Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Sex Offender Arrested for New Charges Involving a Juvenile

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a registered sex offender for new crimes involving a juvenile. Rickey Lafont Jr., 35, of Galliano has been charged with Sexual Battery and Indecent Behavior Involving a Juvenile. Lafont was found guilty of indecent behavior with a teenage girl in August 2019.

On August 10, 2020, juvenile detectives opened a new investigation into Lafont. Investigators learned Lafont had reportedly touched a juvenile under the age of 13 inappropriately on more than one occasion. The most recent incident occurred earlier this year. Following the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Lafont’s arrest.

Detectives made contact with Lafont on Wednesday, August 12, and he was taken into custody. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on charges of Sexual Battery (Forcible Fondling) and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. Bail is set at $600,000.

Following his conviction in 2019, Lafont received a four-year suspended sentence. He was placed on three years of supervised probation and had to register as a sex offender.

Additional Concealed Handgun Course Scheduled for September 13

Due to the overwhelming response for our upcoming concealed handgun training course on September 12, 2020, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host another class on the following day – Sunday, September 13. Registration for the course on Saturday, September 12 is closed due to the class being at capacity, but online registration is now open for the Sunday course.

As always, this class will be held at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. Class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until approximately 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch.

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). All individuals must wear a mask or face covering while in the classroom or the range office. Masks or face coverings are not required on the pistol ranges for those adhering to proper physical distancing.

The cost for the course is $110, and advance online registration is required due to 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 Lafate Day at (985) 449-4485 or by email at lafate-day@lpso.net.

Concealed Handgun Course Slated for September 12

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, 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.

UPDATE: Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery in Raceland Incident

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Houma man has been arrested in an investigation into an armed robbery in Raceland this past week in which shots were fired. Joshua Chaisson, 36, faces several charges including Attempted First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery.

At around 8:20 p.m. on August 3, 2020, deputies and detectives responded to a call of shots fired in the area of Buford Street in Raceland. Investigators have learned that a man was driving on Greenville Street when he stopped at a residence to visit a friend. Before he could enter the residence, Chaisson approached him holding a handgun and ordered him to get back into his vehicle and start driving. As Chaisson had him at gunpoint, he reportedly stole cash and a phone from the victim. The driver then exited the vehicle on Buford Street and began running away. As he ran, Chaisson fired several rounds at him. None of the rounds struck the driver, and no other injuries were reported.

Detectives made contact with Chaisson on Friday, August 7. Following questioning, Chaisson was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Armed Robbery with Use of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Bail is set at $1.85 million.

The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Investigators Seek to Identify Man Wanted for Multiple Vehicle Burglaries and Attempted Burglaries

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help to solve a series of vehicle burglaries and attempted burglaries which occurred last month in Thibodaux.

In July 2020, several Thibodaux residents contacted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding overnight vehicle burglaries and attempted vehicle burglaries. Several vehicles in the area of Cane Break Drive and Millstone Drive were burglarized after being left unlocked. There were also several attempted burglaries caught on camera when the suspect lifted door handles on several vehicles. Items of value were stolen, including purses, cash, credit cards, jewelry, sunglasses and other items. Some of the stolen items were later found to have been discarded around the neighborhood.

Security cameras captured an unknown thin black male subject wearing dark-colored pants, a white tank top, and white covering over his head. Due to the lack of quality of the images, only one video is able to be released showing the man walking up to a locked vehicle, lifting the handle, and then walking away.

Anyone who can identify the suspect, or anyone with any knowledge of these crimes, is asked to submit a tip 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.

Sheriff Webre reminds vehicle owners to always lock unattended vehicles, especially overnight. Valuable items, including handguns, should also be removed and stored safely inside your home.

“Criminals are looking for easy targets and often attempt to burglarize many vehicles in one outing,” said Sheriff Webre. “It is extremely rare for a burglar to break a window or pry a door open to enter a vehicle unless they can clearly see something of value inside. By removing valuables and locking your vehicle, you dramatically decrease the chances your vehicle will be burglarized or stolen.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to promote the “9 p.m. Routine” through its official social media outlets. Through this national awareness campaign, the “9 p.m. Routine” encourages citizens to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicles, and lock their home at or before 9 p.m. each night before going to bed.

Two Injured in Wednesday Night Shooting in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating a shooting in Raceland on Wednesday night which left two people injured.

Just before 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, deputies and detectives responded to a report of gunshots in the 400 block of St. Patrick Street in Raceland. Numerous items of evidence were recovered at the scene. Investigators learned two men had arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Both were later flown to a New Orleans hospital for further treatment. The wounds are not believed to life-threatening.

As detectives continue their investigation into this incident, they are asking the public for help. Anyone with any information on this shooting is asked to submit a tip 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.

Deputies Seek to Identify Suspected Vehicle Burglar

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a person wanted for a vehicle burglary in Raceland.

On July 31, 2020, deputies responded to a reported vehicle burglary in the 100 block of Acadia Drive in Raceland. The vehicle showed clear signs of a burglary, but nothing was determined to have been stolen. An image of the suspected burglar was captured on surveillance camera.

