Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex Grand Opening Ceremony Held in Thibodaux

ribbon cutting
Sheriff Craig Webre ceremoniously cuts the ribbon & chain during the grand opening ceremony for the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office hosted a grand opening ceremony for the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on Wednesday, December 19. Over 300 people were in attendance for the event.

“Today is an historic and monumental day in the Lafourche Parish criminal justice system,” said Sheriff Craig Webre during his remarks at the ceremony. “My staff and I are forever grateful and honored to be part of and witness to what is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity: the grand opening of the new Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex.”

The new $40 million facility replaces the Lafourche Parish Detention Center which was built in 1976. The Correctional Complex can house up to 533 inmates, compared to 245 at the existing jail. The Sheriff’s Office currently plans to move inmates from the Detention Center to the new Correctional Complex in January 2019. The facility measures at approximately 125,000 square feet. Sheriff Webre stated, “While vast in size, we do not subscribe to the old adage, ‘Build it and they will come.’ Instead, the premise we subscribe to is, ‘Build it right, and they won’t come back.'”

Captain Cortrell Davis, warden at the current jail and future warden of the new Correctional Complex, was one of several individuals to address those in attendance. “We are not here to celebrate a jail… we are here to celebrate change,” said Captain Davis.

The Correctional Complex will focus on reform and rehabilitation. “For far too many years we have cycled people in and out of the revolving door of the jailhouse,” said Sheriff Craig Webre. “Some of these individuals, as a practical matter, are serving a life sentence 30 days or six months at a time.”

Matthew Block, Executive Counsel to Governor John Bel Edwards and Seth Smith, Chief of Operations for the Louisiana Department of Corrections, also provided remarks at the event. Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Bishop Shelton Fabre offered a blessing of the facility.

The facility was designed by GraceHebert Architects in cooperation with Duplantis Design Group. Yates Construction was the Construction Manager at Risk (general contractor) for the project.

MISSING PERSON: Beatrice Clark

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 31-year-old Beatrice Clark of Thibodaux. She was reported missing by family members on Saturday night, December 15. Two days earlier, on Thursday, December 13, she dropped off her three children to a relative at an apartment on Winder Road East in Thibodaux. She has not made contact with any family members since. Clark was reportedly seen on Friday, December 14 at a casino on East Bayou Road in Thibodaux. She is described as 5’1” tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with black hair. She may be driving a black Chevrolet Trailblazer. Anyone with information on Clark’s whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply call 9-1-1.

Beatrice Clark 1
Beatrice Clark 1
Beatrice Clark 2
Beatrice Clark 2

UPDATE: Two Brothers Arrested for First Degree Murder in Raceland Shooting

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two brothers have been arrested and charged with murder in connection to a shooting on December 15, 2018. Detectives arrested 34-year-old Kerry Alexander and 28-year-old Jerrell Alexander, both of Raceland, on Saturday night. They were each charged with two counts of First Degree Murder in the shooting deaths of 26-year-old Marcel Turner of Thibodaux and 23-year-old Jeremiah Ballard of Raceland. The Alexander brothers are also charged with Attempted First Degree Murder in the incident.

Just prior to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, deputies and detectives responded to a residence in the 100 block of Market Street in Raceland in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies found Marcel Turner in the garage of the residence with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators learned a second victim, Jeremiah Ballard, had also suffered gunshot wounds, and he had been taken to Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland. He later died at the hospital as a result of his injuries. A third man, in his 20s, was also found to be present during the incident, but he was not harmed.

Through investigation, detectives learned two suspects entered the garage wearing all black clothing and camouflage masks. They were brandishing firearms and demanded money. In a matter of seconds, one of the suspects began firing at the men, striking Turner and Ballard, while the third victim was able to escape.

During the course of the investigation, Kerry and Jerrell Alexander were developed as suspects in the shooting, and detectives learned they were in the Boutte area. Working with deputies from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives located the Alexanders at a restaurant and detained them. They were found wearing all black clothing. Detectives also located a bag outside the restaurant containing two handguns and camouflage masks, and witnesses saw the Alexanders with the bag prior to entering the restaurant. Detectives believe the items recovered were used in the commission of the murders.

Kerry and Jerrell Alexander were booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. They are each charged with two counts of First Degree Murder and one count of Attempted First Degree Murder. Their bonds are set at $1.25 million each.

Both men have extensive criminal histories. Kerry Alexander’s prior arrests include numerous charges for illegal weapons and drugs, as well as false representation, flight from an officer, and theft. Jerrell Alexander’s prior arrests include attempted murder, armed robberies, simple robbery,  assaults, batteries, and other charges.

The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Jerrell Alexander Jerrell Alexander
Kerry Alexander Kerry Alexander

Two Men Dead in Raceland Shooting

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two men are dead following a shooting in Raceland on Saturday, December 15. The incident occurred inside a residence in the 100 block of Market Street on Saturday afternoon. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Two male persons of interest have been detained, and two handguns were found in their possession.

This incident is actively under investigation. We will provide more details as the investigation continues.

