Drug arrests made by Evangeline Sheriff's Deputies December 29, 2020 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles R. Guillory reported the following arrests to KVPI News: Last Saturday, December 26, the sheriff office criminal patrol unit worked the Crooked Creek area. Deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. When deputies approached the vehicle, they could smell a strong odor believed to be marijuana. The occupants gave permission to search the vehicle. This led to the arrest of Anna Laurie Soileau age 49 of 1770 Spillway Road, Ville Platte. She was charged with possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana. She was also arrested on outstanding warrants for failure to appear for court. Also last Saturday December 26, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle on the Grand Prairie road for a traffic violation. When the deputy made contact with the occupants, they noticed the driver acting nervous. The driver gave permission to search the vehicle. The driver, Jason Paul Fontenot age 39 of 1545 Zenon Road, Ville Platte was arrested and charged with possession of Methamphetamine, switched license plate and driving license suspended. In another case, last Wednesday, December 23, the sheriff's office criminal patrol unit conducted a traffic stop on East Jefferson in Ville Platte for a traffic violation. Deputies advised the driver they could smell marijuana coming from the car. Deputies call the K-9 unit. Arrested was Brittani Nicole Gallow age 32 of 310 East LaSalle Street was charged with possession of Ecstasy and a traffic violation. Also on Wednesday, December 23, the criminal patrol unit conducted a traffic stop on Pine Point road. Following a search of the vehicle, the driver , Nathan Joseph Fontenot age 19 of 1031 Orise Lane Ville Platte was cited with possession of marijuana and released. The passenger was wanted on a charge of distribution of Methamphetamine. The warrant resulted from a two month undercover operation. Once he was brought to the parish jail, agents executed a search warrant on his home. The search led to the following charges on the passenger: Dylan Blaze Savoie age 19 of 108 South Chataignier, Ville Platte. He was charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of MDMA, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile. He remains in custody. On Thursday Dec. 17, the Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit conducted a traffic for a traffic violation. After contact with the occupants and smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search was made. Arrested was Brittney R. Jones age 28 of 608 North Fontenot Street, Ville Platte. She was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a schedule four drug Promethazine and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of minors. She remains in custody. On Wednesday, December 16, the criminal patrol unit conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, he was visibly nervous and shaking. Deputies contacted their K-9 unit to do a search. This led to the arrest of Tracy Lynn Collins age 50 of 129 Lester Street, Ville Platte. He was charged with possession of Crack Cocaine. Sheriff Charles Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations division at 363-2161. All persons reporting information will remain anonymous.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reported to KVPI News a shooting which injured one. On December 28, 2020 at approximately 9:15, Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to the 100 block of East Cotton Street for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival Officers learned that a homeowner confronted 5 black male juveniles in his yard and the juveniles armed with a metal pipe, began beating the homeowner in the head while demanding money. As the homeowner retreated back to his residence, one of the juveniles shot toward the homeowner. A five year old child was shot in the shoulder during the incident. The injured child was transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center and then airlifted to Women's and Children's Hospital Lafayette for treatment. The child is stable at this time. The homeowner suffered injuries to his eye, face and head and was treated at Mercy Regional Hospital and released. The shooting remains under investigation and we will update as more information becomes available. Chief Lartigue is asking that anyone with information on the 5 black male juveniles involved in this incident to please contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313 and ask to speak to a Detective. Your call will remain anonymous.

