Local News Archives for 2021-11

More Drug Arrests by Evangeline Deputies

DRUG ARRESTS BY SHERIFF'S OFFICE NOVEMBER 22, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News the following drug arrests by his deputies: Last Tuesday, November 16, the sheriff's office narcotics unit executed a search warrant in the Mamou area. Agents had been receiving many complaints of drug activity from this home. When agents entered the residence, they located narcotics and weapons. Arrested was Joshua Scott Aucoin age 40 of Mamou charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of suboxone, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon. Also, last Tuesday, the K-9 unit stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. Upon coming into contact with the driver, he appeared to be extremely nervous. K-9 Diego was deployed and indicated the presence of narcotics. Following a search of the vehicle, Steven Cade Fontenot age 26 of Mamou was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and a traffic violation. On Wednesday Nov. 17, the sheriff's office was searching for a wanted fugitive. They went to a residence on South Soileau where they had received information that the fugitive was staying at. Upon arrival, agents could smell marijuana coming from the house. The deputies applied and received a search warrant for the residence. Upon completion of the search warrant, agents located narcotics and guns. Arrested was Yvonne Savoy age 36 of Opelousas. She was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substance and possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. On Friday, Nov. 19, the criminal patrol unit stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. While speaking to the driver, the agent noticed drug paraphernalia in plain view. This led to a search of the vehicle and the discovery of narcotics. Arrested were: Skylar Jones age 37 of Lafayette charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Also arrested was Nicole Danielle LeBlanc age 33 of Lafayette. She was charged with possession of clonazepam, possession of drug paraphernalia and monetary instrument abuse (counterfeit currency). Also on Friday Nov. 19, the sheriff's office narcotics division conducted a search warrant on an apartment at 713 Parkview Street. Agents had been receiving numerous complaints. When agents entered the home, they found narcotics in plain view and on the female attempting to run from the home, they also located a pistol reported stolen in August. Arrested was England Williams age 34 of Ville Platte charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of promethazine, possession of alprazolam, possession of controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substance, possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of minors, possession of a stolen firearm and she also outstanding warrants. As always Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 363-2161.

Evangeline Parish School Board Views ESSER Presentation

17 November 2021

 

At Wednesday’s meeting, the Evangeline Parish School Board viewed a presentation on the benefits of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, better known as ESSER. The program was created to help close learning gaps created during the pandemic. It was designed to do the things that teachers do not have time to do in the classroom and assist them with progress and data reports.

 

ESSER employees track and monitor student growth while also helping with curriculum and lesson plans. They prepare materials for student acceleration and assist with testing and strategies so that teachers no longer have to do it all alone.

 

The program benefits not only teachers but also students by helping them meet learning milestones while also making the goals practical and realistic. In addition, they provide emotional support during challenging times. The board heard from many teachers, principals, and students who appreciate the support of these positions and hope to see them continue post-pandemic.

 

COVID-19 numbers have dropped in Evangeline Parish schools since Governor Edwards’ mask mandate ended, remaining consistent with reports from other districts. According to the board’s attorney, Mr. John Bolton, so long as they continue to enforce LDH quarantine guidelines, as they have continued to do, masks can remain optional.

 

Vice President Limoges proposed a new item to add to the agenda which would reaffirm masks as optional in the parish schools; however, since new motions require a unanimous vote, and the proposition was met with a downvote, the motion will be added to the next agenda for December 8th.

 

Next week, the demolition of the Bayou Chicot auditorium will begin.

Superintendent Lazard would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. All campuses and school board offices will be closed next week. They will reopen on Monday, November 29th.

Turkey Creek Arrests

Turkey Creek Police Arrests November 16, 2021 Turkey Creek Police Chief Steven Ardoin reported to KVPI News the following arrests: On November 4, Officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a minor traffic infraction. Once contact was made with the driver, later identified as Jason Langley of Eunice. Police learned that he was giving a fictitious name but couldn't be confirmed with dispatch at the time due to systems being down. He was released on a citation for the traffic infraction and a warrant was later issued for his arrest on giving false information to a police officer. On November 6, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a minor traffic violation. Upon contact with the driver, a strong odor of presumed marijuana was emitting from the vehicle. When asked, the two occupants: Lamar Thomas and Kristy Thomas of Texas admitted to having marijuana within the vehicle. After a search of the vehicle, presumed marijuana was located and both subjects were issued a ticket for simple possession of marijuana. On November 13, Officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a minor traffic violation. Upon contact with the driver, Jermaine Moore Jr. of Mississippi, officers could smell a strong odor of presumed marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located approximately 136 grams inside the vehicle. Moore was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule One narcotics. Chief Ardoin would like to the public for their continued support and to please report all suspicious activity and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Election Returns

