifer, also of Morgan City, were identified as being involved in a physical altercation. During the altercation, a firearm was allegedly produced by Knighten, and the duo began to struggle over the weapon.

The firearm discharged and the parties dispersed. No one was struck by gun fire.

The firearm was located and was found to be reported stolen. Warrants were obtained for the arrests of Knighten and Junifer on their involvement in the incident.

Knighten was arrested at the Morgan City Police Department and booked into the Morgan City Jail. a Junifer is still at large and wanted on active arrest warrants held by the Morgan City Police Department. The investigation contin-ues.

Police asked anyone knowing the whereabouts of Junifer is asked to contact the Morgan City Police Department at 985-380-4605.

Coast Guard rescues stranded boaters near Morgan City

Tue, 08/30/2022 - 6:45pm

Some electronic detective work, a flare and an MH-60 helicopter came together for the rescue of two people stranded in a small boat in wetlands near Morgan City, the Coast Guard said Tuesday.

Two occupants of a 24-foot skiff were hoisted onto the helicopter and transferred to University Medical Center in New Orleans, and are reported in stable condition.

According to the Coast Guard account, the watch at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a distress call via VHF radio at 2:04 a.m. Tuesday. The call had no other information than the word "help."

Watch-standers used the radio tower used for the distress call to identify a rough area for the search and sent a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.

While searching the Atchafalaya Bay shoreline, the helicopter crew spotted a flare that led them to the boat, which was grounded in the wetlands, the Coast Guard said.

The boaters were stranded without any means of communication and were not the ones that made the initial call for help.

“With no other means of communication, the flare was the only way we could have known the boaters were out there,” said Lt. Cmdr. Lauren Keefe, a Sector New Orleans search and rescue mission coordinator. “The Coast Guard continues to urge the boating public to have proper communication equipment like VHF radios and locating devices such as EPIRBs and SPOT GPS to broadcast one’s location in case of emergencies like this.”

Morgan City radio logs for Aug. 29-30

Tue, 08/30/2022 - 9:06am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Monday, Aug. 29
8:56 a.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:33 a.m. 600 block of Louisiana Street; Com-plaint.
10:12 a.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Assistance.
10:25 a.m. 300 block of Union Street; Loud music.
10:30 a.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
11:19 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Disturbance.
11:25 a.m. 1600 block of Federal Avenue; Assistance.
11:47 a.m. Second and Greenwood Street; Patrol.
12:49 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:58 p.m. 700 block of Fourth Street; Warrant.
1:18 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
1:31 p.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Arrest.
1:39 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Reckless operation.
2:39 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Juvenile complaint.
2:51 p.m. 700 block of Leona Street; Arrest.
3:08 p.m. 1300 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
3:59 p.m. Railroad Av-enue and Pecos Street; Stalled vehicle.
4 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Animal complaint.
4:11 p.m. Third and Duke streets; Complaint.
5 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
5:02 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Welfare concern.
5:30 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
5:40 p.m. 400 block of Eighth Street; Theft.
6:21 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Aggravated assault.
8:15 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Simple battery.
8:24 p.m. 500 block of General McArthur Street; Civil.
8:32 p.m. Sixth Street /Railroad; Stranded motorist.
8:55 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
9:10 p.m. U.S. 90 Eastbound elevated portion; Traffic complaint.
9:16 p.m. Second/Greenwood streets; Patrol.
9:36 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Complaint.
9:47 p.m. 2000 block of Allison Street; Com-plaint.
10:41 p.m. 1600 block of Chestnut Drive; Com-plaint.
11:52 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
Tuesday, Aug. 30
12:02 a.m. 100 block of Youngswood Road; Suspicious vehicle.
12:22 a.m. Veterans Boulevard/Brownell Homes; Complaint.
3:36 a.m. La. 182/Seventh and Marguerite streets; Assistance.

PATSY MYERS OWENS

Mon, 08/29/2022 - 4:55pm

October 5, 1940 — August 27, 2022

Patsy Myers Owens, 81, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away peacefully, August 27, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Patsy was born October 5, 1940, in Lydia, Louisiana, the daughter of Edwin Myers and Lucy Louviere Myers.