Evangeline Police Jury Adopts New Budget December 22, 2020 The Evangeline Parish Police Jury adopted its new 2021 fiscal year budget reflecting a loss of some $330,000 in state revenue sharing funds. In addition the new budget shows a standstill budget of $290,000 to pay the cost of parish inmates outside the parish which is about half of what is costing the parish right now. Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron announced to the police jury that the new budget shows cuts in funding to all departments. During the public hearing prior to the start of the special meeting, Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles R. Guillory asked the police jury to sit down with him along with the District Attorney and Indigent Defender Board to come with a solution over the growing cost of housing inmates. The parish jail cannot house all of the prisoners which now amounts to 138 that are being housed in several area jails and prisons at a cost of $26.39 per prisoner per day. There have been delays due to Covid-19 restrictions in holding court and transporting inmates back to Evangeline Parish for court proceedings. The sheriff said he was elected to bring law and order and fight crime. Since he took office earlier this year, his department has arrested 915 people as compared 559 arrests a year ago. "I am getting the attention of the drug dealers in Evangeline Parish, "said the sheriff. The sheriff is interested in constructing a brand new parish jail to house parish and state inmates. In other action the police jury: --approved a workers compensation quote of $113,118 for the new year and to exclude police jurors from the insurance plan; --approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the City of Ville Platte to grade Heritage road to the city animal shelter and sewer department; --voted to proceed with the construction of a new Region B Maintenance Yard facility in Mamou at a cost of about $50,000 to be reimbursed by FEMA up to 75 percent of the cost. The maintenance barn was totally destroyed by Hurricane Laura; --approved giving Crooked Creek Park Manager Kim Ortego a $200 a month pay raise.

Drug Arrest December 22, 2020 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles R. Guillory reported to KVPI News that a traffic stop led to the arrest of suspects on drug charges. Last Friday, December 18, the Sheriff's Department Criminal Patrol Unit stopped a vehicle on King Vehicle road at Booker T Road on a traffic violation. When deputies walked up to the vehicle, they saw narcotics in plain view. The two vehicle occupants were arrested and charged: Darius Armando Arvie age 26 of Te Mamou Road, Vile Platte and Myles Anthony Handy age 26 of Houston, Texas were each charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. As always, Sheriff Guillory and t he Sheriff's Department is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations department at 363-2161. Your reporting information will remain anonymous.

Drug Arrests made by Sheriff's Deputies December 18, 2020 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles R. Guillory released the following news stories to KVPI News: On Wednesday December 16, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Patrol Unit executed a search warrant at 220 Demourelle Street in Ville Platte. Once entry was made, deputies detained several people. Deputies then completed the search of the residence and located different types of narcotics. The suspect was identified as Russel Levier age 41 of 220 Demourelle Street, Ville Platte. He was charged with: possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute amphetamine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile and possession of drug paraphernalia. In another case, also on Wednesday, the Sheriff's Department Criminal Patrol Unit conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, he appeared visibly nervous and shaking. Deputies removed him from the vehicle and called in the K-9 unit. The K-9 drug dog, Diego, alerted on the vehicle. Deputies searched the vehicle and found crack cocaine. The driver, Tracy Lynn Collins age 50 of 129 Lester Street, Ville Platte was charged with possession of crack cocaine. Last Tuesday Dec. 15, the sheriff's office Criminal Patrol Unit conducted a traffic stop on Snook's road, When agents made contact with occupants, they noticed a syringe and spoon on the center console. The agents searched the vehicle and both occupants were arrested. The suspects were identified as Samuel B. Vidrine age 39 of 148 Snooks Road and Joseph F. Morein age 55 of 1431 Zenon Road, Ville Platte, each charged with possession of methamphetamine. In still another case, last Friday December 11, the sheriff's office was called out to respond to a report of a strange vehicle on Dairy Lane. When deputies arrived, they found a green Toyota pickup in the middle of the road. The deputy made contact the with the driver. The deputy noticed a clear plastic bag containing colored pills. The driver, Nathan Joseph Fontenot age 19 of 1031 Orise Lane , Ville Platte was arrested and charged with possession of MDMA/Ecstasy. As always, Sheriff Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 337-363-2161. All persons reporting information shall remain anonymous.

