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Two teens arrested in bomb threats at Franklin High

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 5:58pm

Staff Report

Franklin police arrested a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old after an investigation into a pair of bomb threats that led to the evacuation of Franklin High on consecutive days this month.

The two suspects were arrested at 11 a.m. Monday, Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly said. The suspects, both of whom are boys, were each booked on charges of terrorizing and communication of false information. The 15-year-old also faces two counts of simple assault.

The two suspects were booked, processed and released pending juvenile court proceedings.

Police received calls about bomb threats at Franklin High at 7:10 a.m. Jan. 13 and 7:21 a.m. Jan. 14.

The Detectives Division, with help from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, identified the suspects, Beverly said.

House speaker wants investigation: What did governor do with info about Ronald Greene's death?

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 5:08pm

VICTOR SKINNER, The Center Square

Louisiana lawmakers are vowing to investigate Gov. John Bel Edwards’ reaction to the 2019 death of Ronald Greene after allegations in news reports he misled the public about the Black motorist’s struggle with state police.

Louisiana Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, issued a statement Monday regarding a report by The Associated Press last week that revealed Edwards received a text message about Greene’s death from state police but hid the truth from the public amid his re-election campaign.

“The revelations detailed by the Associated Press regarding Governor Edwards’ involvement in the alleged cover-up in the cause of death of Ronald Greene are greatly disturbing,” Schexnayder's statement read.

“This would demonstrate gross misconduct and the highest level of deceit on behalf of the governor and others. What happened to Ronald Greene is inexcusable and should never happen to anyone. His family and the citizens of this state deserve to know the truth,” the statement continued. “Over the weekend, I spoke with the President of the Senate and the Louisiana Attorney General. It’s our responsibility to the people of this state to seek the truth. It’s time to find out who knew what – and when – and hold them accountable.”

An investigation into state police practices and policies already was underway in the Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight, where chair Sen. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, told BRProud “everything is on the table.”

Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin, meanwhile, told the news website she is struggling with the recent revelations.

“It basically just hits me like a ton of rocks and just. It’s really heavy, it’s emotionally really disturbing,” she said. “On the highest level. Because of his position, he’s governor of Louisiana. He’s a high official and just. This is not the first feeling I’ve had, but it’s just like taking a knife and just taking it in deeper and deeper.”

In addition to lawmakers, the Louisiana NAACP also is demanding answers.

“We continue to stand and support a grieving family and justice for Mr. Ronald Greene,” president of the Baton Rouge chapter, Eugene Collins, told BRProud. “But the governor does need to explain just how this text came about. What does it mean? At what point did you know? Because right now, seemingly this process is looking less and less likely to be transparent.”

The AP reported Friday that Edwards received a text message from Louisiana State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves at 10 a.m. May 10, 2019, about nine hours after Greene was involved in a deadly altercation with state police near Monroe.

The text said state police attempted to stop a vehicle in Ouachita Parish and the driver led police on a high-speed chase in excess of 110 mph through two parishes before eventually crashing the vehicle.

“Troopers attempted to place the driver under arrest. But, a violent, lengthy struggle took place. After some time struggling with the suspect, troopers were joined by a Union parish deputy and were able to take the suspect into custody,” the text read. “EMS was summoned to assess the suspect’s injuries. The suspect remained combative but became unresponsive shortly before EMS arrived. The suspect was later pronounced dead at the hospital.”

State police told the public and Greene’s family the 49-year-old died in the car crash. A coroner’s report also indicated Greene was killed in a motor vehicle accident, and state police made no mention of troopers’ use of force during the incident.

Edwards reportedly kept the truth under wraps for two years until The AP obtained and published body-camera footage from the incident showing troopers jolting Greene with stun guns, punching him in the face and dragging him by his ankle shackles.

Following the video’s release, Edwards condemned troopers’ “criminal” actions as “deeply unprofessional and incredibly disturbing.”

“I am disappointed in them and in any officer who stood by and did not intervene,” Edwards said.

Greene’s family eventually filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in late 2020 and a subsequent FBI autopsy attributed Greene’s death to a “physical struggle” and Greene’s use of cocaine.

Both the wrongful-death lawsuit and FBI investigation are ongoing. The FBI investigation also is looking into allegations Edwards steered Schexnayder away from a legislative investigation because “Greene died in a car wreck,” The AP reported.