Anyone who can identify the suspected burglar is asked to submit a tip 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.

Detectives Investigating Monday Evening Armed Robbery in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating an armed robbery in which shots were fired. The incident occurred in Raceland on Monday evening.

At around 8:20 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020, deputies and detectives responded to a call of shots fired in the area of Buford Street in Raceland. Investigators learned a man was driving an SUV in the area when an unknown white male subject entered the vehicle and reportedly robbed the man at gunpoint. During the incident, the driver exited the vehicle and began running away. As he ran, the unknown subject fired several rounds toward the victim. None of the rounds struck the driver, and no other injuries were reported.

The unknown white male subject was described as being short and bald with many tattoos. He was also reportedly carrying a silver handgun with an extended magazine.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to submit a tip 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.

LPSO Re-Accredited by CALEA; Training Academy and Communications also Accredited

Sheriff Craig Webre announced that the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has been re-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) and attained new accreditations for the Training Academy and Communications. The three accreditations earned LPSO the Tri-Arc status, a distinction held by fewer than 30 agencies in the U.S. and Mexico combined.

The announcement of the accreditations came Thursday, July 30, 2020 during CALEA’s annual conference which is being held virtually this year due to COVID-19.

“As law enforcement standards, practices and actions continue to be questioned and challenged throughout the world, we continue to subject ourselves to an even higher level of scrutiny,” said Sheriff Webre. “There are ongoing debates about body cameras and policies, but we believe accreditation provides the ultimate level of accountability and transparency. CALEA ensures we not only have fair and legal policies in place, and just as importantly, that those policies are practiced. This is just another way in which we ensure the highest levels of professional service to the people of Lafourche Parish.”

This marks the seventh time the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has been accredited by CALEA. The agency was initially accredited in 2000 and has been re-accredited six consecutive times. LPSO must meet more than 400 standards in order to gain accredited status for the agency which now lasts for a period of four years. During that time, the agency must submit annual reports attesting to continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. The agency also submits proofs that are reviewed by CALEA compliance personnel to ensure policies are indeed being followed.

Realizing the training and communications functions of any agency come with their own unique challenges, CALEA offers separate accreditation programs for both. For the first time, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in a simultaneous review of all three programs when assessors visited the parish in December 2019. While here, the four Assessors interviewed more than 80 employees, community leaders, first responders and other leaders of other local and state agencies to assess the impact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has on the community.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy was first certified by the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training Council in April 1986 and has maintained its status ever since. To achieve its accreditation, the academy had to meet 155 standards. The academy trains officers from agencies throughout the state and was recognized during the accreditation review for standout services like the LPSO Shooting Range, reserve deputy program, and crisis intervention training.

The men and women of the Communications Section answer thousands of calls for service each year. The Communications Section had to meet compliance with 212 standards. The section was lauded for its operations, including dispatching for various police and fire departments across the parish and community outreach via the Bayou Children’s Museum. There, children are taught how to call for help and how to interact with first responders.

In achieving accreditation in all three areas, CALEA honored the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office with the Tri-Arc award. The award name reflects the three separate programs and symbolizes the synergistic power and light created as a result of an unusual achievement. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office becomes one of fewer than 30 agencies in the United States and Mexico to achieve Tri-Arc status.

As announced in May, Sheriff Webre was also honored by CALEA with the Egon Bittner Award during the virtual conference. The award is presented to Chief Executive Officers who have commanded a CALEA Accredited agency for fifteen or more continuous years. Dr. Egon Bittner, himself, greatly contributed to CALEA’s early development in 1979-80, and he served as a CALEA Commissioner from 1981 through 1988. He was a professor of Sociology at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, with a national standing on law enforcement issues. He retired from Brandeis in 1991 and died in 2011.

LPSO Shooting Range to Reopen This Week

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Shooting Range facility will reopen this week. The range facility, which is located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland, will resume its normal operating schedule beginning Wednesday, July 29 when it opens to members only. The range will reopen to the public on Thursday, July 30. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As per its normal operating schedule, the range is open to members only on Wednesdays, and it is open to the general public on Thursday through Sunday. The range is closed to members and the public on Mondays and Tuesday to allow for law enforcement training. Cost to use the range is $10 per person per day. Annual range membership is available for purchase at the range office for $100.

All individuals entering the range office must wear a mask or face covering. Pistol ranges will be limited to allow for proper physical distancing, and therefore, masks are not required on the shooting range itself. Masks are also not required on the 100-yard and 200-yard rifle ranges where existing physical barriers ensure proper spacing.

The LPSO Shooting Range facility has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The range was the site of a free drive-through testing site for COVID-19 in April and May.

On average, more than 11,000 people utilize the shooting range each year. Personnel from more than 30 agencies use the range for training including local, state, and federal military agencies, as well as private security companies. The facility is also used for public education courses and academy training.

Children ages 10 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (over 21). Targets and target backs are available. Ammunition is sold to Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees ONLY.

For more information regarding the LPSO Shooting Range, please contact the range office at (985) 438-7873 or email Sergeant Danny Toups at danny-toups@lpso.net.