Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Copper Parts Stolen from KLEB-AM Radio Transmitter Site

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating the theft of copper tubing and other parts from a local radio station’s transmitter site in Golden Meadow.

On Sunday, November 4, deputies and detectives responded to East Main Street in Golden Meadow in reference to a theft at the radio transmitter site of the KLEB-AM radio station. Investigators learned an air conditioning unit had been dismantled, and the copper parts had been removed. Copper grounding wire had also been stolen from the site. In all, investigators estimate 40-50 pounds of copper had been stolen, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.

Anyone who may have any 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.

Thibodaux Man Facing Several Narcotics Charges Following Traffic Stop

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux Man found with a variety of narcotics during a traffic stop. Audell Young, 29, faces several charges following the incident.

Just after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, narcotics agents conducted a traffic stop on a car traveling on Karla Drive in Thibodaux. The driver stopped at a residence in the 400 block of Karla Drive. Agents identified the driver as Audell Young and detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A K-9 unit arrived on scene and alerted to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, agents discovered over 105 grams of suspected marijuana. They also recovered various pills including MDMA, hydrocodone, Xanax, and a drug only available by prescription, as well as various drug paraphernalia.

As agents located the narcotics, Young attempted to flee, but he was quickly apprehended and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center for booking. During a search of his person at the Detention Center, correctional officers discovered more suspected marijuana.

Agents also obtained a search warrant for the Karla Drive residence where Young had stopped. As a result of a search of the residence, agents seized an additional 270 grams of suspected marijuana, as well as another dose of MDMA, $1,344 in cash, and a handgun.

Young was booked on charges including Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Hydrocodone, Xanax, and MDMA, as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Legend Drug, Resisting an Officer, Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution, and illegal tint. His bond is set at $55,850.

Transitional Work Program Inmate Charged with Escape after Leaving Assignment

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Transitional Program Work inmate has been charged after escaping from his work site for several hours on Thursday. David Le, 33, of Westwego is currently in custody in West Feliciana Parish.

Le was working for a marine towing company and was stationed on a boat docked along the Mississippi River in central Louisiana. He had been assigned to that boat since September 4, 2018. He was last seen by the boat captain at 2 a.m. on Thursday, November 1. When he did not rise for work, a crew member was sent to his cabin at 10 a.m., and he was not present. The crew searched the boat, but they were unable to locate Le.

At around 4 p.m. on Thursday, deputies with the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office located Le hiding in another boat approximately 200 yards from his assigned boat. He was taken into custody and booked into the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center. He is awaiting transfer to Lafourche Parish where he will be booked with Simple Escape.

Le had been assigned to the Transitional Work Program since November 2017. Le was serving time for a Simple Burglary conviction in Jefferson Parish in 2017. He was scheduled to be released in March 2021.

Thibodaux Man Arrested for Sixth DWI Offense – His Second in a Month

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux man has been charged with his second DWI offense in one month. This is the third DWI offense for Craig Uggen, 58, since 2011 and his sixth overall.

At around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, a deputy was at a convenience store on LA Highway 3185 in Thibodaux when he observed Uggen drive up to the store. The deputy knew Uggen had a suspended driver’s license because he had arrested him for DWI on October 1, 2018. After Uggen walked into the store, he approached the cashier’s counter where the deputy was standing. The deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Uggen’s breath, and he was exhibiting signs of possible intoxication. The deputy followed Uggen outside and made contact with him. Uggen submitted to a field sobriety test on which he performed poorly. A breathalyzer test showed him to have a blood alcohol content of .260g%.

In addition to his arrest in October, Uggen had also been charged with a (DWI 4th Offense) in February 2011. Per Louisiana R.S. 14:98, Uggen was arrested and charged with DWI (3rd Offense) due to this being his third offense in a ten-year period. He was also charged with driving under suspension. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux, and his bond is set at $10,500.

MISSING TEEN: Ethan Hansel

UPDATE: Ethan Hansel has been found and is safe.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Ethan Hansel of Galliano. He was last seen at around 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, when he left his foster parents’ residence on West 177th Street in Galliano. Ethan is described as 5’6” tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a Golden Meadow Middle School hooded sweatshirt and black jogging pants. Anyone with information on Ethan’s whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply call 9-1-1.

Two Arrested after Stealing Cash Box at Youth Center

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two people were arrested for stealing a cash box from a local youth center during a bingo game. Keras Jackson, 26, of Thibodaux and Damarcus Caine, 19, of Larose were both arrested following the incident.

Just before 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, deputies responded to a robbery at a Cut Off Youth Center. Two subjects, later identified as Jackson and Caine, entered the facility, approached a table selling bingo cards, and stole a cash box. Several workers at the center chased after the suspects but were unable to catch up to them. They were able to obtain a license plate on the suspects’ vehicle. Deputies were also able to review surveillance video to obtain a description of the suspects.

Through investigation, deputies identified Caine and Jackson as the suspects. Deputies made contact with both subjects later that night and questioned them about the incident. Both admitted to their involvement in the crime.

Jackson and Caine were arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on one count each of Simple Robbery. Their bonds were set at $10,000 each. Caine was released Thursday afternoon after posting bond.

Sheriff Webre Announces 2018 Halloween Patrol Plans and Offers Safety Tips

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies will conduct the annual Blue Light Special patrol on Halloween in order to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. More than 100 deputies will patrol the streets of Lafourche Parish neighborhoods beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31. This patrol will continue until at least 8:30 p.m. during the peak hours of trick-or-treating. Deputies will patrol with emergency lights activated to remind motorists to drive slowly and exercise extreme caution as children take to the streets.

