Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Lionel Winston Jr. (age 45) of Schriever following an investigation into contractor fraud. In April, deputies responded to the initial complaint from a Thibodaux resident who had contracted Winston to perform renovation work at the residence. The resident initially paid Winston $45,000 for labor and materials for the work. Winston initially performed some of the work but had not finished. He last performed work on March 31, 2017. Detectives discovered Winston had no state contractor’s license, nor had he applied for one, and they also learned he had not applied for any parish permits to complete the work. Due to failing to possess a contractor’s license, detectives obtained a warrant for Winston’s arrest for residential contractor fraud. Then, on Friday, September 8, deputies made contact with Winston on a traffic stop in Thibodaux. He was arrested on the aforementioned warrant, as well as another for contempt of court. He was booked accordingly into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux where his bond is set at $55,000.
The family of Courtney Curole Prevost accepts the Sheriff’s Star on her behalf. Front row, (left to right): her children, Kegan, Bethany and Reese. Back row: husband, Sgt. Todd Prevost, and Sheriff Craig Webre.
Courtney Curole Prevost, who passed away in December 2016 after a battle with leukemia, was posthumously honored by Sheriff Craig Webre as this year’s recipient of the Sheriff’s Star at the 2017 Lafourche Pride Awards on Saturday. Prevost’s husband, Sergeant Todd Prevost, and their children accepted the award, considered one of the highest honors at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Prevost, who was also meritoriously promoted to the rank of Captain, was one of 65 individuals honored during the awards program which took place on Saturday, September 9 at Nicholls State University.
In another significant moment of the program, several individuals and agencies were recognized for the response, investigation, and prosecution in the Lockport triple homicide which occurred in November 2012. Eight current and former detectives received distinguished service medals for their efforts in the investigation. Members of the Jefferson Parish Crime Lab were recognized for their efforts in DNA analysis. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tim Scanlan made glowing remarks about the work of LPSO investigators, as well as the efforts of District Attorney Cam Morvant and his staff, who were also honored. The Lockport Volunteer Fire Department, and LPSO’s Detention Division, Judicial Services Division, and Police Social Services Section were all recognized for their efforts. Several invididuals were also commended for their efforts at the scene and during the trial, including Lieutenant John Champagne, Lieutenant Josh Champagne, Deputy Mike Collason, retired detective sergeants Baron Cortopassi and Robert “Bubba Trotti, and former narcotics agents, Reserve Deputy Jay Watkins and Trooper Justin Leonard.
Triple Homicide Investigation & Prosecution
Several other individuals were honored with Distinguished Service Awards, including Captain Milfred Zeringue, Lieutenant Michael Beck, Sergeant Gabe Leblanc, Deputy Stephen Schieffler, Deputy Phillip Guidry, Gail Meyers, and former correctional officer, Evans Adams. In other presentations, Deputy Brittany Peterson was presented with the Purple Heart for being injured by a passing car during a traffic stop, and Deputy “Jac” Culver was presented a Humanitarian Award for his generous donations. Additionally, Deputy Paul Lamkins and Angela Labat were recognized as Lafourche Deputies Association Outstanding Members of the Year.
Fifteen deputies and citizens received lifesaving medals. Paul Danos (age 19) of Cut Off was recognized for saving the life of an infant, and 10-year-old Tristian Hartman received a medal for saving his father’s life after he went into a diabetic coma. Grady Gaubert was also honored for saving the life of Verdie Knoblock who had collapsed in his office in February 2017. Others receiving lifesaving medals included Major Dean Savoie, Major Roy Gros, Deputies Phillip Guidry, Walter Theriot, Moe Verdin, Lance Leblanc, Brandon Baudoin, and Delaune Boudreaux, as well as Lt. Mark Adams along with his wife, Kelli, and his son, Austin.
Ten retirees were also honored for their service. Retired Lieutenant Danny Eschete was honored for his 33 years of service, and retired Sergeant Susan Landry was recognized for 20 years of service. Also in attendance were Mike Cuneo (10 years) and Shelly Savoie (7 years). Baron Cortopassi (25 years) and his wife, Christine (21 years), were recognized, as well as Wanda Wawrose (24 years), Michael Leclair (17 years), Katherine Leblanc (15 years), and Gerald Soderstrum (10 years).
During a special presentation, Master Reserve Deputy Herb Theriot Jr. was honored with a meritorious promotion to the rank of Captain in the Reserve Division. Captain Theriot has served the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office for over 44 years, beginning in July 1973. He continues to teach First Aid and CPR to employees as part of annual re-certifications, and he is a member of the distinguished LPSO Honor Guard.