Patsy enjoyed reading, puzzles, cooking, and baking for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed sitting on her patio watching God’s creations of flowers, birds, squirrels, and especially red cardinals. Patsy’s greatest joy was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing in the back yard.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Joe Owens and wife Judy, Tammy Balli and husband Eddie, Johnny Owens and wife Karen, Lesa Savoy and husband Travis; siblings, Betty Guidry, Daniel Myers, Donald Myers, and Leonard Myers; 8 grandchildren, Amy Owens, Tiffany Benoit and husband Scott, Carin Palmature and husband Jared, Justin Owens and wife Sarah, Stephanie Collins and significant other Evin Burrell, Alyssa Cook and husband Tyler, Michaela Balli, and Caroline Owens; 13 great-grandchildren, Logan, Brantley, Amelia, Hudson, Adelyn, Landon, Andrew, Sydnei, Ivy, Henry, Isaac, Emma, and Lylah; her fur-baby, Molly; special friends, Mary and Ed Netterville, Lou Sonnier, Faye McDaniel, and Francis Bullard.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Lucy Myers; husband, Sidney Owens Jr.; sister, Peggy Myers; brother, Harold Myers; sister-in-law, Dorothy Myers; brother-in-law, Edmond Guidry.
Pallbearers will be Justin, Tyler, Scott, Jared, Evin, and Johnny. Honorary pallbearer will be her godchild, Eddie Guidry.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Tores and his staff at Ochsner Baptist, Heart of Hospice, and Dr. Cefalu, for all of their great care over Patsy. Also, a special thanks to Pastor Steve Kelly and Bayou Vista Baptist Church for all of their cards and prayers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Bayou Vista Baptist with Pastor Steve Kelly Officiating. Visitation was held Monday, August 29, 2022 at Twin City Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will resume at Bayou Vista Baptist August 30, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. until the time of services. After services, Patsy was laid to rest in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Centreville, Mississippi.

Op-ed from Sen. Bill Cassidy: One year after Ida

Mon, 08/29/2022 - 11:47am
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy

One year ago today, Hurricane Ida dealt a heavy blow to Louisiana's coast. Intense flooding overwhelmed communities. The strong Category 4 storm made landfall in Port Fourchon with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. The storm surge at Grand Isle was recorded at over 10 feet. Many of the families that made it out were forced to relocate across the South.

Hurricane-force winds toppled electrical lines, leaving more than a million South Louisiana residents without power. A heat index of over 100 degrees took the lives of nine Louisianans and carbon monoxide poisoning took an additional two.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ida was not the only recent storm to batter our coast and display our state's infrastructure woes. In the fall of 2020, hurricanes Laura and Delta rocked Southwest Louisiana to its core, causing billions of dollars of damage and taking multiple lives. Despite the overwhelming devastation, and tireless work from our delegation in Congress, residents across South Louisiana are still picking up the pieces.

The destruction from Ida and recent hurricanes was yet another wake-up call that Louisiana needed to upgrade its infrastructure to make us more resilient in the face of future storms.

To achieve that goal, I became an author of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure our state would get the resources it needs. Too often, Louisiana has been left out.

During the negotiations for this bipartisan infrastructure bill, I worked to secure three main priorities, among others, to make Louisiana better prepared for the next major disaster. One, the stabilization of our power grid to ensure reliable electricity even during extreme weather events. Two, improvements to our major roads and bridges to expedite future evacuation and relief efforts. And three, investments in flood mitigation and coastal restoration to protect residents from heavy rains and storm surges.

The legislation achieved all three objectives, representing a multi-generational investment in our coastal communities. Louisiana can expect to receive hundreds of millions of dollars for electrical grid improvements to reduce the frequency of life-threatening blackouts in the aftermath of a disaster.

We will receive $6 billion from the same bipartisan infrastructure bill to improve our roads and bridges. That is 60% more funding for roads and bridges over the next five years than we received over the last five. Not only will this improve daily commutes across the state, but it will also be essential to improve evacuation routes in high-risk areas and reduce bumper-to-bumper traffic when Louisiana families have to escape harm's way.

Thankfully, there have already been major developments to improve flood mitigation. Earlier this year, it was announced that more than $643 million will be allocated to our state from the bipartisan infrastructure bill to enhance our flood and hurricane protection systems. This included over $378 million for the critical Morganza-to-the-Gulf project to protect Louisiana from dangerous storms, a 3,000% increase in that project's annual funding.

In addition to the infrastructure bill funding, I along with members of the Louisiana delegation have worked to secure billions in supplemental disaster assistance for Louisiana to bounce back from the last two years of storms that have battered our state.

