Drug Arrest by Sheriff Guillory January 29, 2922 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News the following drug arrest by his deputies: Last Thursday, the sheriff office patrol division stopped a truck in the Reddell area in reference to a complaint. A search of the vehicle after an alert from their drug dog, Diego resulted in a large amount of narcotics being recovered. This led to a search warrant of the passenger's residence. Once agents entered the home, they found more narcotics and a sawed -off shotgun and dead canines. Arrested was Cody Michael Wardlaw, age 26, of Ville Platte charged with possession with intent to distribute 101 grams of Methamphetamine, possession of schedule two drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of an illegal shotgun, parole violation and cruelty to animals. Sheriff Guillory told KVPI News "Over the past 24 hours, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department has seized over two hundred grams of high grade Methamphetamine from the streets of our parish with an estimated street value of $10,000. My department will continue to work hard and diligent to clean up our parish from the plague that these drugs are causing.".

Ville Platte Man charged with Attempted Rape and Home Invasion January 27, 2022 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI, the following arrests were made by his deputies: On Wednesday, during the early morning hours, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office received a walk in complaint from a victim stating she had shot her ex-boy friend. It was reported that the shooting victim was currently being treated for two gunshot wounds at Mercy Regional Medical Center. During the investigation, authorities learned that the woman had an active restraining order against the suspect due to previous acts of domestic violence. The woman reported that the suspect broke into her residence by kicking in the front door of the residence on Monette Street in Ville Platte. Upon making entry, the suspect entered the victim's bedroom and attempted to sexually assault the victim. The victim obtained a small caliber handgun from her bedroom and shot the victim in his leg. After being shot, the suspect made an attempt in unarming the victim. During the struggle, the victim fired another shot at the suspect hitting his other leg. The suspect fled the home in his vehicle and drove to a local hospital where he was later released after being treated for his injuries. After the suspect was released from the hospital, he was taken into custody by sheriff's detectives where he denied all allegations. The suspect was later transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail where he was booked and charged with: Home Invasion, False Imprisonment, Violation of Protective Orders, Attempted Second Degree Rape, Criminal Damage to Property and Battery of a dating partner and child endangerment. No bond has ben set. Also on Wednesday the sheriff's department K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on Lanse Bleu road for a traffic violation. While the deputy was speaking to the driver, she noticed several indications of possible drug use. K-9 Diego was deployed and gave a positive alert on the truck. A search was conducted and a large amount of narcotics were recovered. This led to the following action: Joey Wayne Manuel age 40 of Mamou charged with possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams of Methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and cited for a traffic violation

South Louisiana Community College Officials visit Rotary Club January 25, 2022 The Ville Platte Rotary Club heard from the new chancellor of South Louisiana Community College, Dr. Vincent June at today's (Tuesday) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. Dr. June, a native of Georgia, said he and his staff are in the middle of a plan to re-brand South Louisiana Community College. He said many residents still refer the system as a Vo Tech, trade school, or a community college. The system has nine campuses in eight parishes. The system added two school campuses in the last few years: Acadia Technical in Crowley in 2012 and South Central Community College in St. Martin Parish in 2017. The strategic plan involves working with business and industry in each of the eight parishes to formulate the offerings each campus should offer. Currently, the Coreil Campus in Ville Platte offers: Medical Assistant, Welding, Licensed Practical Nursing, Adult Education along with two on-line courses: General Studies and Business. Among the guests with Dr. June were: Anthony Baham, Interim Vice President of Work Force and Economic Development and Carleen Jones, Campus Director of the Coreil Campus. The group were the special guests of Rotarian Nicole Wenger.