Anyone who may have information on this case is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Man Arrested following a Pursuit from Raceland to Thibodaux

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux man following a pursuit from Raceland to Thibodaux. Jared Zeringue, 34, faces multiple charges in the incident.

At around 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on LA 308 in Raceland due to a vehicle traveling with no headlights and a stolen license plate. The driver, later identified as Jared Zeringue, failed to stop and continued northbound on LA 308. Upon entering the city limits, Thibodaux Police officers used spike strips to try to stop the driver, but Zeringue avoided the strips and continued northbound. He continued through several traffic lights and crashed into a wooded area near Leighton Quarters Road. Zeringue exited the vehicle and began to flee. Deputies began giving loud verbal commands for him to surrender, but he refused. Zeringue’s actions caused deputies to draw their firearms, and one of the deputies fired a single round in Zeringue’s direction, but no one was struck. At that point, Zeringue began complying and surrendered to deputies.

Zeringue was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. He was charged with Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Legend Drug without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, switched license plate, no driver’s license, and no headlights. His bond has not yet been set.

Jared Zeringue Jared Zeringue

Cut Off Man Found with Stolen Property at Motel

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Cut Off man found with stolen property.  Sidney Ricard, 49, has been linked to two burglaries as part of the investigation.

During the early morning hours of Thursday, December 13, detectives responded to a Golden Meadow motel in reference to deputies locating a vehicle containing several stolen items from burglaries in the South Lafourche area. Detectives identified Ricard as the suspect and obtained search warrants for the vehicle and his motel room. Detectives made contact with Ricard inside the room, and he was taken into custody without incident. Detectives located several items identified as stolen property from burglaries and were able to link Ricard to two of the burglaries.

Ricard was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. He was charged with two counts of Simple Burglary and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things. His bond is set at $25,000.

The investigation is continuing, and additional charges are possible.

Sidney Ricard
Sidney Ricard

Suspects Wanted for Fraudulent Withdrawals at Bank ATMs in South Lafourche

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of two persons wanted for thefts by fraud at local banks.

Last week, detectives began investigating a series of fraudulent withdrawals at South Lafourche area banks. Surveillance cameras showed that in November 2018, a man and woman conducted ATM transactions at several branches of a bank in the South Lafourche area. The man appeared to have several debit cards which he tried at the ATM machines. In all, several thousand dollars were fraudulently withdrawn. The suspects were traveling in a green Ford Escape with a temporary license plate.

Anyone who can identify the suspects, or anyone who may have any other information on this case, is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org.  Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Both Suspects Sl Bank Fraud
Both Suspects Sl Bank Fraud
Male Suspect Face Sl Bank Fraud
Male Suspect Face Sl Bank Fraud
Male Suspect Full Body Sl Bank Fraud
Male Suspect Full Body Sl Bank Fraud

LPSO Receives Grant from Louisiana Highway Safety Commission

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has received funding to assist with awareness and enforcement of occupant protection and impaired driving. The funding is provided through a grant by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

“This is an annual source of funding that assists with our efforts in highway safety,” said Sheriff Craig Webre. “This funding will enable us to conduct traffic strategic checkpoints and place additional deputies on the road to watch for dangers such as impaired drivers.”

The grant will provide funding for seat belt checkpoints and DWI checkpoints through September 2019. It will also provide funding for saturated patrol efforts wherein deputies will be patrolling the highways targeting impaired driving. While these efforts will continue throughout the year, there will be a special emphasis during national campaign periods such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

Golden Meadow Man Steals Ambulance from Hospital

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Golden Meadow man after he stole an ambulance from a local hospital. Rory Guidry, 33, was arrested in St. Charles Parish following the incident.

At around 10:45 p.m. on Friday, December 7, deputies responded to a report of a stolen ambulance taken from Lady of the Sea Hospital in Cut Off. Surrounding parishes were also notified, and the ambulance was stopped by St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies. They identified the driver as Rory Guidry, he was taken into custody. LPSO deputies responded and took custody of Guidry. When questioned about the incident, Guidry admitted to stealing the ambulance and told deputies he had planned to travel to the airport in Kenner and sneak onto a plane to Japan.

Guidry was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. He was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle. His bond is set at $50,000.

Rory Guidry
Rory Guidry

Free Hunter Education Field Day Slated for December 12

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Wednesday, December 12 for anyone age 10 or older who has completed the home study course. The class will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland.

As an alternative to the traditional two-day classroom course, a Home Study Course is available online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. Those who complete the home study course MUST take their completion voucher to a “Field Day” to complete their hunter education. Entry to the Field Day will be denied unless the completed forms are presented. There will be a written test required to complete the Field Day. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for the Field Day.

Firearms and ammunition should NOT be brought to this course, but snacks are permitted. For more information, or for assistance with online registration, call the LPSO Training Academy at (985) 387-4480 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email Lieutenant Nolan Smith at nolan-smith@lpso.net.

*Anyone born after September 1, 1969, who wishes to obtain a hunting license in Louisiana, must successfully complete a hunter education course. Exceptions may be granted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for active or veteran members of the United States armed services, for any P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officer, or for persons who are under the direct supervision of a person 18-years or older who is already licensed and has taken the approved course. Exceptions must be applied for and approved by Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.