Suspicious Person Call Leads to Four Arrests for Drugs, Firearms, and Counterfeit Bills

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced four people were arrested after a call of a suspicious person led narcotics agents to find drugs, counterfeit money, and firearms at a Thibodaux residence. Melissa Stelly, 29, of Houma and Joshua Hyatt, 28, of Livingston were arrested as well as Cory Besson, 26, and Brandon Sims, 25, both of Thibodaux.

At around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, deputies and narcotics agents responded to a call of a suspicious person complaint in the area of Recreation Drive in Raceland. Upon arrival, the subject, identified as Brandon Sims, was found to be sleeping with a large knife near his feet. In speaking to Sims, agents found him to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and nearly $1,000 of counterfeit bills. Through further investigation, agents believed additional drugs and counterfeit bills could be present at Sims’ residence, and they obtained a search warrant.

Agents traveled to Sims’ residence on Manchester Manor Road in Thibodaux. There, they made contact with Cory Besson, Melissa Stelly, and Joshua Hyatt. During a search of the residence, agents seized additional counterfeit bills ($3,970 total), as well as several items used in the production of the bills. Agents also seized 5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 32 clonazepam pills, all of which appeared to be prepared for distribution. They also discovered MDMA, amphetamines, a shotgun, a revolver, and various drug paraphernalia.

All four were arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. Each was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Monetary Instrument Abuse. The bonds on Sims and Besson were set at $76,000 each.

Stelly was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Clonazepam, Possession of MDMA and Amphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Her bond is set at $86,000.

Hyatt was additionally charged with Possession of MDMA, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. His bond is set at $136,000.

Brandon Sims
Brandon Sims
Cory Besson
Cory Besson
Joshua Hyatt
Joshua Hyatt
Melissa Stelly
Melissa Stelly
Suspicious Person Call Leads to Four Arrests for Drugs, Firearms, and Counterfeit Bills