Sheriff Arrests January 20, 2022 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that a number of suspects have been arrested on various charges this past week. On Monday January 17, deputies with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff Department assisted the Eunice Police Department in reference to a motor vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect's vehicle made its way into Evangeline Parish , first in the Chataignier area and later into the City of Ville Platte. Deputies located the vehicle in the St. John Baptist Church parking lot where the pursuit continued through a number of streets driving extremely recklessly and committing multiple traffic violations. At one point, the suspect attempted to run over a deputy with his vehicle. One of the suspect's vehicle tires broke apart and the vehicle became disabled. He then fled on foot. One deputy was able to identify the suspect as Robert Smith age 30 of Ville Platte. The next day on Tuesday, deputies received a complaint about a motor vehicle theft. The victim told deputies she believed it was a Robert Smith who stole her vehicle. Detectives were able to find Smith. He was interviewed and admitted to taking the victim's vehicle. Smith was arrested and charged with aggravated flight, aggravated assault of a police officer, criminal damage to property and motor vehicle theft. Smith is being held in the Evangeline Parish Jail with a $61,250 bond. In another case, deputies were dispatched to Black Lake Road last Friday Jan. 14 in connection to a report of catalytic converter thefts. During the investigation, two suspects were identified as Billy Joe Byrd age 44 of Ville Platte and Brock Fontenot age 31 of Turkey Creek were each charged with theft and felony criminal damage to property. Bond on each was set at $27,500. In drug related cases, last Saturday January 15, the criminal patrol unit stopped a truck for a traffic violation. While speaking to the driver, deputies noticed the overwhelming smell of marijuana coming from the truck. Agents conducted a search and located marijuana and a used needle. Arrested was Mark Catoire age 53 of Pine Prairie cited for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and a traffic citation. On Tuesday, January 18 the sheriff office narcotics unit made contact with two subjects at the Best Inn motel in reference to a disturbance. While speaking to the subjects, agents said narcotics were in plain view. There were also multiple items that agents believe are stolen. The subjects were identified as Joshua Ray Swinnea age 33 charged with possession of Methamphetamine and possession of firearm with controlled dangerous substance and Donna Michelle Boyles age 35 of Columbia, Louisiana. She was charged with possession of Methamphetamine, possession of a firearm with controlled dangerous substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On Wednesday, January 19, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department patrol division stopped a motorcycle for a traffic violation. Upon approaching the driver, the driver threw a bag of suspected narcotics on the ground that was recovered by a deputy. The license plate on the motorcycle was reported stolen. The deputy on duty discovered that the motorcycle was also stolen. The driver was identified as Charles Todd Menier age 51 of Ville Plate charged with criminal trespassing, possession of Methamphetamine, possession of stolen items, possession of a stolen motorcycle, obstruction of justice and three active warrants for failure to appear in court. As always, Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff's office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 337-363-2161.

Sheriff Guillory reports to KVPI that his deputies are searching for suspects responsible for the theft of lawn and farm equipment on Beaver road. The thefts occurred on December 30. Among the items stolen included: Kubota tractor, orange and black in color, model number L4200 S/N 10242 with multiple bush hog attachments and tractor equipment; Kubota side by side camouflaged and black in color with S/N 32090, Orange and Black chainsaw, orange and black pole saw and an orange and black weed eater. Anyone with information on these stolen items, please contact the Evangeline Parish Criminal Investigations Division at 337-363-2161. The property owner is also offering a cash reward for anyone with information leading to the finding of these items and or the arrest and conviction of the subjects responsible. As always Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff's office are always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations department at 337-363-2161.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News the following drug arrests: On Thursday, January 13, the sheriff's office narcotics division executed a search warrant at a home on East Beech in Ville Platte. Upon entering the residence, there were several suspects detained without incident. A search of the residence was performed and illegal narcotics and a weapon was located. The following suspects were arrested and charged: Stacy Sylvester age 46 of Ville Platte charged with possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Joseph Paul Launey age 45 of Ville Platte charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Also on Thursday the narcotics division conducted a traffic stop on a car in the L'anse Bleu area. Upon the car stopping, a passenger attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody. Upon searching the suspect, he had a large amount of narcotics on his person. The suspect was identified as: Joseph Jermaine Charles age 33 of Ville Platte charged with Possession with intent to distribute Heroin over 8 grams, Possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine over 23 grams, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana over 35 grams, resisting an officer and probation violation