Individuals from Bollinger Shipyards and Raceland Ag Service were commended for their generosity to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Field Training Officers in the Patrol Division received commendations for training a total of 60 new patrol deputies during a two-and-a-half-year span. Narcotics agents and other deputies received certificates of commendation for their work in three cases in which over $135,000 in narcotics was seized. Others receiving individual certificates of commendation included, Detective Elizabeth Leon, Deputy Jared Page, Reserve Sergeant Shawn Waguespack, Pam Guedry, Onda Templeton, and K-9 Mako.
ABOUT LAFOURCHE PRIDE:
The Lafourche Pride Awards are held annually to recognize and honor Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees and local citizens for feats of bravery, exceptional work, and dedication to public service. The Lafourche Deputies Association sponsors and organizes the program through the financial support of its members who are employees of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Craig Webre utilizes this annual event to publicly honor employees and civilians who perform commendable work, save someone’s life, or perform their job in a distinguished and commendable manner.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Patrick Boudreaux (age 60) of Cut Off on Friday, September 8. At around 1:15 p.m. on Friday, deputies responded to a department store located on LA Highway 3235 in Cut Off in reference to a former employee making threats. Upon arrival, deputies learned Patrick Boudreaux had called the store a few minutes earlier and threatened to kill everyone at the store. Boudreaux was apparently angry due to an incident the previous day resulting in him being banned from the store. Boudreaux spoke to a manger by phone telling the manager to evacuate the store because he was on his way. Following an investigation, deputies obtained a warrant for Boudeaux’s arrest. Deputies then made contact with Boudreaux at his residence, and he was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux where he was booked with Terrorizing per the warrant. His bond has been set at $25,000.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a 15-year-old Thibodaux girl missing since Thursday has been found safe, and a 24-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident. Mariah Adams was found safe on Friday, and Paul Lirette of Raceland is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and failing to report information about a missing child.
Juvenile detectives began searching for Adams during the early morning hours of Thursday, September 7, when Adams was found to have left her residence on Ledet Drive in Thibodaux. Through investigation, detectives learned Adams had previous contact with Paul Lirette. Detectives contacted Lirette about Adams, but he denied any knowledge of her whereabouts.
Then at around 4 p.m. on Friday, September 8, investigators learned that two people matching Lirette’s and Adams’ description were seen near LA 1 in Thibodaux. Deputies proceeded to the location and discovered Lirette and Adams.
Lirette was arrested and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux where he was booked with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile and communicating false information about a missing child (R.S. 14:403.3). His bond has not yet been set.
UPDATE (9/8/17 4:45 p.m.) – Juvenile has been located and is safe.
MISSING – Mariah Adams
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Mariah Adams of Thibodaux. Adams was last seen at her residence on Ledet Drive at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, and left the residence at some point overnight. She was last seen wearing an Aeropostale shirt, multi-colored shorts, and sandals. Adams is described as 5’3” tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds. She has burgundy-colored, shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information on Adams’ whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply call 9-1-1.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Charles Hebert (age 35) of Galliano on Wednesday. Hebert is charged with First Degree Rape of a juvenile.
In mid-August, juvenile detectives opened an investigation after a victim came forward with allegations of being raped by Charles Hebert. The victim claimed being raped multiple times with the first instance occurring approximately 13 years ago when the victim was a juvenile. Following an investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Hebert’s arrest. Then, on Wednesday, September 6, deputies made contact with Hebert and he was arrested on the active warrant.
Hebert was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux on the charge of First Degree Rape. His bond is set at $100,000.
Hebert was out on bond from an arrest on February 21, 2017, for sexual battery of a teenage girl. He had been released on August 16 after posting $30,000 bond.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Classroom Course and a Hunter Education Field Day in September 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, September 23 through Sunday, September 24, 2017. The first day will be the classroom portion from 8am to 5pm at the Lafourche Parish Government Complex, located at 4876 Highway 1 in Mathews. 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 Tuesday, September 26, 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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux man wanted for the murder of a 29-year-old Raceland man has surrendered to deputies. Brhian Thomas (age 37) has been booked on a warrant for Second Degree Murder in the shooting death of Deeric Raymond which occurred early Monday morning.
At around 1:25 a.m. on Monday, September 4, deputies responded to a shooting in Solar Trailer Park in Thibodaux. Upon arrival, deputies located Raymond sitting in a car with a gunshot wound on the right side of his torso. He was transported to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center for treatment where he passed away a short time later. Through investigation, detectives learned Thomas and another man were involved in a physical altercation when Raymond attempted to intervene and break up the fight. After the two were separated, Thomas brandished a handgun and fired multiple rounds, one of which struck Raymond. Thomas fled the scene following the incident.
Thomas turned himself in at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on Wednesday afternoon, and he was booked with one count of Second Degree Murder. His bond is set at $500,000.
