Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced that detectives are presently investigating two related shootings that took place in the Raceland around 11:00 am today, November 22, 2022. Preliminary findings have revealed that multiple rounds were shot from the two vehicles involved with the first altercation taking place at Buford and St. Louis Streets, and the second round of shots fired taking place near LA Highway One and Greenville Street. Sheriff Webre further stated that “the cooperation given to us by eye witnesses quickly enable detectives to narrow their search to the specific vehicles involved and suspects from both vehicles were apprehended and taken into custody, without incident, before 11:30 AM” (see attached photo of suspect’s vehicle). This investigation is ongoing.
Thankfully, no one was injured in today’s altercation.
Anyone with knowledge of this incident can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStopperBR.org, or though the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is offering several safety tips to the public for the upcoming holiday season. “During the week of Thanksgiving, many residents go on vacation or start their holiday shopping,” said Sheriff Webre. “We want to offer you some safety tips to keep your property safe while you’re away and to conduct financial transactions as safe as possible.”
For those planning to leave home for vacation, Sheriff Webre offers these safety tips:
Double-check all doors and windows before leaving. This may seem obvious, but you may have left a window unlocked for weeks unknowingly. Don’t forget to secure your garage door as well and remove any spare keys you have stashed outside.
Unplug electronics and small appliances. By unplugging TVs, coffee makers, lamps and computers, you can avoid costly repairs if there is a power surge or worse, a fire.
Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your residence each day. Have them check the mail and pick up any newspapers to avoid the appearance that no one is home.
Install exterior and interior lights with timers or motion detectors. This can help to leave the impression that someone might be home.
Secure any vehicle being left behind and remove all valuables from it. If a vehicle burglary occurs while you are away, you may not even realize it until you return home. Avoid making your vehicle an easy target by locking the doors and removing all valuable items.
Consider waiting to post photos and videos from your vacation to social media until after you’ve returned home. This advertises that you are not home and makes you a potential target for criminals.
Beginning this week, retail outlets traditionally offer significant sales and deals luring multitudes of consumers to their stores and websites. The large crowds at physical sites and people seeking the best deals online, attract criminals as well. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division will be conducting extra patrols in and around shopping centers and retail outlets throughout the parish during the busy holiday shopping season, but there are many ways consumers can protect themselves from becoming a victim:
Be smart about parking. Lock your vehicle, and ensure all windows are closed. Park in well-lit areas away from dumpsters or larger vehicles that can serve as hiding places for thieves or carjackers. Never hide a second set of keys in a vehicle, and never leave a vehicle running or unattended.
Keep purchases out of sight. Hide purchases and store bags by keeping them in a trunk, or bring blankets and garbage bags to conceal your purchases. Change parking locations each time you store purchases in your vehicle in case thieves are watching. Try making expensive purchases last giving thieves less opportunity to steal.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and gifts, especially outside the store. Locate your keys before arriving at your vehicle, and never put bags down or on top of a vehicle to open a door. Do not make more purchases than you are able to carry. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart.
Only use ATMs in well-lit locations. Only use an ATM if necessary, and only withdraw the amount of cash needed. When possible, carry cash in your front pocket instead of your wallet or purse. Protect your PIN number at ATMs and registers by shielding the keypad from bystanders. Using a drive-up ATM is generally safest, but always remember to check your surroundings.
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.
Only make secure online transactions. When shopping online, check for a “secure” icon in the address bar when you begin the checkout process. The URL should begin with the letters “https”. Always begin an online shopping session by typing the address of the official website in the address bar instead of clicking on a link from another website or email. This will help avoid “phishing” sites and emails which often look like official sites but are used to steal your financial information.
Ensure packages are delivered to a person. When having items shipped, choose a location where someone will be present in lieu of allowing packages to be left unattended. Most delivery companies will also offer the option of picking up the package at their facility.
Save all receipts. If something is stolen, a receipt is often the easiest way to begin tracking the stolen item because it includes the time of checkout as well as pertinent information about the purchase. When making purchases online, save all correspondence and order confirmations.
Following these tips will not only help protect yourself and your family, but you’ll make it easier to catch criminals and put them behind bars to prevent them from victimizing others. When it comes to scams, always remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more tips on avoiding scams, go to LPSO.net/Scams.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced 2022 property taxes can now be viewed and paid online at LPSO.net/PayMyTaxes. All tax payments are due by December 31, 2022, and delinquent taxes accrue interest of 1% per month until paid per state law plus the cost for delinquent collections. 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.
A printed version of your tax notice will be mailed out soon. A QR code is printed on the notice which can be scanned to pay taxes directly on your smartphone. In addition to paying online, payments can also be made over the phone by calling (985) 449-4430, and selecting option 1 for the payment center. Alternatively, payments can be mailed using the envelope provided which will be sent to an out-of-state processing center in Texas for faster processing. Check, money order or cash will also be accepted at the LPSO Administrative Office (200 Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux) and at the South Lafourche Substation (102 West 91st Street, Cut Off) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Our offices will be closed in observance of holidays on November 11, November 24, and December 26, and the final day to pay at an office will be Friday, December 30, 2022. Online payments, however, can be made on any day at any time.