Three arrested by Turkey Creek Police on Drug Charges December 12, 2020 In a news release to KVPI News, Turkey Creek Police Chief Shawn Eckhart reported three subjects were arrested on drug charges last Saturday. Last Saturday December 5, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle equipment violation. It was learned that the driver of the vehicle had a suspended license. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, police discovered a glass smoking pipe wrapped in a mask with a white crystal like substance. The driver, Remi Clayton Brown age 24 was charged with illegal possession of schedule two controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone along with citations for the traffic violations. Two passengers were also arrested: Hanna Margaret Climer age 21 of Cheneyville and David Kyle Lee age 34 of Ville Platte were also each charged with for illegal possession of schedule two controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone. All three subjects were booked in the Evangeline Parish Jail. Chief Eckhart reminds residents to report all suspicious activity to 337-363—3345 or 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Mamou Police Chief Brent Zackery reported to KVPI News that two people are facing car theft charges. Mamou Police were dispatched to a residence on Cherry Street in Mamou Tuesday night at 7:05pm, after receiving a report of a vehicle, a blue Chevrolet Malibu, stolen from that residence. It was soon determined that the vehicle was stopped earlier for a routine traffic stop. Officers remained on alert for the stolen vehicle. Police Chief Zachery went to the residence of the driver to locate the vehicle. Unable to locate the stolen car, the chief noticed the stolen car was at a home on Louanna Street. The occupants of the home attempted to flee. The female occupant, Markeisha Pete left in the car while the male subject , Kendell Pete, fled on foot. Police were able to arrest the female subject without incident. It was reported no damage to the vehicle. Markeisha Pete is facing a charge of theft of a motor vehicle. Kendell Pete is still at large and is also facing a charge of theft of a motor vehicle. Anyone with information on his whereabouts, please contact the Mamou Police Department at 468-5221.

More drug busts conducted by Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office December 8, 2020 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory released the following arrest report to KVPI News: An Evangeline Parish Sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle on South Street in Mamou for a traffic violation on Monday. The deputy noticed the driver appeared to be nervous. Permission was given for a search of the vehicle. The deputy located a 9mm pistol and found narcotics and paraphernalia. The suspect was identified as Michael James Hebert age 51 of L'anse Meg Road, Mamou. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in the presence of narcotics. He is still in custody. Also arrested was Misty Boudreau age 39 of L'anse Meg Road, Mamou. She was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of narcotics. She is still in custody. On Sunday, the Evangeline Parish Criminal Patrol Unit made a traffic stop on a vehicle at the corner of Laran and West Washington in Ville Platte. The car was stopped for a traffic and noise violation. Once the driver was removed from the car and detained, deputies found narcotics and a weapon. This led to the arrest of the driver: Kenneth Wayne Ashley age 31 of West Huey P. Long Street, Ville Platte. He was charged with: Failure to signal, disturbing the peace, possession with intent to distribute Alprazolam, possession with intent to distribute Lortab, possession of Hydrocodone, possession of Liquid Codeine Syrup, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm in the presence of Controlled Dangerous Substance. As always, Sheriff Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff Department is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations department at 337-363-2161.

Evangeline Parish Police Jury Meeting December 8, 2020 The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met today (Tuesday) for their December meeting in their courthouse meeting room. What makes their December meeting so special is that they conduct the entire meeting in Cajun French. Police Juror Eric Soileau of Mamou conducted the meeting. The opening prayer was offered by Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel. The recorded opening prayer was given by William Saunders. Among the guests in attendance: Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel, Jerrie LeDoux, representative of Congressman Mike Johnson's Office, Debbie Lawson representing State Representative Rhonda Butler, Evangeline Parish Solid Waste Commission Director Pat Derouselle, Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory 13th Judicial District Court Judge Chuck West, Elizabeth West with the Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission, Wanda Verette with the Mamou French Immersion program, Assistant District Attorney Chris Ludeau, School Board Member Mike Fontenot and Renee Brown , marketing director with Mercy Regional Medical Center. KVPI 1050 AM did a live broadcast of the meeting for listeners who could not attend in person. The jury discussed their new fiscal year budget which will show a reduction of some $313,000 in funding from the state In other action: --received a report from Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron that sales tax collections in November showed a 9.9 percent drop over the previous month; --approved a resolution calling for a special election early next year for the Pine Prairie Fire Protection District and the Lone Pine Fire District to renew a millage tax for an additional ten y ears; --reappointed Tiqua Manuel to the Mamou Fire Protection District No. 1 Board for another two years; --reappointed Troy West to the Eunice Gravity Drainage District No. 9 that includes a portion of Evangeline Parish.