Even a full year after Hurricane Ida made landfall on our shores, we still have unmet recovery needs, including necessary housing assistance. There is still much work to be done.

Our communities across South Louisiana have proven their resilience through tough times. I will do everything in my power in Washington and will never stop working to ensure that local officials and residents have the tools they need to rebuild and protect their homes for generations to come.

Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, is a United States senator from Louisiana.

Woman arrested, accused of involving kids in drug sales

Mon, 08/29/2022 - 11:36am
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.)

Berwick police have arrested a River Road woman who is accused of using her children to sell drugs.

Berwick

Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported these arrests:

--Alyssa L. Ashmore, 32, River Road, Berwick, was arrested at 5:42 p.m. Friday on charges of distribution of codeine, cruelty to juveniles and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles (controlled dangerous substance laws).

On Thursday, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services contacted detectives with the Berwick Police Department to report that the agency received a report that a female made her two juvenile children sell drugs on her behalf.

In addition to the investigation being handled by Family Services, a criminal investigation was immediately initiated. Through investigation, Ashmore was identified as the suspect.

Investigators interviewed witnesses and obtained video evidence that supported the reports made to Family Services. On Friday morning, investigators made contact with Ashmore and interviewed her at the Berwick Police Department.

During the interview, Ashmore admitted to sending two of her juvenile children to a location late at night to deliver prescription medication to another individual. The medication that was delivered contained codeine, which is a controlled dangerous substance.

A search warrant was executed at Ashmore’s residence, and investigators located more evidence to support the distribution of the medication. Following the investigation, arrest warrants were secured for her arrest and she was booked into the Berwick Jail.
Ashmore’s children were placed into the custody of LA DCFS. Ashmore remains jailed with no bond set.

--Lorenzo Medina Ramirez, 20, La. 182, Patterson, was arrested at 5:58 p.m. Saturday on charges of careless operation of a motor vehicle with crash and no driver’s license.

At 5:25 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a two-vehicle crash that occurred on U.S. 90. Officers made contact with Medina-Ramirez.

It was learned that Medina-Ramirez did not have a driver’s license. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.. He was released after posting a $302.00 cash bond.

--Deontay Jones, 26, Taft Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:56 p.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana (over 14 grams).

On Sunday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for speeding. During the course of the stop, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Jones was identified as a passenger inside the vehicle and during a search, marijuana was located, which he stated belonged to him.

Jones was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked. He was released after posting a $2,000 bond.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 91 complaints and made these arrests:

--John Washington, 66, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:10 p.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana,.

--Marquis Devonte Givens, 24, Lafayette, was arrested at 9:32 a.m. Friday on a Lafayette Parish warrant alleging attempted first-degree murder and criminal damage to property. Givens was transferred to another agency.

--Willie James Hayes Jr., 42, Patterson, was arrested at 12:40 a.m. Sunday on a charge of simple criminal damage to property. Hayes was released on a $1,500 bond.

--Christopher John Absher, 37, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:53 p.m. Sunday on charges of domestic abuse battery by strangulation and domestic abuse child endangerment. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Christopher Wayne Reaves, 52, Paradis, was arrested at 1:08 a.m. Friday on a charge of possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Morgan City

Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 99 calls for service over the last 72-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Alain Carbins Johnson, 44, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:18 a.m. Friday on warrants alleging domestic abuse battery, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniformed controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone).

--Justin Earl Stratton, 27, Verdunville Road, Franklin, was arrested at 1:58 a.m. Saturday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Quijakius Johnson, 40, Apple Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:29 a.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging cruelty to animals.

--William Joseph Allen, 52, Everett Street, Morgan City, was arrested on a charge of probation violation (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Brandon Leigh Boudreaux, 36, Susan Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:35 p.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging remaining where forbidden.

--Shawn Edward McCauley, 45, Susan Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:41 p.m. Saturday on warrants alleging theft of animals and cruelty to animals.

--Tyrone Fitzgerald Thomas, 58, Sixth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:42 a.m. Sunday on charges of theft (under $1,000), resisting an officer and battery on a police officer.

--Breidy River-Caceres, 22, South Verett Street, Amelia, was arrested at 2:36 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), reckless operation of a motor vehicle, switched license plate, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, registration required and no driver’s license.

--Seth Michael Ray, 21, Antill Drive, Thibodaux, was arrested at 7:41 p.m. Sunday on fugitive warrants from from the Lafourche and Assumption sheriff’s offices.

