Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux man for several counts of rape, crimes against nature, and domestic abuse. Douglas Baney, 59, was booked on the charges on Thursday.
On June 1, 2020, juvenile detectives began an investigation after two victims came forward with allegations that Baney had inappropriately touched them as children several years prior. Further investigation revealed Baney forcefully engaged in sexual intercourse with one of the victims. The incidents occurred over time at locations in Larose, Lockport and Thibodaux. Following a thorough investigation, detectives obtained warrants for Baney’s arrest for three counts of First Degree Rape and three counts of Aggravated Crimes Against Nature.
During the course of the investigation, on June 11, 2020, deputies responded to domestic incident at Baney’s home. Deputies made contact with Baney at the residence and found him to be highly intoxicated and making statements indicating he wished to harm himself. He was, therefore, taken to a local hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, deputies obtained additional warrants for two counts of Domestic Abuse Battery in reference to the incident.
Following his release from the hospital on June 18, 2020, Baney was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the aforementioned warrants. Bail is set at $751,000.
Due to the nature of the crime, no further details will be released at this time.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced an arrest has been made in the shooting deaths of two young women this past weekend. Cordale Richard, 28, of Raceland faces several charges including two counts of First Degree Murder in the shooting deaths of 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call at 12:14 a.m. on June 14, 2020, about a disturbance involving a large gathering of people at a party in the area of St. Louis Street in Raceland. Shortly after deputies arrived, they heard several shots fired. Gabriel and Francis, who were innocent bystanders, were shot in the incident. Deputies and other bystanders assisted in performing CPR while waiting on an ambulance to arrive, but both women were pronounced dead at the scene.
Through investigation, detectives learned that prior to the shooting, a fight had occurred at the party. During the fight, Richard brandished a glass bottle and struck another man in the head. Investigators also learned that after deputies had arrived at the scene, Richard allegedly fired several shots into the crowd striking Gabriel and Francis resulting in their deaths.
On Wednesday, June 17, detectives obtained warrants for Richard’s arrest and a search warrant for his residence. Due to the nature of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Lafourche Parish Interagency Crisis Management Unit was assembled on Wednesday afternoon and proceeded to Richard’s residence on St. Louis Street in Raceland. The unit arrived at the residence and Richard was immediately taken into custody without incident.
During questioning, Richard confessed to having committed the shooting. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux where he was booked on warrants for two counts of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He is being held without bail.
Cordale RichardAliza Gabriel (VICTIM)Tanasa Francis (VICTIM)
U.S. Marshals escort fugitive Yacub Williams following a standoff in Thibodaux.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre reported a fugitive sought by the U.S. Marshals Service has been apprehended following a standoff in Thibodaux on Tuesday afternoon. Yacub Williams, 35, was taken into custody in the Marydale community following a standoff that lasted nearly four hours.
Williams, who is a Louisiana native, was being sought by the U.S. Marshals for a parole violation following a 2009 federal armed robbery conviction for an incident in Missouri. Williams had eluded custody in December 2019, leaving a five-year-old child in a car along with a rifle and narcotics. He had been considered armed and dangerous.
Shortly before noon on Tuesday, June 16, U.S. Marshals arrived at a residence in the 200 block of Ridgeway Street in Thibodaux. They encountered Williams and found he was armed with a handgun. Williams took cover in a shed behind the residence.
The Lafourche Parish Interagency Crisis Management Unit responded to the scene, and negotiators established communication with Williams while a perimeter was set up around the area. Members of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police also responded to assist. At approximately 3:45 p.m., following an intense four-hour standoff, Williams emerged from the shed momentarily but then started to retreat. To prevent him from retrieving the handgun, deputies deployed bean bag rounds (less-lethal weapons) to temporarily incapacitate him so that he could be safely taken into custody. He was then turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals, and the handgun was recovered from the shed.
Sheriff Webre applauded the effort of the crisis management unit and all other agencies who responded. “Our team did exactly what they’ve been trained to do,” said Sheriff Webre. “They responded to an intense crisis scenario and patiently de-escalated the situation, resulting in the safe apprehension of the fugitive. Everyone involved walked away from this incident, which is the best possible outcome. I am extremely proud of the efforts of everyone at the scene.”