Election Returns November 14, 2021 Evangeline Paris voters voted in like fashion with statewide voters on Saturday when three of the four proposed constitutional amendments were voted down. Amendment #1 which would streamline sales tax collections was voted down in Evangeline Parish 973 No and 867 voting yes. It was also voted down stateside. Amendment #2 dealing with Tax Reform was approved in Evangeline Parish, 937 voting yes and 896 voting no. Voters in the state approved this amendment Amendment #3 which would give new taxing authority for new levee districts was turned down by parish voters: 1252 voting no and 546 voting no. It was also turned down statewide. Amendment #4 which would tap more dedicated money to fix deficits was turned down by Evangeline Parish voters: 1424 voting no and 379 voting yes. It was also turned down statewide by voters. In the only local issue on election day in Evangeline Parish , voters narrowly turned down a 12.45 mill millage tax renewal for the Town of Mamou. A total of 68 people voted yes and 71 people voted no. Special thanks to Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel for sharing this information to KVPI News.

Standing room only crowd during Police Jury Public dealing with a new Parish Jail

Police Jury Public Hearing November 9, 2021 A standing room only group of concerned citizens attended a special called public hearing by the Evangeline Parish Police Jury on proposals under consideration to secure the necessary funds to construct a new parish jail. John Mayeaux, with Sisung Securities Corporation made a power point presentation on the options the jury is considering to fund a new parish jail . The new facility with 200 beds will cost approximately 20.4 million dollars and take 2 to 2.5 years to construct. Mayeaux explained the jury can not continue to sustain the payment of some $300,000 from the general fund each year to pay for the cost of inmates being housed in other parishes. Among the options under consideration by the police jury to raise the necessary capitol include: rededcate a portion of the parish library tax, rededcate a portion of the parish health unit tax or use the sheriff's sales tax funds. Getting the most attention is a proposal by Sheriff Charles Guillory to raise the funding by merging the 9-1-1 office with the sheriff's office. The sheriff would become its new executive director and O.E.P. Director with no extra salary saving the parish the executive director salary. It is estimated the sheriff could save $250,000 annually through the merger. Former District Attorney Brent Coreil agrees a new jail needs to be constructed but a short term solution would be to use a vacant building across the street from the courthouse that is for sale. Coreil is against the proposal by the sheriff to build a new parish jail in the Industrial park near homes, a church, a school and industrial sites. Coreil praised the 9-1-1 staff. The staff is handling all emergency calls except for Mamou police and the sheriff's office. Coreil said "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" in regards to 9-1-1.. Sheriff Guillory said his goal is to keep our communities safe. "We're arresting people. We need a new jail. " His proposal is an option for the jury to consider. He told the jury "If my plan is so awful, remove it from the list of options.". The sheriff also reported that the GEO prison is too expensive to buy in Pine Prairie. Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac remarked that Evangeline Parish does have a crime problem and the sheriff is doing a good job. He cautioned that inaction by the parish will cause the state to come in and take over operation. 9-1-1 Executive Director and Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Liz Hill has been serving in that capacity for the past 27 years. She wanted to correct a hot topic, dealing with her salary which is $72,384. She emphasized that 9-1-1 has always had clean audits, it has never been in a deficit and has a fund balance of $974,871 from saving for more than 20 years. She said in closing "You cannot buy experience." Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine appealed to the jury to keep 9-1-1 intact as it is now "Let's not rob Pete to pay Paul." Larry Johnson of Pine Prairie said he was in favor of the sheriff's plan to consolidate services as a cost saving move. "We need to support our police,". He urged the police jury to adopt the sheriff's option. Police Juror Ryan Ardoin blamed the marked increase in crime to people turning away from God. He said "Fatherless homes and sin is rampant in this parish. Our people need to repent.". Jury President Ryan Williams said the jury will review the options and make a decision on which way to go.