--Rickey James Foret Jr., 43, Stacey Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:51 a.m. Sunday on a charge of simple battery and a warrant alleging simple battery.

--Joshua James Robert Jones, 35, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:46 p.m. Sunday on a charge of failure to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Patterson

Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Brian J. Delaune Jr., 37, Felterman Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 10:03 p.m. Friday on a warrant alleging theft of a motor vehicle. Delaune is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Shane K. Scott, 39, Hebert Road, Patterson was arrested at 8:53 a.m. Sunday on charges of theft ($100), criminal damage to property and resisting an officer by flight. Scott was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Devin Spears, 24, Southern Circle, Thibodaux, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. Sunday on a charge of driving with a suspended or revoked license. Spears is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $437.

--Gregory Granger, 35, McGee Street, Patterson, was arrested at 12:07 a.m. Monday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Granger was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 16 complaints over the past weekend and made this arrest:

--Mark Robin Jr., 37, James Street, Franklin, was arrested at 11:41 p.m. Sunday on a warrant dated Aug. 25 alleging theft and a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Robin was booked, processed and held on a $2,000 bond.

Morgan City police radio logs for Aug. 26-28

Mon, 08/29/2022 - 8:24am

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.
Friday, Aug. 26
5:59 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Complaint.
7:18 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Subject removal.
9:23 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Accident.
9:31 p.m. 600 block of Front Street; Alarm.
10:55 p.m. 800 block of Freret Street; Fire.
11:27 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
Saturday, Aug. 27
1:22 a.m. Area of Sixth and Arenz streets; Traffic stop/arrest.
4:24 a.m. Area of Greenwood and Fourth streets; Traffic stop/arrest.
6:57 a.m. 3000 block of Mark Drive; Burglary.
9:22 a.m. Solar’s Apartments; Narcotics.
11:35 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street Street; Complaint.
11:58 a.m. Chennault and Glenwood streets; Complaint.
12:58 p.m. 1000 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
1:16 p.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Medical.
2 p.m. Ganaway’s; Shoplifting.
4:16 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Subject removal.
5:50 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Noise complaint.
6:12 p.m. Area of Short Street; Disturbance.
6:51 p.m. Area of Lakeside Subdivision; Patrol request.
7:41 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; Complaint.
7:54 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Patrol request.
8:21 p.m. 600 block of Everett Street; Warrant/arrest.
8:41 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Complaint.
9:14 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street ; Walk-through.
9:17 p.m. Area of Chestnut and Jennie drives; Traffic stop/arrest.
10:27 p.m. 3100 block of Susan Street; Warrant/arrest.
11:25 p.m. 7100 block of Park Road; Noise complaint.
Sunday, Aug. 28
1:34 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Theft/arrest.
2:30 a.m. Area of East Boulevard and Railroad Avenue; Suspicious vehicle/arrest.
4:08 a.m. 200 block of Louisa Street; Animal complaint.
5:05 a.m. 1500 block of Walnut Drive; Com-plaint.
7:44 a.m. 1000 block of Ditch Avenue; Bat-tery/arrest.
9:31 a.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Complaint.
10:01 a.m. Area Freret and Fifth streets; Complaint.
11:14 a.m. Area Adams Boat Landing; Assistance.
12:34 p.m. Area Fisherman’s Wharf; Complaint.
12:49 p.m. Area Apple and Orange streets; Complaint.
1:27 p.m. 2000 block of Allison Street; Alarm.
1:52 p.m. 100 block of Headland Street; Medical.
1:54 p.m. 1000 block of Ninth Street; 911 hang up.
3:31 p.m. 800 block of Willard Street; Welfare check.
3:38 p.m. 1400 block of Elm Street; Complaint.
4:19 p.m. Area River Road, Berwick; Assistance.
5:02 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Stand by.
6:31 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Noise complaint.
6:35 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Walk-through.
7:02 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Assistance.
7:34 p.m. Area of U.S. 90 West; Traffic stop/arrest.
7:45 p.m. 200 block of Glenwood Street; Com-plaint.
7:46 p.m. 800 block of Youngs Road; Hang up call.
7:49 p.m. 500 block of Eighth Street; Medical.
8:03 p.m. 1600 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
8:44 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Complaint
10:44 p.m. Area of Allison and Justa streets; Traffic stop/arrest.

