Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced three people were charged after narcotics agents seized several marijuana plants and other drugs at a Galliano residence. David Nelson Jr. (age 19) and Daysha Brister (age 19), both of Galliano, face charges in the incident. Diondra Jelks Jr. (age 21), also of Galliano, was arrested on outstanding warrants.
On Wednesday, May 17, agents of the Lafourche Parish Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at a West 163rd Street residence in reference to an investigation into Nelson’s drug activities. Upon arrival to the residence, agents made contact with Nelson, Jelks and Brister. During a search of the residence, agents located 18 marijuana plants, as well as additional amounts of marijuana, methamphetamine, clonazepam, and various drug paraphernalia.
Nelson was arrested and charged with Manufacturing/Production of Marijuana (Cultivation), Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of Methamphetamine, Clonazepam and Drug Paraphernalia. He was released Thursday afternoon after posting $15,500 bond.
Jelks had outstanding warrants for Domestic Abuse Battery and Contempt of Court. He was booked on the warrants, and he was subsequently released Thursday afternoon after posting $2,000 bond.
Brister was issued a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana (1st Offense) and Drug Paraphernalia.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre has announced the winners of two local $500 scholarships. Kristen Weimer, a senior at E.D. White Catholic High School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2017 Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship for Lafourche Parish. Additionally, Thibodaux High School senior, Sydney Matherne, has won the 2017 Norman Swanner Scholarship award for LPSO employees and family members. Both students plan to enroll in Nicholls State University this fall.
On her application, Weimer indicated plans to complete an undergraduate degree in pre-veterinary medicine at Nicholls before attending LSU Veterinary School. After college, she hopes to practice veterinary medicine locally. Matherne plans to study allied health at Nicholls and hopes for a career in occupational therapy or pediatrics. Sydney is the daughter of Jason Matherne, a bicycle patrol deputy.
“I am always excited to see the pool of applicants for these scholarships each year,” said Sheriff Webre. “It is refreshing to see such talented, outstanding young adults about to embark on a new journey in higher education, and it is our privilege to help them facilitate their dreams. Ms. Weimer and Ms. Matherne are both outstanding young ladies who will undoubtedly achieve their goals.”
Criteria for the scholarships are similar in that both require applicants to plan to enroll as a full-time student at Nicholls State University, L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College, or South Central Louisiana Technical Community College. The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association requires the applicant to be a graduating high school senior and permanent resident of Lafourche Parish. The Swanner Scholarship, which was first awarded in 2016, is only open to Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees or their immediate family members, and current undergraduate college students are eligible in addition to graduating high school seniors. Both scholarships are awarded as gifts, not loans, to defray the rising costs of tuition and related expenses in higher education. An independent board of review selects the winner of each scholarship.
The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Educational Scholarship Program awards $500 to graduating high school students in parishes where the sheriffs are members of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program. Funding for this scholarship is made possible through the generous support of Lafourche Parish’s Honorary Members. The goal of the program is to provide assistance to worthy Louisiana students in furthering their education and training with resources made available through the program.
The Norman Swanner Foundation is a non-profit organization created in memory of Norman Swanner, a Thibodaux resident who passed away on November 8, 2006. Swanner was a City Councilman at the time of his death. Swanner’s daughter, Jamie Beth Swanner, also passed away on December 24, 2012. The Foundation funds several awards and scholarships for students at Nicholls State University, and several high schools including E.D. White, Thibodaux, Central Lafourche, South Lafourche, and West Jefferson – just to name a few.
Lt. Brennan Matherne presents the LSA Scholarship Award to Kristen Weimer of E.D. White Catholic High School.From left to right: Lt. Brennan Matherne, Neal Swanner, Sydney Matherne, and Deputy Jason Matherne
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 28-year-old Christopher King of Bayou Blue who was last seen on Friday, May 12, 2017. A family member reported King as missing on Tuesday, May 16, after not hearing from or seeing King since Friday. King is described as a white male, approximately 5’10” tall, and he weighs approximately 150 pounds. It is believed King left his Silver Street residence on foot with a laptop and a bag of clothing. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2255, or simply dial 9-1-1.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Norman Robinson Jr. (age 35) of Thibodaux on Monday, May 15.