Sheriff Office Drug Arrests

Sheriff Office Drug Arrests November 5, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News the following drug arrests: On October 10, the Sheriff's Office Criminal Patrol Unit conducted a traffic stop on Main Street. When agents approached the car, they could smell marijuana. The driver gave consent to search and the following action occurred: Shontee Edwards age 20 of Ville Platte was cited and released for possession of marijuana and a traffic violation. A separate Traffic Stop the same night led to another person being ticketed: Joshua Clint Roberts age 29 of Ville Platte cited and released for possession of marijuana and a traffic violation. On October 28, the criminal patrol unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Beacon Road. The suspect fled but was captured. This led to the following action: Matrekus Vidrine age 39 of Ville Platte was charged with possession with intent to distribute Hydrocodone, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of Oxycodone and possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance in the presence of a minor. Also charged was Ashley Nicole LeJeune age 32 of Mamou charged with possession of with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. On October 29, the sheriff's office narcotics unit executed a search warrant in Mamou. When the agents entered the residence they saw narcotics in plain view. The following suspects were arrested: Keith Thomas age 30 of Mamou charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor, probation violation and outstanding warrant. Also arrested was Leola Gail Wilson age 38 of Mamou charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. On October 29, the criminal patrol unit conducted a traffic stop on Tate Cove road. Upon coming in to contact with the driver, there were narcotics in plain view. Arrested was : Brendan Emanual Coward age 21 of Ville Platte was charged with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. On November 1, the criminal patrol unit conducted a traffic stop on a car. During the stop, agents found narcotics Arrested was Erica James age 34 of Coushatta cited and released for possession of marijuana and a traffic citation. On November 1, a traffic stop was conducted by the criminal patrol agents. While speaking to the driver of the car, he admitted to being in possession of narcotics. Upon a search of the car, the following actions took place: Tyrone Weathersby age 53 of Sacramento, California charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and a traffic violation. Another traffic stop led to the following arrest: Jacques Morris age 33 of Bunkie charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and a traffic violation. Also arrested on the same date, Ronnie Hawkins age 41 of Arcadia cited and released for possession of marijuana and a traffic violation. On November 2, the narcotics unit executed a search warrant in the Point Blue area. Upon entering the residence, agents located narcotics and weapons. This led to the following arrest: Saben Kade Fontenot age 20 of Church Point charged with possession of Promethazine. Also arrested was Robbie Fontenot age 56 of Ville Platte charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of suboxone, possession of hydrocholoride, possession of methamphetamine, possession of psilocybin and possession of a firearm with obliterated numbers. As always Sheriff Charles Guillory and the sheriff office is always seeking information of criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 363-2161.

Jennings man arrested by Pine Prairie Police

Pine Prairie Police received a complaint from a parent stating that their juvenile daughter was sexually assaulted by a male subject while she was living in the home in Pine Prairie. An investigation began by police and it was found that the male subject, identified as Artay Joseph Lejeune Jr. (26 years old) had sexually assaulted the juvenile over a period of 6 months. Based on evidence, an arrest warrant was obtained for Lejeune for 4 counts of First Degree Rape, 3 counts of Oral sexual battery and 2 counts of aggravated assault. Once the arrest warrant was signed by Judge Ortego, the warrant was sent over to the Jennings Police Department on November 4th, 2021 where Lejeune was arrested by Jennings Police without incident. Lejeune was then transferred over to Pine Prairie Police where he was booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail on said charges and is currently being held without bond. Chief Deshotel wants to thank his officers for their hard work in this matter and the Jennings Police Department for their assistance in taking Lejeune into custody.

New Evangeline Parish Grand Jury Returns Indictments

A new Grand Jury was empaneled on Wednesday, October 27,2021, in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana. After meeting for two days on October 27,2021 and October 28,2021, the Grand Jury returned indictments on three cases. On October 27,2021,the Grand Jury indicted Ronald James Johnson, age 51, of Mamou, on the charges First Degree Rape (two counts) and Molestation of a Juvenile with a Physical or Mental Disability. The charges stem from incidents which occurred on or between June I , 2021 and June 16, 2021 . Arraignment on this case is set for November 18,2021 , before the Honorable Judge Chuck West. On October 21 ,2021, the Grand Jury also indicted Jean Baptist Andrus, Sr., age 75, of Ville Platte, on the charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles. The charges stem from an incident which occurred on or about August 18,2021 . Arraignment on this case is set for December 2,2021, before the Honorable Judge Gary Ortego. On October 28 ,2021,the Grand Jury indicted Tyler Doughty, age 38, of Ville Platte, on the charges of Sexual Battery and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. The charges stem from an incident which occurred on or about May 14, 2021 . Arraignment on this case is set for December 2,2021, before the Honorable Judge Gary Ortego. Assistant District Attorneys, Jacob Fusilier and Stan Vidrine, represented the State in these matters and presented the cases to the Grand Jury. District Attorney, Trent Brignac, wishes to thank the members of the Grand Jury for their service, and also compliments the felony prosecutors, Jacob Fusilier and Stan Vidrine on their effort.

New Savoy Medical Center C.E.O. guest speaker at Rotary Meeting

New Savoy Medical Center C.E.O. speaks at Rotary Meeting November 2, 2021 New Savoy Medical Center C.E.O. Lance Armentor was the guest speaker at today's (Tuesday) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. He replaces former C.E.O. Gene Burge who has retired after 39 years with the hospital. Armentor, a resident of Lake Charles said his wife, Samantha is from the Ville Platte area and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. He and his wife are the parents of five children. He was the former Vice President of Operations at Oschner Medical in Lake Charles. His plans include bring additional specialists and services to Savoy Medical Center. He introduced Otis Johnson who will oversee the new "Beyond Horizons" Rehab unit. The 24 bed unit will begin accepting patients in 30 days. The new program is scheduling an open house Thursday at noon. It will be located on the second floor of Savoy Medical Center. Also attending the meeting were Savoy Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Danny LaHaye and Marketing Director Jackie Riche'.

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