Gallegos, Hamer are 87th Shrimp & Petroleum Festival royalty

Sun, 08/28/2022 - 5:48pm
Festival set Thursday through Monday in downtown Morgan City

Jordan Gallegos and Greg J. Hamer Sr. were named the 87th Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival king and queen during coronation festivities Saturday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
The Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival will officially begin Thursday with a ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m. under the U.S. 90 bridge in downtown Morgan City near the carnival grounds. Festival festivities run through Labor Day.
Highlights include free live music, arts and crafts, a Cajun Culinary Classic, a Children’s Village, Car Show by Cypress Car Club, Mass in Lawrence Park followed by the Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday and much more.
Reigning over the event, are Gallegos the 18-year-old daughter of Dallas and Jose Gallegos of Morgan City. The Berwick High School graduate attends Nicholls State University pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. At Nicholls, she is a member of the Kappa Alpha Chapter of the Delta Zeta sorority.
Hamer is chief executive officer of B&G Food Enterprises in Morgan City. The LSU graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in 1968 in business administration. He was active as a manager, contractor and owner in the oilfield service industry for more than 25 years.
Hamer and his wife, Brenda, created B&G Food Enterprises in 1982 with their first Taco Bell in Morgan City. The company now has more than 3,000 employees that operate more than 160 restaurants — Taco Bell, KFC and Long John Silver — in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
He is in leadership roles in national, state and community organizations. Hamer’s public service includes 12 years in elected office at both city and parish levels. He has served on numerous boards and commissions, among them a public hospital board and several state boards, including the Louisiana Coastal Commission and University of Louisiana System Board of Trustees.
The director emeritus of the National Restaurant Association, Hamer was the 2017 chairman of the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. During his long tenure with LRA, he served as president, inducted into the LRA Hall of Fame, named Active Member of the Year, and Chapter President of the Year.
In addition to serving on the Taco Bell Foundation board, Hamer is a member of the Community Foundation of Acadiana Board and served as the chairman of the Community Foundation of Acadiana’s St. Mary affiliate.
He is a board member of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Hephaestus, a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Legatus International.
Among other honors, he was named St. Mary Parish Citizen of the Year in 2017 and the Morgan City Rotary Citizen of the Year in 2019.
In 2010, B&G created a corporate scholarship fund for family members of employees and established a fund to support the community when tragedy strikes. A longtime LSU supporter, Hamer is a member of the E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council, serves on the Tiger Athletic Foundation Board of Directors, and is an active member of the LSU Alumni Association.
The Brenda and Gregory Hamer Sr. Endowed Scholarship supports students in the Ourso College of Business, and the Hamers are members of the LSU Foundation Laureate Society. He was inducted into the Ourso College of Business Hall of Distinction in 2014, and the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction in 2000. B&G was recognized in LSU 100: Fastest Growing Tiger Businesses in 2019.
They are the parents of three children, Valerie Ann Leblanc, Tracie Margaret Hover, and Gregory Hamer, Jr., and have nine grandchildren.

Authorities make arrests on drug, financial crime, assault charges

Sat, 08/27/2022 - 4:14pm
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 and Berwick police and St. Mary deputies made eight arrests late last week on drug charges involving heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin, marijuana and prescription medication.

Assumption deputies also made one arrest on financial crime charges and are looking for a second suspect. And Patterson police made an aggravated assault arrest in a domestic violence case.

Morgan City

Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported the Morgan City Police Department responded to 89 calls for service over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—John Jose Pena, 43, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:39 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of heroin, possession of alprazolam, possession of cocaine, possession of Lidocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

—Heather Nicole Adams, 38, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:39 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of Lidocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

—Alan Michael Robinson, 24, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:52 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper equipment.

—Charles Morris Petry, 47, Grove Street, Ponchatoula, was arrested at 11:35 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of THC oil, possession of psilocybin mushrooms, no seat belt, improper lane usage and possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

—Alexander Joseph Hutient, 47, Springdale, Arkansas, was arrested at 8:31 a.m. Thursday on a charge of criminal trespassing.

—Thomas Anthony Tabor, 61, Cypress Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:38 a.m. Thursday on four counts of failure to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Logan C. Barrilleaux, 30, Allison Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:38 p.m. Thursday on charges of driving under suspension, expired license plate and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

—Kimberly Renee Harris, 50, Levee Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:02 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward City Court).

—Tina Chaynee Williams, 18, Cypress Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:30 a.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of dug paraphernalia.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office responded to 75 complaints and made these arrests:

—Jessie Engleton Jr., 51, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:57 p.m. Thursday on charges of maximum speed limit, driving on roadway laned for traffic, turning movements and signals required, open container, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under suspension.

