Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Concealed Handgun Course Scheduled for October 8, 2022

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, 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.

Participants will need to bring a handgun in good working condition, 50 rounds of ammunition for that handgun, eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are sufficient), and ear protection (muffs or plugs).

The cost for the course is $110, and a special rate of $55 is offered for seniors (ages 60+). Online registration is required in advance due to the limited class size. This course is a pre-requisite for those applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit from the State of Louisiana. Go to LPSO.net/classes to register for this course online. For more information, please contact Captain Kevin Johnson at (985) 449-4481 or by email at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.

Raceland Man Charged with Rape of Two Juveniles

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Raceland man charged with the rape of two juveniles. James Griffin Jr., 59, was arrested on Wednesday.

Through investigation, detectives learned Griffin had inappropriate sexual contact with two minor children. When detectives brought Griffin in for questioning, he admitted to his involvement.

Griffin was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on two counts of first degree rape. Bail is set at $1 million.

Due to the nature of the allegations, no further details will be made available.

Thibodaux Man Charged with Sex Crimes Involving a Juvenile

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux man charged with sex crimes involving a juvenile victim. Barry Brown, 45, was arrested on Wednesday.

Through investigation, detectives learned Brown had inappropriate sexual contact with a teenage victim. Following the investigation, detectives obtained warrants for charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and oral sexual battery.

On September 28, 2022, Brown was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the aforementioned warrants. Bail is set at $300,000.

Due to the nature of the allegations, no further details will be made available.

Free Hunter Education Field Day Slated for October 22, 2022

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Saturday, October 22, 2022, for anyone ages 10 or older who has completed the home study course. The class will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 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) 449-4481 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email Captain Kevin Johnson at kevin-johnson@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 the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Narcotics Agents Arrest Eight People after Search at Thibodaux Residence

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested eight individuals after finding narcotics at Thibodaux residence. The arrests occurred at a home on Ledet Drive on Thursday.

Agents had received an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region about drug activity at a residence in the 200 block of Ledet Drive in Thibodaux. LPSO narcotics agents recently accompanied agents with the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole during a compliance check for Ryan Lirette, 55. When agents arrived, they encountered several people and discovered drugs in the residence. Agents then obtained a search warrant and found heroin and methamphetamine inside the residence.

In all, eight individuals were arrested, including Lirette who was charged with maintaining a structure for narcotics use. Jeremy Frederick, 43, of Arnaudville and Kathryn Gibson, 46, of Breaux Bridge were also arrested for possession of heroin.

Five individuals were arrested for possession of methamphetamine:

Jennifer Fessler, 28, of Choctaw
Taylor Lachney, 29, of Thibodaux
Arabella Leray, 22, of Thibodaux
James Gueho, 39, of Thibodaux
Todd Broussard, 33, of Houma

Citizens are reminded that they can report any drug-related or suspicious activity. Information can be reported directly to the Narcotics section commander, Lieutenant Derek Champagne, at (985) 532-4365 or derek-champagne@lpso.net. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices.

NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), these mug shots will not be released.

Lafourche Parish Night Out Against Crime Block Parties Announced for Tuesday, October 4

Sheriff Craig Webre has announced a list of 15 official block party locations in Lafourche Parish for the 2022 Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies will be visiting each location to speak with area residents about crime prevention and neighborhood concerns. Each party will begin at 6 p.m. and last until around 9 p.m.

“Like many events, Night Out Against Crime has been canceled the past two years due to COVID and Hurricane Ida,” said Sheriff Webre. “We are so pleased to be back this year for this annual event to foster the relationship we have with our local community. Through our combined efforts, we can continue to make our neighborhoods a safe place to live and work.”

Citizens will be hosting block parties throughout the parish, and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies will be attending those events to meet community members to discuss crime prevention and any other concerns. LPSO will supply the parties with food, but each party is encouraged to organize additional food and refreshments with attendees.

Here is a list of block party locations around Lafourche Parish:

Thibodaux Family Church (785 N. Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux)
301 Hyland Drive, Thibodaux
Thibodaux Housing Authority (1425 Eagle Drive, Thibodaux)
Bayou Boeuf Volunteer Fire Co. Station (3457 LA 307, Bayou Boeuf)
Wallace Community Center (3603 Hwy. 308, Raceland)
Kingdom Impact Global Worship Center (1951 Hwy. 182, Raceland)
Ebenezer Christian Community Fellowship (824 St. Louis Street, Raceland)
329 Aspen Drive, Raceland (access via Elm Drive off LA Hwy. 1)
Sugar Land Subdivision (144 Twin Oaks Drive, Raceland)
Lockport Town Hall & Police Department (710 Church Street)
The Broadway Elder Living & Rehabilitation Center (7534 Hwy. 1, Lockport)
Myrtle Drive (near Emerald Car Wash, Lockport)
202 Chateau Drive, Lockport
133 West 112th Street, Cut Off
Golden Meadow Town Hall (107 Jervis Dr., Golden Meadow)

The annual Night Out Against Crime parade will take place in the Raceland area, beginning at the U.S. Highway 90 Fire Station and continuing throughout the streets of the Sugar Land Subdivision.