“I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Williams’ family members who were cooperative in achieving a peaceful end to this standoff,” continued Sheriff Webre. “I also thank the residents of the Marydale community for their patience and support during this operation.”
Sheriff Craig Webre reported Chief Deputy Todd Diaz has announced his retirement after a 37-year career with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Webre has also announced the promotion of Major Roy Gros as the new Chief Deputy. Gros, who currently serves as Criminal Department Head, will assume the post of Chief Deputy on July 1, 2020.
“Chief Diaz has spent his entire career working for this agency and has never wavered in his commitment and dedication to people of Lafourche Parish,” said Sheriff Webre. “He has been a proponent of the many advancements made by the agency over the years and truly leads by example. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with Todd and to know that he has never wavered in his loyalty and dedication to the people of Lafourche Parish.”
Diaz began his career with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1983 at the age of 18. He worked the patrol division in the South Lafourche area for approximately six years. In 1990, he became a detective and worked in investigations until his promotion to Patrol Sergeant two years later. He was later promoted to Lieutenant and then Captain of Patrol, a position he held for eight years. He later served as Captain of the Investigations Division before his promotion to Major in 2006 where he served as Criminal Department Head for eight years. He was promoted to Chief Deputy in 2014 following the retirement of former Chief Deputy Robert “Bud” Dill IV.
Among his many accomplishments and accolades, Diaz was among the first group of LPSO deputies to graduate from the Nicholls State University college program. In 2002, he was awarded the Sheriff’s Star, considered one of the highest honors at LPSO. While serving as Patrol Captain in 2003, he was awarded the prestigious J. Standard Baker Award for Highway Safety by the National Sheriffs’ Association for his pioneering work in the area of traffic safety.
Diaz’s final day at LPSO will be June 30, 2020. Gros will replace Diaz as Chief Deputy beginning on July 1, 2020, which will also begin Sheriff Webre’s 8th term of office and 29th year as Sheriff of Lafourche Parish.
As a lifelong resident of Lafourche Parish, Roy Gros has served 30 years with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. He is a 1986 graduate of Central Lafourche High School and served in the U.S. Army prior to joining LPSO in 1990. He has served in many areas throughout the agency and held many supervisory positions throughout his career. He received his promotion to Major in 2014 and has served as head of the Civil Department and, most recently, the Criminal Department. Gros has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Nicholls State University, and in 2018, Gros graduated from the first class ever of the National Command and Staff College.
On Sunday evening, June 14, while off duty, Gros was traveling with his wife, Andre, on LA Highway 182 when he came upon a vehicle which had crashed into the marsh. Gros stopped, and upon learning the driver was still in the vehicle, he walked into the marsh and retrieved the driver from the vehicle with help of EMTs who had arrived on scene.
“Unfortunately, the driver had suffered fatal injuries, but this incident is the most recent that illustrates Gros’ dedication to public service,” said Sheriff Webre. “As a deputy, we are never truly ‘off duty,’ and Gros will help lead our agency by example of selfless service. As we wish Chief Diaz good luck in his retirement, we look forward to this next chapter with Chief Gros.”
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the identities of two young women who were killed overnight in a shooting in Raceland. The victims, 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, were bystanders who were shot and killed in the incident. The investigation into the shooting is continuing, and anyone with information helpful to the investigation is asked to come forward.
At 12:14 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance involving a large gathering of people in the area of St. Louis Street in Raceland. Shortly after deputies arrived, they heard several shots fired, and two young adult females were struck by rounds. Deputies and bystanders assisted in performing CPR while waiting for an ambulance to respond. Both women were later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the two victims were innocent bystanders and that there may have been more than one shooter. No arrests have been made as of this time.
Sheriff Craig Webre strongly urged eyewitnesses present to come forward with information. “These two young women were completely innocent bystanders who lost their lives through this heinous act of violence by one or more individuals with no regard for human life,” said Sheriff Webre. “There were a large number of people present during the incident, and we need the community’s help to identify and locate those responsible. Any little detail you could share might be a tremendous help.”
Eyewitnesses or anyone with information, video, or photos from the incident can contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808.
To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office mobile app. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.
Sheriff Webre also thanked the numerous agencies that responded to assist in the incident including Louisiana State Police, Thibodaux Police Department, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Fire District #1 Volunteers, Acadian Ambulance, and the Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two young adult females are dead following a shooting in Raceland. No suspects are in custody at this time.