On Monday, deputies patrolling in the Thibodaux area observed Robinson traveling in a vehicle. Knowing Robinson to have several active warrants for his arrest, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Forty Arpent Road and St. Patrick Street. The vehicle initially stopped, but then, it moved backward, striking the deputies’ unit. Immediately after, Robinson exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but he was quickly apprehended. Robinson was found to be in possession of suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
Robinson was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked on active warrants for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and five counts of Contempt of Court. He was additionally booked with Possession of Crack Cocaine and Drug Paraphernalia, as well as Reckless Operation with Accident, Resisting an Officer, and improper vehicle equipment (due to not having a side mirror). His bond is set at $28,200, and he has been ordered to pay $2,189.50 in fines and costs in reference to four of the contempt warrants.
Robinson’s aggravated assault charge stemmed from an incident on February 5, 2017, in which Robinson pointed a gun and threatened a family member following an argument.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced persistence paid off for one deputy as he arrested a fugitive who had evaded him on two occasions just days before. James Tardo (age 26) of Thibodaux faces a myriad of charges following the incidents. Tardo’s father, James Hicks (age 45) of Thibodaux, was also arrested in connection with one of the incidents.
On the morning of Sunday, May 7, a deputy traveling in the 500 block of St. Charles Bypass Road in Thibodaux observed a vehicle, known to be frequently used by James Tardo, parked in front of a residence. Knowing Tardo had an active warrant for his arrest, the deputy knocked on the door and Tardo appeared. He was immediately placed in handcuffs. At that time, the deputy also noticed Tardo’s father, James Hicks, inside the residence. Hicks also had active warrants, and the deputy took him into custody as well. While placing Hicks in handcuffs, Tardo fled out of the residence into a wooded, swampy area near the residence while still wearing the handcuffs. Other deputies arrived to assist, but they were unable to locate Tardo at that time. Hicks was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked on two active warrants for Contempt of Court. His bond is set at $20,000, and he has been ordered to pay $508.50 in fines and costs. He is additionally being held for authorities in Harrison County, Mississippi.
Three days later, on Wednesday, May 10, the deputy again observed Tardo while patrolling along St. Charles Bypass Road. Tardo fled into the same wooded area, ignoring the deputy’s commands. Deputies were unable to locate him at that time.
Then, just before 6 p.m. on Monday, May 15, the same deputy was again patrolling St. Charles Bypass Road and conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle frequently used by Tardo. When the vehicle stopped, Tardo exited the vehicle and began to flee on foot. This time, the deputy was able to apprehend Tardo without incident, and he was found to have suspected methamphetamine in his possession. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked on the aforementioned active warrant for Contempt of Court. He was additionally booked with Simple Escape, Resisting an Officer, and Theft from the May 7 incident, and he was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Resisting an Officer in the May 15th incident. His bond is set at $87,500.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives recovered over $4,000 of merchandise stolen from local department stores over the past six months. The items were discovered in the possession of Carl Wilkinson Jr. (age 35), who was found to have stolen at least two of the items.
In mid-April, detectives began investigating a theft of televisions from a Mathews department store. Detectives learned the same suspect was caught on camera stealing televisions. Through investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Carl Wilkinson Jr. and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Detectives also obtained a search warrant for a residence on West 133rd Street where Wilkinson was staying.
On May 11, detectives proceeded to the address and made contact with Wilkinson, and he was immediately taken into custody. Upon searching the residence, detectives discovered several like-new items along with the corresponding open boxes. When asked about the items, Wilkinson admitted they were stolen and admitted to stealing some of the items himself. Detectives also recovered both aforementioned televisions. Detectives learned the items had been stolen from the Mathews department store and a Galliano department store over the course of several months. After determining which stores from which the items were stolen, detectives learned the value of the items recovered was over $4,000.
Wilkinson was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on charges of Felony Theft of Goods and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things. His bond is set at $12,000.
Detectives say the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a third suspect is now wanted in connection with a scheme to bring contraband into the jail. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Leon Cammack Jr. (age 18) of Thibodaux in connection with the incident. Inmate Philip Green (age 26) and Deja Smith (age 19), both of Thibodaux, were previously charged in the incident.
