Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct a seat belt checkpoint during the daytime hours of Thursday, November 30, 2017, in Lafourche Parish. During the checkpoint, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as for proper inspection tags and insurance. These weekly checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists.
Free Hunter Education Classes Scheduled for December
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Classroom Course and a Hunter Education Field Day in December for anyone ages 10 or older.
CLASSROOM COURSE:
The traditional “Classroom Course” is a two-day course covering topics such as hunter responsibility and ethics, how firearms work and firearms safety, survival and first aid skills, firearm handling skills and hunting techniques, wildlife identification, game care, and information related to wildlife conservation and management. The next Classroom Course will be offered Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 17, 2017. The first day will be the classroom portion from 8am to 5pm at the Lafourche Parish Government Mathews Complex, located at 4876 Highway 1. The class will resume the following day from 8am to 11am at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. Participants must attend BOTH days of the class and pass a written and practical exam to be certified. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for this course.
FIELD DAY:
As an alternative to the two-day 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. The next Field Day will be offered on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range. 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 any of the courses, but snacks are permitted. For more information, or for assistance with online registration, call the LPSO Training Academy at (985) 387-4480 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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.
Thibodaux Man Arrested for Molestation of a Juvenile
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Christopher Williamson (age 37) of Thibodaux. Williamson was arrested Monday for molestation of a juvenile.
An investigation into Williamson began over the weekend when an adult victim came forward with allegations of molestation that began over 10 years ago. The victim was under the age of 13 at the time of the initial incident. Following an investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Williamson’s arrest.
Detectives made contact with Williamson on Monday, November 20. He was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. He was booked with Molestation of a Juvenile under 13 Years of Age. His bond is set at $100,000.
Due to the nature of the crime, no further details will be made available.
Sheriff Webre Offers Safety Tips Ahead of the Busy Holiday Shopping Season
As the holiday season approaches, Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is offering safety tips for consumers to protect themselves while shopping at stores and online. Thanksgiving week is often regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, and retail outlets traditionally advertise significant price cuts and other deals in order to lure multitudes of consumers. Unfortunately, these deals, in conjunction with the increased number of shoppers, tend to attract criminals as well.
“While some of us make take some time off during the holidays, criminals do not,” said Sheriff Webre. “We will certainly continue to do our job to keep the community safe. If you remain vigilant of your surroundings, minimize distractions, and use common sense, you can help us protect you and your family from being victimized.”
To help ensure a joyous holiday season, deputies are already conducting extra patrols in and around shopping centers and retail outlets, and those will continue throughout the holidays. Sheriff Webre encourages everyone to utilize these safety tips when shopping at a store:
- Be smart about parking. Lock your vehicles and park in well-lit, well-traveled areas away from large objects which can serve as hiding places. Never hide a second set of keys in a vehicle, and never leave a vehicle running or unattended.
- Keep purchases out of sight. Hide all purchases in your trunk or with blankets, and save the most expensive purchases for last. Change parking locations each time you return to your vehicle in case thieves are watching.
- Locate your keys before arriving at your vehicle. Do not make more purchases than you are able to carry, and never put bags down to open a door. Check the backseat before entering your vehicle. Upon entering, lock your doors immediately.
- Stay off your phone while walking to your vehicle. Your phone can distract you from your surroundings as well as your purchases. Thieves may use this distraction to target purchases or even the phone itself.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists may try various ways to distract your attention with the intention of stealing your money or belongings. Be wary of anyone approaching you needing “quick cash” or offering you a large check for a smaller amount of cash. You’ll likely end up holding a bad check.
- Avoid shopping alone, but leave children with a sitter if possible. Criminals are more likely to target someone shopping alone than those with one or more people accompanying them. Children can actually hinder your own safety efforts by diverting your attention.
- Carry a minimal amount of cash. If you must carry cash, keep cash in your front pocket instead of a wallet or purse. If withdrawing cash from an ATM, only withdraw the amount needed and shield the keypad from bystanders when entering your pin.
If shopping online, be sure to only make secure online transactions. Ensure the website address begins with “https” or look for the secure icon in the address bar. Type the address of the website instead of clicking a link in order to avoid phishing scams. Only shop with companies you know and trust, and if you must shop from a mobile device, use your cell network instead of public Wi-Fi. When scheduling packages for delivery, ensure it will be delivered to a person at home or opt to pick up the package at a store.
All shoppers should save all receipts and order confirmations as these are key in tracking down stolen property. If your credit card is lost, stolen or misused, immediately notify your credit card issuer. If you know your card to have been stolen or if fraudulent charges appear on your account, you should also contact the Sheriff’s Office to file a complaint. If possible, consumers are encouraged to always monitor online banking records for fraudulent activity, especially during the holiday season.
Once your purchases have made it to your home, you can continue to minimize the risk of theft by following these precautions:
- Always keep your home’s doors locked, and don’t forget to secure windows as well.
