Sheriff Craig Webre announced two people face criminal charges following an investigation of a former attorney attempting to bring contraband into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center. Edward “Buddy” Schertler (age 40) of Thibodaux was caught attempting to bring phones and tobacco products into the jail, but he also faces additional charges after illegal guns and drugs were found in his possession. Dwan Demere (age 37) of Galliano, who was with Schertler at the time of his arrest, also faces charges after she was found with drugs and paraphernalia in her possession.
At around 9:15 p.m. on Friday, March 4, Edward Schertler arrived at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux identifying himself as an attorney and asking to meet with a client. Schertler was carrying a briefcase, and officers asked to inspect the inside of the case for contraband. As Schertler opened the case, officers noticed a plastic bag containing four cell phones, charging devices, and tobacco products. The items were seized as contraband, and Schertler was ordered off the premises.
Through investigation, detectives learned Schertler was currently ineligible to practice law in the State of Louisiana, per the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. Following the investigation, a warrant was obtained for Schertler’s arrest for Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution. On Wednesday, March 9, detectives made contact with Schertler at his residence and placed him under arrest. Detectives then executed a search warrant at the residence and discovered 15 firearms, including a .50 caliber rifle with an obliterated serial number, as well as suspected marijuana, Suboxone, and drug paraphernalia. Detectives also discovered an outboard motor which had been reported stolen two months prior in Galliano. Detectives also discovered a woman at the residence, Dwan Demere, was found to have suspected Alprazolam and drug paraphernalia in her possession, and she was also taken into custody. Both Shertler and Demere were then transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux.
Schertler was booked on the following charges: Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution; Illegal Carrying Of Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance; Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Number; Possession of, Suboxone, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia; and Illegal Possession Of Stolen Things. He was released early Thursday morning after posting $17,500 bond.
Demere was booked with Possession of Alprazolam and Drug Paraphernalia. She was also released early Thursday morning after posting $6,000 bond.