Detectives say the investigation into the incident is continuing, and additional charges are possible.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Golden Meadow Chief of Police Reggie Pitre announced the arrest of Murray Hebert Jr. (age 34) of Golden Meadow on Sunday, September 3. Hebert was arrested following a domestic incident wherein he struck a woman and children and doused the woman with gasoline.
At around 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, Golden Meadow Police officers responded to LA Highway 1 near Leonard Street in reference to a call of a domestic incident. Officers made contact with a woman, who had gasoline on her clothing and in her hair, and she had small children with her. Officers learned the woman had been involved in a verbal altercation with Murray Hebert Jr. when he poured gasoline on her. The woman retreated into the residence, but Hebert followed and punched her multiple times in the head. As the woman’s children attempted to intervene, Hebert punched each of them as well. Officers also learned of another incident earlier in the day wherein a verbal altercation led to Hebert grabbing the woman around her throat causing her to have trouble breathing. The victim was eventually transported to Lady of the Sea General Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, officers learned Hebert was in possession of a firearm, and they located it inside the residence.
Later, at around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies learned Hebert was seen on Joan Ann Drive in Cut Off. As deputies arrived on scene, they immediately observed Hebert. He was surrounded and taken into custody. Deputies found Hebert to be in possession of four small bags containing a total of 38 hydrocodone pills.
Hebert was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux where he was booked with Domestic Abuse Battery, Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Strangulation, Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment, Cruelty to Juveniles with Force or Violence, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone. He was also booked on an outstanding warrant for Simple Criminal Damage to Property. His bond has not yet been set.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced nine individuals were charged with driving while intoxicated over the Labor Day weekend. The charges come as a result of increased patrol efforts through the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which concluded over the weekend.
At around 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, deputies initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle traveling on LA 1 in Mathews. The driver, identified as Jake Orgeron (age 23) of Lockport, was showing signs of possible impairment, and he admitted to taking prescription medications and smoking crystal meth prior to driving. He performed poorly on a field sobriety test, and a breathalyzer test showed him to have a blood alcohol level of .000g%. Deputies obtained a warrant to test Orgeron’s blood, and the results are pending at the State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge. Orgeron was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine. He was arrested and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked with DWI (1st Offense), Possession of Methamphetamine, texting while driving, improper lane usage, and violation of a drug free zone (due to his proximity to a school). He was released Monday morning after posting $6,200 bond.
Then at around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 3, deputies initiated a traffic stop on Jennifer Street in Gray, and identified the driver as Cleveland Johnson Jr. (age 59) of Gray. Deputies detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Johnson, and he admitted to having consumed alcohol prior to driving. Johnson performed poorly on a field sobriety test, and a breathalyzer test showed his blood alcohol content to be .324g%. Due to his high level of intoxication, Johnson was initially transported to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center for evaluation. He was released and transported to the Detention Center where he was booked with DWI (2nd Offense), driving under suspension, and improper lane usage. He was released Monday afternoon after posting $3,100 bond.
Seven other individuals were also charged with driving while intoxicated from Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4:
Hope Hebert (age 45) of Thibodaux – DWI (1st Offense) and improper lane usage;
Maria Godoy (age 34) of Thibodaux – DWI (1st Offense) and Careless Operation;
Bobby Soudelier (age 52) of Larose – DWI (2nd Offense) and improper lane usage;
Scott Rodrigue Sr. (age 55) of Larose – DWI (2nd Offense), driving under suspension, and improper lane usage;
Jennielynn Russ (age 51) of Thibodaux – DWI (1st Offense) and improper vehicle lighting;
Carolyn Hollingsworth (age 46) of Raceland – DWI (2nd Offense), driving under suspension, improper lane usage, and contempt of court (warrant); and
Andres Robles (age 28) of Thibodaux – DWI (2nd Offense), Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, Careless Operation, and Speeding.
These nine individuals charged with DWI come at the end of the latest Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. In the 15-day period spanning August 21 through September 4, a total of 26 individuals were charged with driving while intoxicated. These numbers represent those tallied by Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, and do not include several other DWI arrests recorded by partnering law enforcement agencies.
Sheriff Craig Webre applauded deputies’ efforts during this campaign. “Lafourche Parish has been a leader in DWI enforcement in Louisiana for many years, and this latest effort shows we are not slowing down,” said Sheriff Webre. “As a ‘no refusal’ parish, even when field tests and chemical tests are refused, we will seek a warrant to have blood tested. This is all part of our hard-line stance against impaired driving to ensure the safety of those traveling on our roadways.”
Andres RoblesBobby SoudelierCarolyn HollingsworthCleveland Johnson JrJake OrgeronScott Rodrigue Sr