At 12:14 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance involving a large gathering of people in the area of St. Louis Street in Raceland. Shortly after deputies arrived, they heard several shots fired. Two young adult female bystanders were shot and later pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into this incident is continuing. At this time, detectives believe there was more than one shooter, but no arrests have been made as of this time.
Investigators are asking any eyewitnesses or anyone with information, video, or photos from the incident to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808.
Alternately, tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office mobile app. 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 and Lockport Chief of Police David Harrelson Jr. announced a Lockport man has been arrested for inappropriately touching a child. Charles Cunningham, 38, was arrested on several charges on Tuesday.
In late May 2020, the Lockport Police Department requested assistance from investigators with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate an incident involving a juvenile which had reportedly occurred in the Town of Lockport. Juvenile detectives began investigating Charles Cunningham for reportedly touching a young child inappropriately who was under the age of 10. Following an investigation, detectives obtained warrants for Cunningham’s arrest for Sexual Battery, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile.
On Tuesday night, June 9, Lockport Police officers took Cunningham into custody at his residence. He was transported to Thibodaux and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the aforementioned warrants, as well as a warrant for Thibodaux City Court for a protective order violation. Bail is set at $100,000.
Due to the nature of the crime, no further details will be released at this time.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a man who was arrested by narcotics agents in February 2020 now faces child pornography charges following an investigation. Jacob Melancon has been charged with 65 counts of possession of child pornography in addition to charges from the February arrest.
On February 13, 2020, narcotics agents arrested Jacob Melancon following an investigation. At that time, he was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on charges including Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, as well as Possession of Xanax, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.
As part of the narcotics investigation, agents had obtained a search warrant for Melancon’s phone. While reviewing the phone for evidence, agents found several images of child pornography. Juvenile detectives took over that portion of the investigation. Following a thorough investigation over the ensuing months, detectives obtained a warrant for 65 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles.
On Thursday, June 4, Melancon was booked on the new charges. He was still incarcerated at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex since his arrest in February. His bail is now set at $351,600, but he also continues to be held for Louisiana Probation and Parole.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a man with an extensive criminal history has been arrested for stealing a vehicle this past Sunday at a ballpark in Thibodaux. Joseph Young III, 51, of Patterson is currently in custody in Terrebonne Parish.
Just before 11 a.m. on May 24, 2020, deputies responded to an incident at a baseball complex on Ridgefield Road in Thibodaux. A man wearing a cloth face mask stole an SUV parked at the ballpark. A teenage boy sitting in the rear seat immediately exited the vehicle, and he was not injured. With assistance from the Thibodaux Police Department, deputies searched the immediate area but could not locate the vehicle. Investigators tracked the SUV’s location to Morgan City. With assistance from the Morgan City Police Department, the SUV was found abandoned. Through investigation, detectives identified Joseph Young III as the suspect in the case.
Detectives learned Young had allegedly stolen another SUV after abandoning the first one. On Thursday, May 28, detectives located Young driving the stolen SUV in the Thibodaux area. Young was taken into custody at a truck stop just across the parish line with assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. LPSO detectives questioned Young about the incident and eventually obtained a warrant for his arrest for Theft of a Motor Vehicle with a bail amount of $250,000.
Because Young was taken into custody in Terrebonne Parish, he was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex and charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.
Young has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1987. He has been arrested more than 30 times for charges including numerous counts of theft, unauthorized use of vehicles, and possession of stolen property. Other arrests included drug charges, burglary, aggravated flight from officers, resisting arrest, property damage, criminal trespassing, issuing worthless checks, and battery. Most of his arrests occurred in St. Mary Parish, including Patterson and Morgan City.
Sheriff Webre thanks all the law enforcement agencies that assisted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office on this case including the Thibodaux Police Department, Morgan City Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
UPDATE: 16-year-old Destiny Pontiff has been found and is safe.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 16-year-old Destiny Pontiff of East Camellia Drive in Thibodaux. She was last seen late Sunday night, May 24, 2020, at a relative’s residence on Antill Drive in Thibodaux when she left without permission.
Destiny Pontiff is described as 5’2” tall, weighing 110 pounds with short brunet hair. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 911.