Bail has not been set.

—Shawn Joseph Olivier, 43, Paradis, was arrested at 1:08 a.m. Friday on charges of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I drug, switched or stolen license plate, failure of owner to secure registration and transaction involve proceeds from drug offense.

Bail has not been set.

—Christopher Wayne Reaves, 52, Paradis, was arrested at 1:08 a.m. Friday on a charge of possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

—Gene Barry Butts, 35, Jeanerette, was arrested at 9:34 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Butts was transferred to another agency.

—Douglas Ray Marks Jr., 51, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:58 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceled and speeding in a school zone. Bail has not been set.

Bail has not been set.

—Nicholas Paul Harmon, 35, Franklin, was arrested at 6:06 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of charges of possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS in the presence of persons under 17. Bail was set at $7,500.

—Shawn Tyrone Jenkins, 45, Franklin, was arrested at 2:32 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of resisting arrest or officer. Bail has not been set.

—Chad Michael Bertrand, 37, Patterson, was arrested at 4:11 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of aggravated burglary and on four warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of criminal neglect of family, disturbing the peace (fighting), speeding, operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceling, and flight from an officer.

Bertrand also held a warrant through the Morgan City Police Department alleging driving under suspension, window tint violation, no insurance and expired license plate.

Bail has not been set.

Patterson

Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported this arrest:

—Darrell Riggins Jr., 33, Ninth Street, Patterson, was arrested at 1:34 a.m. Friday on a charge of aggravated assault involving domestic violence.

Berwick

Police Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests:

—Andres Ramos, 52, Cypress Street, Franklin, was arrested at 1:13 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense, refusal), possession of marijuana (under 14 grams), open container and two headlights required.

At about 12:39 a.m. Thursday, an officer in the area of U.S. 90 observed a vehicle with one headlight. A traffic stop was conducted, and officers made contact with Ramos. During the course of the stop, an odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle, and Ramos showed signs of impairment.

Officers located marijuana and several open alcoholic containers during a search. Ramos performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department.

Ramos refused to submit a breath sample, and a search warrant was obtained to collect samples of his blood to determine his BAC. Ramos was booked and was released on a $5,000 bond to appear in court in November.

—Kenneth Rhodes, 22, Saturn Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:53 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging disturbing the peace (fighting).

At 11:53 a.m. Wednesday, Rhodes turned himself in at the Berwick Police Department for an active warrant he had for his arrest. Rhodes was placed under arrest for the charge of disturbing the peace by fighting and was released on a summons to appear in court in October. The warrant stems from an incident Aug. 20.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

— Nathan P. Montet, 46, Green Leaf Boulevard, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Wednesday on three counts of bank fraud, three counts of access device fraud, three counts of identity theft and illegal transmission of monetary funds.

Deputies are also seeking Heather Lynn Guillory, 42, Greenleaf Boulevard, Bayou L’Ourse, in connection with financial crimes.

On Oct. 5, deputies responded to a call in Bayou L’Ourse. The complainant advised that Montet had issued two pay-ments for personal business from an account that he was not authorized to access.

From Oct. 5 to Dec. 1, the same account was used four times, amounting to a total of $1265.79.

As the investigation continued, Guillory was identified as a participant in the scheme, and she was not authorized as an account user.

At the completion of the investigation, deputies obtained warrants for the arrests of Montet and Guillory.

Montet was arrested on Wednesday evening in Bayou L’Ourse. He was booked in the Assumption Parish Detention Center and released on $39,000 bond.

Guillory is named in warrants alleging the same charges. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Guillory is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 985-369-2912.

—Thalassa Lee Frickey, 45, Pecos Street, Morgan City, was arrested Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on felony drug charges.

Frickey was previously arrested in Assumption Parish on charges of possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a Schedule III drug without a prescription.

Frickey failed to appear in court April 25. She was arrested in Bayou L’Ourse on Thursday evening. She was booked into the
Assumption Parish Detention Center and remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to nine complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—Jaquincy Mouton, 29, Sixth Street, Franklin, was arrested at 6:34 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant dated July 17, alleging second-degree battery and a warrant alleging parole violation. Mouton was booked, processed and held with no bond set.

—Wayne Lewis Jr., 21, Pinell Lane, Baldwin, was arrested at 3:02 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant for the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office alleging simple battery. Lewis was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond.

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