On June 17, 2012, Detectives with Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department began an active investigation pertaining to a home invasion where the victim was allegedly raped at knifepoint.  Detectives were able to secure numerous items of evidence left at the scene to include DNA samples, which were sent to the Acadiana Crime Lab for analysis.  Detectives conducted several interviews with persons of interest in the area and on July 30, 2012, the crime lab called advising that they had confirmed a suspect based on the DNA submittals.  Justin Trever Soileau from Mamou was arrested without incident at his residence and booked in the parish jail for home invasion, false imprisonment while armed with a dangerous weapon and aggravated rape.  Soileau is being held without bond pending a hearing. 

 

On July 31, 2012, Jeremy Joseph, 704 North Dupre Ville Platte Louisiana, was pulled over for a seatbelt violation on South Soileau Street.  Joseph was observed attempting to conceal something under the driver’s seat, which later turned out to be 29 grams of marijuana.  Detectives with Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department recovered an additional 92 grams of marijuana, US currency and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle.  Jeremy Joseph was arrested and booked in the parish jail for possession with intent to distribute a schedule I CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

 

On August 2, 2012, Ville Platte City Marshall’s Office, Ville Platte Police Department and Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department foiled a group of juvenile’s plan to steal bicycles from the Theophile Subdivision. The Juveniles made off with two bicycles taken from the Theophile Subdivision, but were ultimately apprehended between the subdivision and Ville Platte City limits.  The bicycles were recovered and returned to the rightful owners.  The case has been sent to the Juvenile Division where they will be petitioned to the court for charges of burglary and theft.  Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, as there are still unsolved thefts in the area that they may be linked to.  

 

            Sheriff Eddie Soileau would like to remind citizens that the operation of ATV’s on the roadway is unsafe and is illegal.  Persons found operating ATV’s on the roadway may be cited and the ATV towed at the owner’s expense.  Sheriff would also like remind citizens to properly secure their equipment and to contact his office with information about illegal activities and to report all suspicious activity to his office.  He said all callers will remain anonymous.