For those unable to pay in full by December 31, 2022, partial payments can be made at our office or by mailing directly to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 5608, Thibodaux, LA 70302 instead of using the envelope provided. 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, 2022. The remaining unpaid amount is still subject to the 1% monthly penalty and must be paid in full by March 30, 2023.
Property owners who do not receive a tax notice in the mail are still responsible for the payment of taxes. In some cases, tax bills may be sent to the previous property owner or might be lost in the mail. Additionally, anyone with a mortgage should check with their mortgage company before submitting payment as property taxes are sometimes paid through escrow.
Any unpaid property taxes are subject to tax sale and additional fees and penalties. For more information on this and other details about your tax notice, go to LPSO.net/PayMyTaxes and search last name, first name. Questions regarding the amount owed, property assessment or property ownership should be directed to the Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office at (985) 447-7242. Questions about charges pertaining to property abatement liens should be directed to Lafourche Parish Government by calling (985) 532-6229.
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking donations for the 29th Annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway. We are also accepting names of children who may be in need. Through this program, over the years, deputies have delivered around 5,000 bicycles to children in Lafourche Parish
“The bicycle remains the timeless, classic gift that nearly every child dreams of at some point,” said Sheriff Webre. “In some cases, this will be the only gift a child may receive this holiday season. For anyone who is considering helping a less fortunate family during this season, we encourage you to assist us by donating. This program is only possible thanks to donations from generous citizens, businesses and local nonprofit organizations.”
CLICK HERE to sign up a child to receive a bicycle through this program. The form requests information such as the child’s name, age, gender, and physical address, as well as contact information for the parent or legal guardian. Due to high demand, requests should be limited to no more than two bicycles per family, and children must live in Lafourche Parish. All requests must be completed by Wednesday, December 7, 2022.
LPSO will make every effort to fulfill every request, but it is possible that not every person requesting a bike will receive one. Donations from the public will assist in helping to fulfill these requests.
Monetary donations and donations of brand new bikes are currently being accepted at all LPSO office locations. Monetary donations are accepted in the form of cash, money order, or checks 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 throughout the parish.
Sheriff Craig Webre announced two brothers have been charged with contractor fraud in Lafourche Parish. Clarke Lee, 44, of Breaux Bridge and Harris Lee Jr., 38, of Opelousas both face charges following an investigation.
In August and September of 2022, detectives met with two Lafourche Parish residents who had hired “Two Brothers and a Van” or “Lee’s Construction” to repair damage to their residence caused by Hurricane Ida. In both cases, the residents were charged for work that was not completed. In one case a third-party inspector determined the work that had been done was shoddy and in need of correction, but the contractor refused to correct the problems. In some cases, the shoddy work that was completed led to new damage to the homes. At some point, the contractor stopped communicating with the residents altogether.
Through investigation, detectives developed the Lee brothers as suspects and determined they did not possess proper licensing to perform the work at the residences. Detective then obtained arrest warrants on both.
On September 20, 2022, Harris Lee Jr. turned himself in at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with one count of contractor fraud. He was released after posting bail in the amount of $20,000.
Clarke Lee was arrested in St. Martin Parish and transferred to Lafourche Parish on October 27, 2022. He was charged with two counts of contractor fraud at that time, as well as contempt of court. Since then, an additional victim came forward with similar reports as the first two victims. On November 3, Clarke Lee was charged with an additional count of contractor fraud totaling three counts in all. His bail is set at $96,220.50. He is also being held for Houma City Court in reference to failure to return a leased movable item.
Anyone who hired either of the Lee brothers or one of the aforementioned companies and the work was not completed properly should contact the Lafourche Parish Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 532-4320.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Lockport man facing charges of attempted murder in one shooting is now charged with murder in another. Jyairus Folse, 20, of Lockport has been charged with second degree murder in the shooting that resulted in the death of 37-year-old Lorenzo Stuart of Lockport on September 24, 2022. Folse was already in custody having been charged with attempted murder in a shooting that occurred on September 8, 2022.
At around 11:30 p.m. on September 24, 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 occurred in the 700 block of St. Louis Street. Through investigation, detectives developed Folse as a suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Folse had been in custody since September 29, 2022. On that date, he was arrested for attempted second degree murder in an investigation into a shooting that occurred on Ayo Street in Raceland on September 8, 2022. Jamyren Richard, 23, of Raceland was also charged with attempted murder in that incident.