Edwards’ office has declined to discuss or has not responded to media inquiries about the text message, according to multiple reports.

Within hours of the Schexnayder statement, U.S. Attorney Brandon B Brown and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. put out a statement of their own, denying reports that people have been questioned about Edwards' knowledge concerning Greene's death. In the statement, which had a Shreveport dateline, Brown and Williams called the reports "inaccurate."

Their statement said FBI agents, U.S. Attorney's Office investigators and Department of Justice investigators are conducting the investigation into Greene's death.

"If the investigation reveals prosecutable violations of federal criminal statutes, the Department will take appropriate action," Brown and Williams said.

JAMES EDWARD 'JIMMY' CASTALANO SR.

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 4:33pm

James Edward “Jimmy” Castalano Sr, 76, a resident of Morgan City, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center.

Jimmy was born on September 14, 1945 in Morgan City, the son of Luke Castalano and Telitha Stansbury Castalano.

Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, but his passion was being out with his horses. He was a charter member of the Atchafalaya Bit and Bridle Club. Jimmy was also a licensed pilot who enjoyed being up in the sky, flying his sea plane.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Judy Jordan Castalano of Morgan City; two sons, James E. “Jim” Castalano Jr. and Jeff Castalano and wife Marla, both of Morgan City; one granddaughter, Melanie Castalano; two step grandchildren, Ryan Landry and wife Kasey and Tyler Mathis; five step great grandchildren, Slade, Tyler Jr., Emily, Bryce and Blayne; one brother, Chris Castalano and wife Darlene of Lockport.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Janet Castalano.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Twin City Funeral Home with a visitation being held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Following the services, Jimmy will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Vaccinations this week at St. Mary, Assumption health units

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 11:13am

Click on the links below to download the flyers.

Berwick police book man in bus burglary; two animal cruelty arrests in Morgan City