During the early morning hours of Sunday, April 30, correctional officers at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center noticed a broken exterior window on a cell block. Recognizing this as a means of possible contraband entering the jail, the officers conducted an exterior check of the facility and discovered a string extending from the broken window to a black sock which had become entangled in the razor wire on the perimeter fencing. Inside the sock, officers discovered several grams of suspected marijuana, smoking tobacco, and a disposable lighter. Investigators developed Inmate Philip Green as the suspected inmate involved in trying to obtain the contraband, and they learned Deja Smith communicated with Inmate Green to arrange for the contraband drop-off. Each was charged in the incident.
Through further investigation, detectives identified Cammack as the individual who allegedly threw the sock over the fence. Detectives obtained warrants for Cammack’s arrest for Distribution of Marijuana and Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution. Anyone who may have information on his whereabouts is asked to submit a tip anonymously to 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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons wanted in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries which occurred early Friday morning in Kraemer.
The initial call came from a residence in the 1700 block of LA Highway 307, and investigators learned neighboring residents were also victimized. In all, six vehicles were burglarized and cash was the only thing found to have been stolen from the vehicles. The burglaries are believed to have occurred during the early morning hours, of Friday, May 12, possibly around 1 a.m.
As the investigation continues, detectives are asking anyone who may have information on this case to submit a tip anonymously to 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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced three people have been arrested for attempted murder following a shooting on Supercharge Drive in Thibodaux. Torrell Sylvester (age 34) of Raceland and Brent Ledet (age 29) and Raven Stevens (age 29), both of Cut Off, were each charged with Attempted First Degree Murder in the Incident.
At around 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, deputies responded to several calls of shots fired in the area of Supercharge Drive in Thibodaux. As one deputy was responding to the call, he noticed a small black car matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The deputy identified the occupants as Sylvester, Ledet, and Stevens, and they were detained for questioning. A shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle were also recovered from the vehicle. Meanwhile, detectives proceeded to the scene of the shooting and discovered multiple bullet holes in the victim’s vehicle.
Through investigation, detectives learned a female driver and male passenger were riding in a white SUV on Supercharge Drive when Sylvester exited the suspects’ car and fired multiple rounds from the semi-automatic rifle at the vehicle. Ledet also fired a single round from the shotgun at the vehicle. Following the incident, Sylvester, Ledet, and Stevens fled the area in the black car.
All three were charged with Attempted First Degree Murder in the incident and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. The bond for each is set at $200,000.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shooting.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced an investigation into a burglary at a Larose service station uncovered a string of thefts and led to multiple arrests. Addy LeBouef (age 29) of Larose and Andrea Rios (age 28) of Golden Meadow each face charges in connection with the incidents.
On Friday, April 28, detectives began investigating a burglary at Jimmy’s Service Station in Larose wherein several items of value were stolen from the business. LeBouef was developed as a suspect in the burglary, and detectives learned LeBouef cashed checks she had stolen during the burglary. Then, on May 1, detectives began assisting the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to a stolen golf cart. The owner of the golf cart discovered LeBouef had posted a photo of the golf cart on Facebook indicating it was for sale. Through investigation, detectives learned LeBouef and Rios had acquired the golf cart and later sold it. In an unrelated incident, detectives also learned LeBouef and Rios had been captured on surveillance video stealing a tilling machine from a Larose residence. As the investigations continued, detectives developed LeBouef as a suspect in multiple instances of theft in the South Lafourche area in which several items were stolen including a generator, a tire, several gas cans, money boxes from a car wash and a church donation box, and food items from an outdoor refrigerator.
Detectives initially arrested Rios and LeBouef on May 3. Each was charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and Misdemeanor Theft at that time. Rios’ bond was set at $10,000. As detectives continued their investigation into LeBouef over the next several days, she was additionally booked with two additional counts of Misdemeanor Theft and one count of Felony Theft, as well as Simple Burglary and four counts of Monetary Instrument Abuse. LeBouef’s bond is set at $95,000, and she is also being held for Louisiana Probation and Parole.
Detectives say additional charges are likely as the investigations continue.
Sheriff Webre is asking anyone who may have been a recent victim of theft, especially in the Larose area, to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to report it at (985) 532-2808 if you have not already done so. Anyone who has recently reported a theft and has reason to believe one or both of these individuals may have been involved, please contact LPSO or the deputy investigating your case.