- Ensure merchandise and gifts are not visible from outside the residence by keeping blinds and curtains closed.
- Break down large boxes for high-value items instead of placing them near the roadside.
- Place all trash in black or dark-colored garbage bags before placing into a trash receptacle.
- Avoid any social media posts indicating you are not home.
- When out of town for an extended period, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house daily, picking up any mail and newspapers to avoid the appearance that no one is home.
Citizens are also advised to be wary of phone scams, especially for fake charities, which tend to occur during the holiday season. Always attempt to verify a charity by researching online, and NEVER give personal or financial information over the phone to an incoming caller.
Thibodaux Fugitive Arrested after He Was Caught Burglarizing Storage Unit
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux fugitive was arrested Friday after burglarizing a storage unit at an apartment complex. Patrick Price (age 34) had multiple outstanding warrants and faces new charges stemming from the incident.
At around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17, deputies were dispatched to a burglary in progress at the Bayou Reserve Apartments on Talbot Avenue in Thibodaux. Upon arrival, deputies learned a man, later identified as Price, was found to be taking a power tool from a storage unit. The owner of the unit confronted Price and took the tool from him, and Price fled the scene on a bicycle. Deputies searched the nearby area in an attempt to locate Price who also had several active warrants for his arrest. Deputies located Price on Eagle Drive, and upon seeing deputies, Price began to flee on foot. He ran into a residence without permission in the 1500 block of Eagle Drive. Deputies entered the residence and took Price into custody without further incident. Deputies learned Price had broken a bed inside the residence while attempting to hide from deputies.
Price had outstanding warrants stemming from a January 2017 incident wherein an argument with a family member turned physical. During the altercation, Price brandished a shovel and began striking the windshield of a vehicle and struck the family member in the arm with the shovel. Price also had outstanding warrants for theft from incidents with Thibodaux Police in October 2016 and January 2017.
Following his arrest, Price was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked with Simple Burglary, Resisting an Officer, Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property. He was additionally booked on warrants for violations of probation and parole, Aggravated Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Felony Simple Criminal Damage to Property, and Domestic Abuse with Child Endangerment. He was also booked on warrants for Felony Theft of Goods and Misdemeanor Theft of Goods for Thibodaux City Court, and he was booked as a fugitive of Assumption Parish for Contempt of Court. His bond is set at $83,500, but he is being held without bond due per the parole violation warrant.
Donations Being Accepted for 2017 Christmas Bicycle Giveaway
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is preparing for its annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway and Sheriff Craig Webre is reminding residents that donations are still being accepted. More than 4,100 bicycles have been distributed to needy children of Lafourche Parish and Grand Isle through the program now in its 24th year. In 2016, 300 bikes were delivered to children throughout Lafourche Parish. Donations are accepted year-round, and used bicycles are refurbished and repaired by inmate workers.
Sheriff Webre asks that any bicycles donated at this time be either brand new or in need of only minor repairs due to the giveaway taking place around mid-December. Monetary donations are also accepted, and checks should be made payable to the Lafourche Deputies Association with the words “Bike Giveaway” in the memo line. Bicycles and monetary donations may be dropped off at any Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office location through the parish.
“This program is only possible thanks to generous citizens who donate cash and bikes for the program,” said Sheriff Webre. “For anyone considering helping a less fortunate family during the holidays, please consider donating to the program. In some cases, this may be the most significant gift, or the only gift, each of these children will receive this Christmas.”
Beginning in December, anyone who knows of a family in need with a child who would enjoy receiving a bicycle this Christmas can submit the child’s name, age, gender, address, phone number, and other qualifying information. To submit a child’s name for consideration, please contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 632-4882 beginning next month. Due to high demand, requests should be limited to no more than two bicycles per family.
RUMOR CONTROL: White Sticker or Dot on Windshield
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre wishes to inform the public on the truth behind a recent social media rumor involving a white dot or sticker found on a vehicle windshield. The rumor suggests that these are used by sex traffickers to target certain vehicles and families. The reality, though, is this is a common practice used by companies providing services to car dealerships. There is currently NO intelligence or evidence to suggest these dots and stickers are being used by sex traffickers.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has confirmed local car dealerships in Lafourche and Terrebonne utilize service companies to photograph vehicles for their websites. At least one company uses small, white, rectangular stickers to track which vehicles have already been photographed. These particular stickers are weatherproof and water-resistant meaning they would likely remain on the vehicle even after several washings. Physically removing the sticker from the windshield is the only way to remove it. Similar tactics are used by other companies who service vehicles at dealerships. Instead of a sticker, some use dabs of paint, for example.
“We have received calls from several concerned citizens after finding a sticker on their vehicle after reading the rumor on social media,” said Sheriff Webre. “The reality is the sticker or dot is inconspicuous enough that you likely haven’t noticed it.”