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 10:35am

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 arrested a man accused of burglarizing a school bus and a woman whose vehicle was found in a field after a crash.
Morgan City police also arrested two Chestnut Drive residents on animal cruelty charges.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—David Boyd, 50, was arrested at 7:27 p.m. Saturday on warrants alleging simple criminal damage to property and two counts of simple burglary.
About 7:27 p.m. Saturday, officers traveled to the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center and located Boyd, who was named in active warrants through the Berwick Police Department. Boyd was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.
. The warrants stem from an investigation launched Thursday in which Boyd burglarized a school bus and damaged the vehicle.
—Madison Doiron, 21, Keith Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:15 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated (second offense) and careless operation of a motor vehicle with crash.
About 1:39 a.m. Sunday, officers observed a suspicious vehicle parked in a field. Officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Doiron and learned that she had ran off the roadway and was involved in a crash.
While speaking with Doiron, a strong odor of alcohol was detected coming from her breath and person along with other signs of impairment. Through the course of the investigation, Doiron performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest.
Doiron was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where she provided a valid breath sample of 0.232G% BAC. A computer check showed that Doiron had been previously arrested for a DWI in 2017.
Doiron was then booked and posted a $5,500 bond.
—Shelia Sons, 36, Francis Street, Patterson, was arrested 2:12 a.m. Friday on an Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant.
About 2 a.m. Friday, an officer made contact with a female identified as Sons. While speaking with Sons, it was learned that she had an active warrant through the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Sons was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where she was booked on their outstanding warrant. Following the booking process, Sons was transported to Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office for incarceration.
—Rhonda Baines, 54, Parro Lane, Berwick, was arrested at 11:59 p.m. Friday on a charge of disturbing the peace.
At 11:32 p.m. Friday, the Berwick Police Department received a complaint about noise from a residence on Parro Lane. Officers made contact with the homeowner, Baines.
It was learned that numerous similar complaints have been received within the last few weeks. Baines was placed under arrest and released on a summons to appear in court in March.
—Masrio Cruz, 36, St. Louis Street, Houma, was arrested at 3:28 a.m. Saturday on charges of speeding 73 mph in a 55 mph zone and no driver’s license.
About 3:19 a.m. Saturday, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding 73 in a 55 mph zone.
Officers made contact with Cruz, and it was learned that he did not have a valid driver’s license. Cruz was placed under arrest and released on a summons to appear in court in April.
—Kevin Alvarez-Sanchez, 20, Knollwood Circle, Lafayette, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Sunday on charges of speeding 83 mph in a 55 mph zone, no driver’s license and failure to register vehicle.
About 2:47 p.m. Sunday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for speeding 83 in a 55 mph zone. Officers made contact with Alvarez-Sanchez and learned that he did not have a valid driver’s license.
It was also learned that his vehicle was not properly registered. Alvarez-Sanchez was placed under arrested and released on a summons to appear in court in April.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 87 calls for service over the last 72-hour reporting period and made these arrests beginning Friday:
—Shane T. Pillsbury, 47, Chestnut Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:30 p.m. Friday on two warrants alleging nine counts of cruelty to animals and four counts of cruelty to animals.
—Lauren Hayden Pillsbury, 36, Chestnut Drive, Morgan City, was arrested on two warrants alleging nine counts of cruelty animals and four counts of of cruelty to animals.
—Galen Wayne Ford, 29, Ditch Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:40 p.m. Friday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging two counts of failure to appear to pay fine.
—Nichole Cherry, 33, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:39 p.m. Saturday on a charge of criminal mischief.
—Taja Baytop, 38, Charlotte Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 11:36 a.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of alprazolam and on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant alleging failure to appear for trial.
—Daniel Ray McNeal, 43, Halsey Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:46 p.m. Sunday on a charge of entry or remaining in places after forbidden and a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging failure to appear to pay fine.
—David Lee Morris Jr., 32, Bryant Street, Houma, was arrested at 6:34 p.m. Sunday on charges of disturbing the peace and resisting an officer.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 33 complaints and made these arrests:
—Marco James Charles Prono Curreri, 37, Brooklyn, New York, was arrested at 12:38 p.m. Friday on a charge of disturbing the peace (violent manner and tumultuous.) Bail was set at $250.
—Daniel Michael Elliot, 22, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:02 a.m. Saturday on four warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of simple burglary, theft of less than $1,000, criminal trespassing and criminal damage to property. Bail has not been set.
--Marlon Ambrose Druilhet, 51, Baldwin, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Saturday on charges of turning movements and signals required, open container, possession of marijuana, and driving under suspension.
Druilhet was released on a summons to appear April 21.
—Toris M. Smith, 57, Patterson, was arrested at 8:10 p.m. Saturday on charges of open container and license plate lights required. Smith was released on a summons to appear April 21.
—Kerry Antoine Martin Jr., 25, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:34 p.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of probation violation. Martin is being held for another agency.
—Jose Najar, 44, Amelia, was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Sunday on a charge of hit and run. Najar was released on a summons to appear April 21.
—Dontrell Damone Colbert, 25, Baldwin, was arrested at 12:58 p.m. Sunday on two warrants alleging resisting arrest or officer, possession of firearm-felon and illegal carrying of a weapon. Bail was set at $75,000.
—Christina Pitre, 42, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 3:14 p.m. Friday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail has not been set.
—Kristyn Parker, 30, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 3:14 p.m. Friday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail has not been set.

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 22 complaints over the past weekend and made these arrests:
—Vernija Loston, 23, Talbot Street, Franklin, was arrested at 11:40 p.m. Sunday on a warrant dated Oct. 27 alleging obstructing public passages and disturbing the peace (fighting). Loston was booked, processed and re-leased on a $2,000 bond.
—Irvyon James, 19, Seventh Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Saturday on the charges of possession of marijuana, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17 years of age. James was booked, processed and released on a $3,500 bond.

Adonis presents 2022 royalty

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 9:24am

Mr. and Mrs. Chad Ross Sr. were presented as King and Queen Adonis XLVII Saturday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. In keeping with the tableau theme, “2022 Adonis Masquerade Ball,” the king depicted Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy while the queen was Margaret of France, Duchess of Berry. The krewe will hold its Mardi Gras parade at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 in Morgan City.

Extra security at MCHS after 'unfounded reports of potential threats'

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 9:13am

School administrators and the Morgan City Police Department worked together to calm any jitters Monday morning after what are being described as unfounded reports of potential threats appeared Sunday on social media.