“In what has become our annual tradition, every deputy assigned a vehicle will fan out across the parish to ensure a safe night for trick-or-treaters,” said Sheriff Webre. Adults are encouraged to keep a close watch for all children and report any incidents or suspicious activity to a nearby deputy or by calling us directly.”

Sheriff Webre offers these Halloween safety tips:

Make your child’s costume distinguishable and safe. Ensure your child can easily walk in the costume and that the fabric is flame retardant. Use glow bracelets/sticks, reflective tape, and flashlights. With store-bought costumes, change or add something to make your child distinguishable from others.
Maintain proper supervision for your children. We strongly urge parents to supervise their own children. If you must entrust your child to another adult, obtain up-to-date contact information. If they are headed out with a group, make sure there is a buddy system in place.
Stay off your smartphone. Adults should be ever-vigilant while supervising children, and no one should be walking along the roadside while looking down or distracted. Carry a standard flashlight instead of draining your smartphone battery by attempting to use the built-in light.
Inspect all treats collected. Discard anything that is not sealed, has torn packaging, looks questionable, or could be a choking hazard.
Talk to your children about safety. Remind them to walk (don’t run) on sidewalks or near the edge of the roadway – never in the center and always facing traffic. Remind them to stay in front of residences giving out candy and NEVER enter a residence. Have a plan for in case you and your child get separated. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes for trick-or-treaters. Clear sidewalks and pathways of any obstacles, and put away anything children could trip over such as hoses, toys, or yard decorations. Turn on your lights so your property is well-lit, and replace any burnt bulbs prior to Halloween. Secure pets so that they will not attack or frighten anyone.

Motorists are encouraged to keep travel to a minimum on Halloween night due to a high number of pedestrians on neighborhood streets. Those who must be on the roads are encouraged to drive cautiously and be alert for children, especially in residential areas. “While it’s always a best practice to eliminate all driving distractions such as smartphones or the radio, we encourage drivers to pay special attention to their driving on Halloween night with so many children present,” said Sheriff Webre. “Children are excited and may move in unpredictable ways.”

Deputies will also be conducting compliance checks for sex offenders on Halloween night. Sex offenders are restricted from wearing masks or handing out candy or gifts on a holiday such as Halloween. Deputies will visit sex offenders in Lafourche Parish to verify they are complying with the terms of their sentences.

Suspect Sought in Raceland Vehicle Burglaries

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are seeking to identify a suspect in multiple vehicle burglaries in the Raceland area.

On October 19, 2018, detectives began investigating a string of burglaries and attempted burglaries of vehicles along Aspen Drive and Elm Drive in Raceland. An unidentified male suspect was captured on several surveillance cameras burglarizing or attempting to burglarize vehicles on those streets. The suspect is believed to be a Hispanic male or a light-skinned black male, approximately 5’10” to 6’0” tall, and of medium build. He was wearing a hooded shirt with shorts and dark-colored slide sandals.

Anyone who may be able to identify the suspect, or anyone with 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.

Raceland Burglaries Suspect View 1 10192018 — Raceland Burglaries Suspect View 1

Raceland Burglaries Suspect View 2 10192018 — Raceland Burglaries Suspect View 2

Three Arrested for Impersonating a Detective in Extortion Scam

Sheriff Craig Webre announced three people were arrested for an extortion scam in which they impersonated a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office detective. Brothers James Tardo, 27, and Jordan Tardo, 26, both of Thibodaux, were arrested along with Katie McKee, 19, of Napoleonville.

Through investigation, detectives learned that a man met McKee on a dating site. The two met in person several weeks ago, and McKee later sent nude photos to the man. The man later received messages from an individual claiming to be an LPSO detective, stating that McKee was actually only 16 years old. In an effort to avoid charges, the person impersonating the detective told the man to bring several hundred dollars to the Tardos’ residence on St. Charles Bypass Road. Detectives observed text messages and listened to phone conversations wherein a male subject claimed to be an LPSO detective. That phone number was linked to Jordan Tardo.

Investigators arranged to have the man meet McKee at a public location on the afternoon of Monday, October 22. Instead, detectives arrived at the location and made contact with McKee and Jordan Tardo. They were both taken into custody. At the residence, investigators made contact with James Tardo, and he was in possession of the phone used to impersonate the detective. Investigators learned this phone was used by both Tardo brothers.

All three were booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. They were charged with one count each of Extortion and False Personation of a Peace Officer. Bond amounts for the Tardos were set at $200,000 each. McKee’s bond was set at $40,000.

The Tardo brothers have extensive criminal histories. Each has been arrested more than a dozen times in Lafourche Parish for various charges.

Further investigation revealed there are likely additional victims of similar scams perpetrated by McKee and the Tardos. Anyone who has fallen victim to a similar extortion scam is asked to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 532-4326.

UPDATE: Two Suspects Now Sought for Shoplifting Over $5,000 in Merchandise

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a second suspect is now being sought in a department store theft which occurred earlier this month in which over $5,000 in merchandise was stolen. Detectives are now seeking a female and a male suspect in the case, and a reward is being offered for information leading to any arrests.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on October 8, 2018, deputies responded to a theft complaint at the Walmart Supercenter located at 16759 Highway 3235 in Cut Off. Upon reviewing surveillance footage, deputies learned that on October 6, a woman had attempted to pay for over $5,000 of merchandise and a $300 gift card using a credit card which was denied. At one point, she distracted the cashier and left the store with the merchandise without paying for it. Deputies have also learned the woman later returned the merchandise to stores and attempted to use the gift card, all at stores in the Baton Rouge area.

Upon further investigation, detectives discovered a second suspect – a male subject – was with the woman at the time of the theft. He entered and exited the store separately from her. They were traveling in a dark-colored sedan.

Anyone who can identify either of 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.

Original Release: https://wp.me/p7y3w9-2GB