“While we have found the source of this rumor, we are not suggesting anyone let your guard down,” added Sheriff Webre. “All citizens would be wise to be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when you are with your family, and especially during the holiday shopping season ahead. We’re simply informing you there is no evidence to suggest there is any truth to these rumors.”
UPDATE: Third Suspect Wanted in Marydale Shooting
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a third person is wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred on October 31 in the Marydale community in Thibodaux. George Ward (age 28) of Thibodaux is wanted for attempted murder in the incident. Deondre Holmes (age 23) and Jovonta Johnson (age 24), both of Thibodaux, have been previously arrested.
At around 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, deputies responded to a reported shooting in the Marydale community in Thibodaux. Upon arrival, deputies discovered several spent bullet casings on Carol Street, and they discovered an abandoned gray sedan with bullet holes and shattered glass on Plymouth Street. Through investigation, detectives learned Ward and his sister were sitting in the gray sedan parked in the 400 block of Carol Street. Holmes and Johnson, traveling in a white sedan, approached from the rear. Shots were reportedly fired by occupants of both vehicles. One of the rounds struck the woman in the right thigh, and one round struck Johnson in the head. The female victim drove the gray sedan to Plymouth Street, and she was then transported to the hospital. Holmes had also driven Johnson to the hospital. Both the woman and Johnson were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives initially obtained arrest warrants for Holmes and Johnson and they were arrested and booked with Attempted Second Degree Murder. Bond is set at $150,000 each, and both are being held for Louisiana Probation and Parole.
Detectives have now obtained a warrant for George Ward for Attempted Second Degree Murder. Anyone with information on his whereabouts 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.
The investigation into this incident is continuing.
2017 Tax Notices Being Sent to Property Owners
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has begun the process of mailing out 52, 020 tax notices to Lafourche Parish property owners. Of that number, 11,590 are homestead exempt and owe no taxes. A total of $120,568,870.32 in property taxes are now due and can be paid online, in person, or by mail. These taxes help fund all aspects of public service in the parish such as roads, drainage, levees, law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, ambulance services, schools, and recreation.
Payments can be made in full online at www.LPSO.net/PayMyTaxes or mailed to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at P.O. Box 5608, Thibodaux, LA 70302. Full payments via cash, credit card, debit card, check, or money order can also be made at the LPSO Administrative Office (200 Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux) and at the South Lafourche Sub-station (102 West 91st Street, Cut Off). A surcharge will apply for all card payments. For added convenience, customers of the following banks may pay their taxes at any Lafourche branch of their bank through December 31, 2017: First American Bank, South Lafourche Bank, State Bank & Trust, United Community Bank, and Whitney Bank.
Property taxes are due by December 31, 2017 and unpaid taxes become delinquent on January 1, 2018. Per state law, delinquent taxes accrue interest at a rate of 1% per month until paid. Beginning on April 1, 2018, the collection company will assess an additional 10% collection fee for the unpaid amount.
For those unable to pay in full by December 31, 2017, partial payments can be made by mail or at LPSO offices only. Each partial payment must be at least 25% of the total amount of property tax due, and the first partial payment must be made prior to December 31, 2017. The remaining unpaid amount is still subject to the 1% monthly penalty per state law, as well as the 10% collection fee which will be added if any unpaid amount remains as of April 1, 2018.
All unpaid taxes will also accrue additional costs associated with the tax sale. If property is sold at the tax sale, the property owner is subject to loss of the homestead exemption. Property sold at the tax sale may be redeemed up to three years from the date the property is sold, but per state law, a 5% penalty will apply as well as a monthly interest rate of 1%. The owner must contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to redeem the property.
The current property owner is responsible for all taxes due. Anyone who purchased property in 2017 may not receive a tax bill due to it being sent to the previous owner. Homeowners should check with their mortgage company before paying a bill to avoid double payment. Property owners should direct related questions to the Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office at (985) 447-7242.
For more information about tax payments, property owners can contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 449-4431 or via the website at www.LPSO.net.
Concealed Handgun Course Slated for Saturday, December 16
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until approximately 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. The actual ending time will vary due to class size.
The course will include the following:
- One hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol.
- One hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting.
- Three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution. (Includes a review of R.S. 14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force)
- One hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions.
- One hour of instruction on child access prevention.
- Two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures. Live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds.
- Must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.
- Must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of an NRA B-27 type silhouette target with 36 rounds.
The cost for the course is $110, and advance registration is suggested due to limited class size. This course is a pre-requisite for those applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit from the State of Louisiana. CLICK HERE to register online for the course, or for more information, please contact Captain Lafate Day at (985) 449-4485 or by email at lafate-day@lpso.net.
Participants will need to bring 50 rounds of ammunition, eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are sufficient), and ear protection (muffs or plugs).