The Review received this statement Monday from Superintendent Teresa Bagwell:

Last evening school administrators received unfounded reports of potential threats that were circulating on social media and responded by immediately informing parents to help quell the inaccuracy of the communications. Additionally, Principal Tim Hymel collaborated with MCPD Chief James Blair and the school system's resource officers to deploy an additional presence in and around the school this morning, in an effort to calm any concerns that parents or students may have given the spread of these unfounded reports. Investigations into the origin of the reports will be ongoing as the school prioritizes the safety and security of all students. School leaders take any and all threatening messages seriously and employ every step necessary to maintain the sanctity of the school's learning environment.

Fire heavily damages Marquis Manor home

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 8:37am

Morgan City Fire Department firefighters saw this sight when they arrived at the scene of what would become a four-alarm fire about 2 p.m. Sunday at this Marquis Manor home. The first unit quickly arrived and reported heavy smoke and fire showing, the Fire Department said. The fire was already well advanced into the attic area of the large home at the time of arrival. A second alarm was immediately struck to summon all off duty personnel for manpower. Strong winds fanned the flames forcing firefighters to transition to a defensive attack. A third and fourth alarm was transmitted for mutual aid from Berwick and Bayou Vista Volunteer fire departments. The scene was brought under control after approximately two hours but remained on scene for several more hours extinguishing hot spots and picking up equipment. The cause of the blaze is under investigation at this time but foul play is not suspected. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. The MCFD thanked Acadian Ambulance, Berwick VFD, Bayou Vista VFD, St. Mary 911, Mayor Lee Dragna and Morgan City Public Works for their assistance. Amelia VFD was placed on standby to handle any other call that came in within the city.

ABEL ARNOUVILLE JR.

Mon, 01/31/2022 - 7:50am

Abel Arnouville Jr., 60, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Rebardi Arnouville; son, Matthew Arnouville; sister, Darlene Lucas; and a host of other relatives.
Memorial visitation will be Wednesday, 4-8 p.m., at Hargrave Fu-neral Home, who is in charge of arrangements.

TAMMY HEBERT CLEMENTS

Sat, 01/29/2022 - 2:06pm

August 11, 1963 – January 27, 2022

Tammy H. Clements, 58, of Patterson, LA passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

Tammy was born in Jacksonville, Arkansas on August 11, 1963 to Minos and Nyoka Hebert.

Over the years Tammy dedicated her life to helping others. Tammy was a Registered Nurse for the last 30 years at Ochsner St. Mary, providing healthcare to the people in St. Mary Parish. When Tammy was not working, she loved spending time with her husband of 34 years. She enjoyed their weekend trips to the Beau Rivage, their vacations to Las Vegas, and spending quality time outdoors camping. She was an avid reader, who loved Stephen King. Her children and grandchildren were her biggest joy. She spent many days going to dance recitals, band practices, and baseball games for her children.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Wendel J. Clements of Patterson; three children, Brandie C. Levy and husband Dustin of Morgan City, Katelyn C. Miller and husband Ryan of Baton Rouge, and Cameron J. Clements and long-time girlfriend Emma Reitz of Manhattan, KS; two grandchildren, Addilyn and Ian Levy; her parents, Minos Hebert and Nyoka “Lee” Percle Hebert of Morgan City; one sister, Lisa Aucoin and husband Mark of Berwick; mother-in-Law, Jeanette Clements of Franklin; brother-in-Law, Curtis Clements and wife Tina of New Iberia, Eric Clements and wife Lori of Franklin; sister-in-law, Alice McDaniel and husband Gary of Huntsville, AL; as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Tammy was preceded in death by her grandparents, father-in-law, two brothers-in-law, two nephews, and one niece.

The family would like to thank the host of wonderful doctors and nurses from Ochsner St. Mary, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Houma, LA, and Heart of Hospice for the outstanding care; and the many family and friends who provided comfort and meals during these difficult times.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Cameron Clements, Dustin Levy, Ryan Miller, Curtis Clements, John Brennan, Robert Ibert, and honorary pallbearer Ian Levy.

Funeral services will held Monday, January 31, 2022, at 10:30 AM at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson with Monsignor J. Douglas Courville, JCL officiating. Following services, she will be laid to rest in the mausoleum in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family requests visiting hours be observed from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM at Ibert’s.