Ville Platte City Council January 11, 2022 The Ville Platte City Council, tonight (Tuesday) received a report from former Scott Mayor Purvis Morrison to implement a "Land-Use" program in the city. Morrison will work with City Attorney Eric Lafleur to prepare a map after having several community meetings to get public comment. Land-Use is an updated form of zoning which permits buffers= areas for certain businesses. The mayor and city council will announce neighborhood meetings in the near future. Morrison has been successful in helping several municipalities grow and expand through "Land-Use" planning. Casey Ardoin, with the Certified Planning Accounting firm of Kolder, Slaven and Company complimented the mayor and council on its financial report. Ardoin said his auditing firm had "a clean opinion "of the financial records. Ardoin said "The audit went very well with the city running a surplus for the last two years. Things are looking good for the city". Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine announced that free Covid testing will go on at the Civic Center Mondays and Fridays from 9:00am to 2;00pm and Covid vaccines will be offered at the Health Unit Thursdays starting at 8:30am. She also announced City Hall will be closed Monday for Martin Luther King day. Fire Chief Chris Soileau announced the fire department responded to 22 incidents during December including six structure fires, a vehicle fire, extrications, a fire related death in Chataignier and helping work that tragic car accident on I-49 where four people lost their lives. For the entire year of 2021, the fire department worked a total of 230 incidents. In other action, the city council: --watched as Mayor Jennifer Vidrine announced her Mayor Pro Tem appointment for 2022: City Councilman Bryant Riggs replacing Faye Lemoine; --watched as Mayor Vidrine appointed Hilda Edwards as new interim City Clerk; --approved a request from the Swamp Pop Museum Director Sharon Fontenot to use the Ville Platte Civic Center Monday Feb 28 to sponsor the annual Swamp Pop Reunion Dance with the stars of Swamp Pop music. Tickets will be on sale at City Hall, Swamp Pop Museum and KVPI at $25 per person. The city also approved the sale of alcohol for the benefit dance. --heard from Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue that for December his department worked 766 calls, made four arrests including 2 felony arrests and worked 35 traffic accidents. For the year 2021, the city police responded to 8678 calls, 204 citations, 195 arrests including 117 felonies and worked 377 accidents.

Evangeline Parish Police Jury Meeting January 10, 2022 The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, tonight, (Monday) elected Bryan Vidrine as new jury president replacing Ryan Williams who was elected to serve as new vice president. Williams had served as president for the past four years. In his statement, Williams said "I want to thank all the jurors for working as a team. The year 2021 was the worst year in my life because I lost my son in an accident. I want to thank my family for their support and I want to continue being a public servant." 13th Judicial District Court Judge Gary Ortego publicly announced to the jury that he is seeking the office of Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge representing District Three that was represented by the late Judge John Saunders. The district includes Evangeline and Allen Parishes and portions of St Landry, Acadia and Lafayette parishes. Ortego has been serving for the past eight years as Division A Judge in the 13th Judicial District Court. The jury approved new CDC Covid-19 employee guidelines . Jury Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron reported that the new Covid variant has been impacting office staff and road crews. The new guidelines permit an employee who tested positive can return to work after five days as long as they have no symptoms and they are not required to get a negative test before returning to work. Jurors reviewed the specific language for the tax rededication election day ballot. If voters approve the ballot measure, .62 mills of the 5.21 mills from the Library Tax and a portion of the $1.25 million dollar surplus from the Health Unit Tax will be rededicated for the housing and transportation of parish prisoners, not for the construction of a new parish jail. In a related matter, the jury voted to meet with the mayor of Ville Platte to look at the feasibility of converting the old city owned Heritage Manor nursing home into a parish jail. In other business, the police jury: ---Voted to transfer $337,634 from federal America's Rescue Plan funds to the general fund to help defray inmate housing expenses from March through September of last year; --in a close vote, the jury voted to revise its travel policy to include overnight accommodations for jurors. It took Jury President Bryan Vidrine to break the 4-4 vote to vote in favor of paying hotel stays. In the past jurors paid their own hotel rooms. --approved updating their cooperative endeavor agreement with EPAR (Every Paw Animal Rescue) after a review by its legal advisor. The changes in the agreement will permit the group to complete the construction of a parish animal shelter; --approved renaming Sandy Beach Drive "Lamar-Hill Drive" after the two late police jurors who represented the area: Lamar Johnson and Hill Johnson; --reappointed Steve Thibodeaux to another three year term and appointed Hunter Soileau to a five year term on the Evangeline Parish Fire District Two board; --received news from Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron that sales tax collections from the two percent sales tax amounted to $370,479 in November, that is a $128,000 increase over the same period a year ago.