Ville Platte Rotary Club hears from new Ville Platte Fire Chief December 8, 2020 The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from new Ville Platte Fire Chief Chris Soileau. Soileau is a 30 year veteran of the fire service and has moved up through the ranks. Before his recent appointment, Soileau served as Training and Safety Officer. He said the Ville Platte Fire Department is celebrating its centennial. It was shortly after the tragic dance hall fire in downtown Ville Platte in 1919 that the city created its first fire department. Some seven years later, the department purchased its first motorized fire truck. Soileau said the department was able to recently purchase that original fire unit that is in remarkably good shape. Chief Soileau reported that the fire department covers one third of Evangeline Parish with 12 fulltime personnel , six part time firefighters and 15 active volunteers. The fire district includes rural fire departments in Chataignier, Faubourg and Belaire Cove. Plans are in the works to add a fourth rural station on the West side of Ville Platte in the Te Mamou area. The fire chief also announced the department now has its first female full time paid firefighter: Courtney Edwards Brown who is a certified firefighter after completing the fire academy. The fire department works hard to keep a good fire insurance rating with the state to keep home owners property insurance rates as low as possible. Chief Soileau was the special guest of Rotarian Abby Bergeron Landreneau. Renee Brown, marketing director with Mercy Regional Medical Center advised club members that some twelve businesses will be erecting artificial trees and lights on the empty lot next to the hospital. The lights will be turned for the Community Winter Wonderland site beginning December 17. Families will be invited to come view the display.

Juveniles arrested following a high speed chase in a stolen vehicle December 7, 2020 On Sunday, Mamou police was notified that a red BMW was stolen from a home on Railroad avenue. Later that night, police discovered a vehicle that matched the description. The police began to follow the vehicle after confirming the license plate number. The vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed to evade police. Officers tried to box in the driver on Poinciana street. However the driver of the stolen vehicle made a left turn to avoid the oncoming police unit. He then turned off his lights and for a time, police lost the stolen vehicle that they were pursuing. Mamou Police Chief Brent Zackery later responding to radio traffic received an anonymous tip that the stolen car was found wrecked at the corner of Fred Street and L'anse Meg road. The two juveniles after ditching the vehicle fled the area covered in mud and water from the ditch. The two juveniles were located and arrested by Chief Zackery on Fred Street. The suspects, ages 14 and 16 were each booked on theft of a motor vehicle and Flight from an officer. No other details are available at this time.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that several suspects were cited and charged in a number of drug related cases in the last few days. A vehicle was stopped on a traffic violation Sunday in Ville Platte at the intersection of West Jefferson and Northwest Railroad. The Criminal Patrol Unit deputies noticed the backseat passenger was putting something in his pants attempting to hide something. Deputies searched the passenger and found a bag of narcotics. He was identified as Brandon Scott Stelly of Washington, He was charged with possession of cocaine and has warrants in St. Landry Parish. He remains in custody in the parish jail. Also the front seat passenger, Reginald J. Ben age 41 of Ville Platte was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine. He remains in custody in the parish jail. The driver was released with a warning. In another case, the Evangeline Parish Criminal Patrol K-9 unit on Sunday stopped a vehicle at the corner of Main Street and High School Drive for a traffic stop. Following a search using the K-9 dog, the passenger in the vehicle was arrested: Kylie Mae Chapman age 41. She was charged with possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Expired License Plate and she had two outstanding warrants. She is currently in custody in the parish jail. Last Saturday, a traffic stop led to the arrest of the vehicle's passenger. The stop took place on old Basile Highway at Heinen road. The passenger was very agitated and displayed apparent signs of narcotic use. Following a search, the passenger was arrested. He was identified as Chance Evans Bushnell age 32 of Basile. He was arrested on possession of Methamphetamine, No Insurance and Failure to dim Headlights. He remains in the parish jail. Also last Saturday, sheriff's deputies were working in the Basile area. The K-9 deputy stopped a 2012 Nissan Sentra for an expired license plate. When the deputy approached the vehicle, he noticed a strong smell of marijuana. The driver was identified as Christie Joy Chapman age 40 of Oberlin. She was cited for possession of marijuana, expired license plate, no insurance and driving under suspension. She was given the citations and released. Last Friday, sheriff's deputies from the criminal patrol made contact with a subject in the parking lot of a business in Vidrine who had outstanding arrest warrants. While searching him, they discovered he was in possession of narcotics. The subject was identified as Joshua Paul Lafleur age 36 of Galliano. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a minor and failure to appear in court. He is currently in the parish jail. Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff office is always seeing information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 337-363-2161 or through their website at evangelineparishsheriff.org.