On November 1, 2022, detectives brought Folse to the Criminal Operations Center in Lockport for questioning about the September 24th shooting. Following questioning, he was transported back to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex to be booked on the charge of second degree murder. He also faces the charges stemming from his arrest on September 29 including attempted second degree murder, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of marijuana, taking contraband to a penal institution and contempt of court. He was additionally charged with simple battery for hitting another inmate in an incident on October 15, 2022. He is being held without bail.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two more arrests have been made in the investigation into two suspected overdoses in the South Lafourche area last week. Anthony Francis, 21, of Larose and Sergio Perez, 18, of Cut Off has been arrested and charged with drug distribution. Blayne Terrebonne, 18, of Larose was also arrested on the afternoon following the incidents on October 27, 2022.
Shortly before 4:30 a.m. on October 27, 2022, deputies responded to a Galliano residence in reference to a 16-year-old male showing signs of a possible overdose. After being given two doses of Narcan, the boy regained consciousness and was transported to a hospital for further treatment. Less than three hours later, deputies responded to a call at another Galliano residence where a 15-year-old girl was found dead of a suspected drug overdose. Investigators quickly determined the two incidents were related. They obtained a warrant for Blayne Terrebonne, and he was arrested that afternoon.
Through further investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Sergio Perez and Anthony Francis. Investigators located Perez on the night of October 27. Francis was taken into custody on Monday, October 31. Both Perez and Francis, along with Terrebonne, were all charged with the distribution of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. The investigation is continuing, and additional arrests and charges are possible.
Investigators believe the teens may have ingested a pill that was pressed from pure fentanyl or a fentanyl mixture. The pills were blue in color with the letter “M” imprinted on one side. Investigators also believe the 15-year-old girl thought she was taking Percocet.
“When you use a drug you bought off the street, you are – quite literally – risking your life,” said Sheriff Webre. “You are taking the word of a drug dealer on what the substance is. The question to ask yourself is whether the high you are seeking is worth dying over.”
Sheriff Webre is also pleading for parents to take a more active role in the lives of their children and be cognizant of the role social media plays in drug transactions.
“We’ve repeatedly seen teens using apps like Snapchat to purchase and even advertise drugs for sale,” said Sheriff Webre. “This doesn’t mean every child using the app is taking drugs, but it does mean you need to monitor what your children are doing and who they are talking to. This is not an invasion of privacy or being a helicopter parent – it’s just called being a good parent.’”
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 cannot be released.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Raceland man for theft and burglary at a Raceland residence. Danny Brown, 55, of Raceland was arrested on Saturday.
On October 28, 2022, deputies responded to Danos Street in Raceland. A man reported several items had been stolen from his patio and shed earlier that morning. The stolen items included a generator, a set of golf clubs, a portable torch set and other items. Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspect and his vehicle – a red Dodge Durango with racing stripes.
Then on the afternoon of Saturday, October 29, deputies located the suspect vehicle parked at a residence in the 2300 block of Highway 182 in Raceland. The owner was identified as Danny Brown. Deputies contacted Brown and questioned him about the incident. Following questioning, deputies obtained a warrant for Brown’s arrest.
Brown was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on charges of Felony Theft and Simply Burglary. Bail is set at $10,000.
NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), no mug shot can be released.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are searching for a Larose man following two suspected overdoses in the South Lafourche area on Thursday morning. A 15-year-old female was found deceased and a 16-year-old male is hospitalized. Detectives are now seeking Blayne Terrebonne, 18, of Larose for drug distribution in relation to these incidents.
Shortly before 4:30 a.m. on October 27, 2022, deputies responded to a Galliano residence in reference to a 16-year-old male showing signs of a possible overdose. Deputies arrived and gave the teen a dose of Narcan. EMTs arrived shortly after and provided a second dose. The boy regained consciousness and was transported to a hospital for further treatment. Less than three hours later, deputies responded to a call at another Galliano residence where a 15-year-old girl was found dead. The cause of death is suspected to be a drug overdose.
The investigation is ongoing, but detectives have obtained a warrant for Blayne Terrebonne for the distribution of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. Detectives are strongly cautioning anyone who has purchased drugs from Terrebonne or any of his known associates that there is a great risk of overdose if those drugs are taken.
Anyone who has information on Blayne Terrebonne’s whereabouts or anyone who has purchased narcotics from him is asked to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 532-4320.
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course on November 14-16, 2022, at the LPSO Law Enforcement Complex located at 1300 Lynn Street in Thibodaux.
This self-defense course designed for women will take place over the course of three days. The class will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m. each day. Participants must attend all three days. Course instruction will be provided by certified R.A.D. instructors from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The cost of the course is $10 to cover the cost of course materials and is non-refundable. Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. You can register and pay for the course online at www.LPSO.net/classes. The deadline to register for the class is November 11, 2022, at 11 a.m.
For more information, please call Lucie Morvant at (985) 446-2367 or email Captain Kevin Johnson at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.