Rollins found guilty on three out of five Counts January 10, 2022 The Evangeline Parish District Attorney's Office announced the guilty verdicts of Simple Kidnapping, Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment, and Simple Battery, rendered against Nicholas Rollins in the five day Jury trial, which ended last Friday night at approximately 7:00pm. District Attorney Trent Brignac in his statement said " Our office has always believed and fought for the survivor, Katelyn Soileau, in this matter, and will continue to fight on behalf of her and other domestic abuse victims. In the near future, our office plans to retry Nicholas Rollins on the charge of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, as the Jury was unable to reach a verdict on that particular count." District Attorney Trent Brignac would like to thank all of the jurors for their service to the criminal justice system. Brignac also complimented the efforts of Assistant District Attorneys, Jacob Fusilier and Deidra Godfrey, for their thorough preparation and presentation of the case.

Ville Platte City Council Special Meeting January 7, 2022 The Ville Platte City Council today (Friday) in a special meeting appointed Christina Sam, the wife of the late City Councilman Donald Sam to fill his seat for the remainder of his term. Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge John Larry Vidrine administered the oath of office in front of the of the mayor, city council and family. Sam was in his fourth term in office representing District E. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine called his death a "tremendous loss to the city". In other business, the city council: Approved applying for a $509,000 application for a community development block grant to make improvements to all of the city parks and to create 4-5 small pocket parks in various parts of the city. Voted to move the start of the city council meeting to 4;00pm on January 11 rather than 5;00pm.

Sheriff Arrests January 6, 2022 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News the following subjects were arrested and charged in various cases: On December 30, the Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop on a car on US 167 North. While speaking to the driver, she admitted to having narcotics hidden on her. She turned over the narcotics and gave consent to search the car. The passenger also admitted to having narcotics on him. The following subjects were arrested: Kimberly Campbell, age 37 of Turkey Creek charged with possession of Methamphetamine, traffic violation and four school attendance warrants, and Robert Lee, age 40 of Turkey Creek charged with possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine; On January 4, the sheriff's department in conjunction with the La. Department of Probation and Parole executed an arrest warrant for a female. Once the female was searched, she was found to be in possession of ecstasy pills. The subject was identified as Chasity Noel McCauley age 38 of Ville Platte. She was charged with possession of ecstasy and a probation violation; On January 5 , deputies from the Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop on a truck on US 167 South. Upon coming into contact with the driver, there were multiple signs of possible drug usage. K-9 Diego was used to conduct a sniff of the exterior of the truck and he gave a positive alert. A search of the suspect and vehicle yielded illegal drugs. Arrested was Joseph Troy Guillory age 52 of Opelousas charged with possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, possession of a firearm by a felon and four warrants for worthless checks. On January 5, the sheriff's office narcotics division in conjunction with the La. Department of Probation and Parole executed a search warrant on a residence in Ville Platte. When agents entered the home, they discovered narcotics which led to the arrest of Casey O'Neal Joseph age 30 of Ville Platte, charged with possession of Methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana, possession with intent to distribute Sublingual, possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy, possession of marijuana and possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. As always, Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff's- office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations Department at 337-363-2161.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue is asking for assistance in identifying a person of interest in recent propane thefts. If you can identify this person or recognize the vehicle you are asked to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316. Your call will remain anonymous.