Turkey Creek Drug Arrests December 6, 2020 Two people were arrested on drug charges after being stopped by Turkey Creek Police Saturday night. Turkey Creek Chief of Police Shawn Eckhart reported to KVPI news, a vehicle was stopped for a minor equipment violation, no license plate light. Following a field interview with the driver and the passenger, a female officer was summoned to assist in the arrest. Luis Daniel Nazzario age 24 of Esterwood, the driver of the vehicle was booked in the Evangeline Parish Jail for illegal possession of a schedule one controlled dangerous substance, marijuana and illegal possession of a controlled dangerous substance within a drug free zone. The passenger, Aleisha Danelle Frey age 20 of Egan was booked into the Evangeline Parish jail for illegal possession of a schedule one controlled dangerous substance, marijuana, illegal possession of a controlled dangerous substance within a drug free zone and obstruction of justice. Chief Eckhart reminds the public to report all suspicious activity by calling 337-363-3347 or 911 for emergencies. All callers will remain anonymous.

Drug arrests conducted by Evangeline Parish Deputies December 3, 2020 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory informed KVPI News of additional arrests on drugs and other charges in three separate cases. On Wednesday, the Sheriff Office Criminal Patrol Unit stopped a black Dodge pickup on a traffic violation. Following a pat down, deputies discovered a pill bottle containing Methamphetamine. Deputies noticed the driver pick up a bat and began striking a white pit bull puppy that was in the truck. The driver identified as Charles Hebert age 59 of Ville Platte. He was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Cruelty to Animals and Failure to Signal. Bond is pending. On Tuesday, two suspects were cited on drug charges on Old Highway 13. The criminal patrol K-9 unit stopped a vehicle on a traffic violation. The officer noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The drug sniffing dog, Diego who alerted on the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and deputies discovered 15.5 grams of marijuana. The suspects were identified as Orianna Gail Jason age 27 of Mamou charged with possession of marijuana and improper lane usage. The passenger, Ladonna Ardoin age 24 of Mamou was also charged with possession of marijuana. Last Sunday, a vehicle was stopped by sheriff's deputies on a traffic violation. The driver, Boyd Mills age 54 of Mamou appeared to be extremely nervous and acting suspicious. Deputies searched the vehicle discovered illegal narcotics and US currency. During t he course of their investigation, criminal patrol agents executed a search warrant of the driver's home on Pine Point road. While conducting the search, agents located drugs and seized a quantity of probable stolen items. Mills was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of schedule two drugs, possession with intent to distribute schedule 2, 3 and 4 drugs, possession with intent to distribute legend drugs, having no insurance, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He remains incarcerated at this time. Also arrested was Alexis Lynn Lowery age 22 of Mamou charged with possession of drug paraphernalia ,possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. She remains incarcerated. Sheriff Charles Guillory would like to inform the public that if you have any of the following items stolen, please contact the sheriff's office criminal patrol division with serial numbers, descriptions or pictures of the items to determine the rightful owners: chainsaws, Dewalt tools, Framing Guns, Deer Cameras, 22 caliber rifles, 12 gauge shotgun, 270 caliber rifle, 308 caliber rifle, Cross Bow, Kal Tech pistol and Glock Pistol. Sheriff Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their office at 337-363-2161.