Anyone who has questions about the event can contact Deputy Melissa Simmons at (985) 449-4478 or via email at melissa-simmons@lpso.net.

Detectives Investigating Sunday Evening Shooting in Marydale Community

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday evening in the Marydale community in Thibodaux. One man was injured in the shooting.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on September 25, 2022, deputies responded to a report of multiple shots fired in the area of Carol Street in Thibodaux. One man was struck by at least one round and taken to a hospital for treatment. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any knowledge of this incident can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or through the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Detectives Investigating Overnight Shooting Death in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred overnight in Raceland that left one man dead. Investigators identified the victim as Lorenzo Stuart, 37, of Lockport.

At around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2022, deputies responded to calls of shots fired in the area of St. Louis Street. When they arrived, they found a man, later identified as Stuart, had been shot. He was later pronounced dead. The shooting is believed to have occurred in the 700 block of St. Louis Street.

As the investigation continues, detectives are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with any knowledge of this incident can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or through the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

UPDATE: Additional Charges for Inmates Involved in Recent Escape

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced additional charges for three inmates involved in a recent escape from the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. Leroy Miles Jr., 23, was captured on Saturday following his escape. Investigators have also charged inmates Bricelon Martin, 26, and Jordan Beltz, 21, with assisting Miles in his escape.

On September 16, 2022, Investigators learned Miles had squeezed through a small drainage opening after kicking out a metal cover. Miles then scaled two perimeter fences of the facility to escape custody. Investigators tracked Miles’ location to a hotel in Houma.

On Saturday morning, September 17, LPSO deputies coordinated with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Houma Police Department. They located Miles in a hotel room, and he was taken into custody. Deputies located a rifle and marijuana inside his room, and they found he had disabled the hotel room smoke detector as well. He was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on new charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and fire prevention interference (R.S. 14:206).

LPSO investigators have obtained a warrant for Miles for the charge of simple escape with an additional bail amount of $1 million. On Tuesday, Miles was transferred from Terrebonne Parish to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center where he is being held on charges of second degree murder and aggravated second degree battery. He also faces charges of attempted second degree murder in Terrebonne Parish, as well as aggravated flight from an officer and obstruction of Justice in Lafourche Parish.

Investigators have now booked Martin and Beltz with assisting escape. Martin was previously being held on charges of domestic abuse battery and felony theft, and his bail is now set at $35,000. Martin is also serving a 90-day sentence for another theft charge. Beltz was previously being held for possession of methamphetamine, and his bail is now set at $25,000

Sheriff Webre said investigators will examine this incident to help improve security at the Correctional Complex. “This escape exposed a design flaw in our facility which we have already taken steps to secure,” said Sheriff Webre. “I sincerely thank our local, state and federal law enforcement partners who assisted as our investigators tenaciously to locate and apprehend this individual.”

The investigation into Miles’ escape continues, and additional arrests are still possible as investigators are pursuing charges against individuals outside the Correctional Complex.

NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), mug shots for Marin and Beltz will not be released.

Man Found with Drugs and a Rifle after Causing a Disturbance in Galliano

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Galliano man found with drugs after causing a disturbance involving a firearm. Hobie Gisclair, 31 of Galliano was arrested on Wednesday.

On September 21, deputies responded to the area of East 103^rd Street in Galliano in reference to a man yelling at people, carrying a rifle, and running around the area. When deputies arrived, they located Gisclair sitting on the front porch of his residence holding a rifle. Other deputies and officers from Port Fourchon Harbor Police and Golden Meadow Police arrived to assist. He began arguing with deputies as they attempted to get him to cooperate. After a short time, deputies were able to safely take Gisclair into custody. Deputies found him in possession of suspected methamphetamine and heroin, as well as drug paraphernalia. Deputies determined that while he was carrying the gun and yelling at people, he never pointed the weapon at anyone.

Gisclair was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with possession of heroin, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, as well as illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and disturbing the peace. Bail is set at $121,100.

Due to its proximity to the incident, South Lafourche High School was placed on lockdown for a short time that morning.

NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), these mug shots will not be released.