Turkey Creek Police Arrests January 5, 2022 Turkey Creek Police Chief Steven Ardoin reported the following arrests to KVPI News: On October 16, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department conducted a traffic on Kelsey Kelly of Rayne in reference to a minor traffic stop. During the interview, it was learned she did not have her drivers license in her possession. It was later learned that she gave police a fictitious name during the traffic stop and that her license was in fact suspended. A warrant was issued for Mrs. Kelly on resisting an officer, forgery, identity theft, maximum speed law and suspended license. On December 22, officers with Turkey Creek Police assisted Louisiana State Police Probation and Parole with a compliance check on Matthew Johnson of Turkey Creek. Upon arrival at his home, the suspect admitted to authorities to having marijuana in his possession along with Mrs. Mary Hebert also of Turkey Creek. A thorough search of the home was conducted and nothing else was located. Both subjects were ticketed for the marijuana and released to the custody of Probation and Parole Agents. On December 24, officers with Turkey Creek Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Benny Soileau of Turkey Creek for a minor traffic violation. Authorities realized that the driver was extremely nervous with police and when asked to step away from his vehicle, he become more nervous. He gave consent for agents to search his vehicle and illegal narcotics were located. He was later placed into custody once a warrant was signed. On December 24, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department conducted a stop on a vehicle driven by Logan Primeaux of Grand Cheniere for a minor traffic violation. Upon contact with the driver, the odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle. After a search, police located about six pounds of marijuana infused edibles located along with paraphernalia and loose marijuana. He was arrested for the marijuana and transported to the parish jail for booking. On Christmas Day, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Wyatt Guillory of Ville Platte for a minor traffic violation. Officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. After a search took place, the driver was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, prohibited acts :Schedule Two Meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal carrying of weapons. He was transported to the parish jail for booking. Also on Dec. 25 Turkey Creek police stopped a vehicle driven by Christian Ardoin of Katy, Texas on a minor traffic violation. Later, police ordered him out of the vehicle and a probable cause search was conducted where illegal narcotics were located. He was issued a summons for the illegal narcotics and released without incident. Two separate arrests were conducted by Turkey Creek Police on December 26. They conducted a traffic stop on the driver, Troy Blanchard of Arkansas for a minor traffic violation. After authorities smelled a strong marijuana odor coming from the vehicle, a probable cause was conducted where illegal narcotics were located. He was issued a summons for the illegal narcotics and released without incident. Also, on the same date, Turkey Creek Police conducted a traffic stop on Kerry Gautreaux of Glenmora for a minor traffic violation. After a brief conversation, the driver admitted to having narcotics inside the vehicle and the narcotics were recovered. He was issued a summons for the narcotics and released without incident. On December 29, Turkey Creek Police conducted a traffic stop on Ashley Linzay of Ville Platte for a minor traffic violation. Once again upon contact with the driver, police could smell the odor of marijuana inside the vehicle. After a probable cause search of the vehicle, illegal narcotics were located along with drug paraphernalia. The driver was issued a summons for the narcotics and paraphernalia and released without incident. Two more incidents were reported on December 30, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department stopped a vehicle for a minor traffic violation. The passenger identified as Sarah Stiver of St. Landry. She admitted to police to having narcotics inside the vehicle. Officers retrieved the narcotics and issued her a summons. Th driver was issued a citation for the traffic violation and both subjects were released without incident. Also on December 30, Turkey Creek Police stopped a vehicle driven by Travon Malveaux of Ville Platte. Upon contact with the driver, police smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. A probably cause search was conducted and illegal narcotics were located. The driver was issued a summons for the illegal narcotics and released without incident.