Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

2019 Tax Notices Being Sent to Property Owners

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will send out 41,501 tax notices this week to Lafourche Parish property owners. An additional 11,288 properties are homestead exempt, and no taxes are owed. A total of $119,727,005.39 in property taxes are now due and can be paid online, in person, or by mail. 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.

Property taxes are due by December 31, 2019, and unpaid taxes become delinquent on January 1, 2020. Per state law, delinquent taxes accrue interest at a rate of 1% per month until paid.

FULL PAYMENTS: Payments can be made in full online at www.LPSO.net/PayMyTaxes. Full payments via cash, credit card, debit card, check, or money order can also be made at the LPSO Administrative Office (200 Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux) and at the South Lafourche Sub-station (102 West 91st Street, Cut Off). A surcharge will apply for all card payments. For added convenience, customers of the following banks may pay their taxes at any Lafourche branch of their bank through December 31, 2019: First American Bank, South Lafourche Bank, State Bank & Trust, United Community Bank, and Hancock Whitney Bank. Payments can also be mailed to Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 679538, Dallas, TX 75267-9538. This is a special address only for mailing in full tax payments.

PARTIAL PAYMENTS: For those unable to pay in full by December 31, 2019, partial payments can be made by mail to P.O. Box 5608, Thibodaux, LA 70302, or in person at the aforementioned LPSO offices. 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, 2019. The remaining unpaid amount is still subject to the 1% monthly penalty per state law.

All unpaid taxes will accrue additional costs associated with the tax sale. If the property is sold at the tax sale, the property owner is subject to loss of the homestead exemption. Property sold at the tax sale may be redeemed up to three years from the date the property is sold, but per state law, a 5% penalty will apply as well as a monthly interest rate of 1%. The owner must contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to redeem the property.

Any unpaid taxes on movable/inventory property may cause the property in questions to be seized and sold at auction or a writ may be sought to levy the property owner’s bank account for the amount of taxes owed.

The current property owner is responsible for all taxes due. Anyone who purchased property in 2019 may not receive a tax bill due to it being sent to the previous owner. Homeowners with mortgages should check with their mortgage company before making a payment as those companies generally collect escrow and pay property taxes on behalf of the property owner. Please check whether your mortgage company will make your tax payment before you make a separate payment directly to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Questions regarding property ownership and assessment should be directed to the Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office at (985) 447-7242. For more information about tax payments, property owners can contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 449-4431.

UPDATE: Missing Cut Off Teen Returns Home

UPDATE: Skylor Rachal returned to her home overnight. She was found to be safe and in good health. She had been missing since leaving her home on October 13, 2019.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Skylor Rachal of Cut Off. Rachal was last seen leaving her East 95th Street residence and walking up the street at around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2019.

Rachal is described as 5’7” tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds with brown hair. She was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve shirt, denim shorts, brown sandals, and brown glasses. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 9-1-1.

Area law enforcement agencies to participate in “No Shave November”

Several area law enforcement agencies are working together to participate in No Shave November, a national effort to raise awareness and funding for the fight against cancer in the month of November.

Deputies and officers who donate $25 will be allowed to grow a beard during the month of November. Typically, per policy, many agencies prohibit facial hair other than a mustache. These policies will be suspended for the month of November for those who donate money at each agency.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spearheaded the project and challenged several other agencies that were up for the challenge. Other agencies participating include the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Thibodaux Police Department, Lockport Police Department, Golden Meadow Police Department, Port Fourchon Harbor Police, Gonzales Police Department, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.

All money collected will be donated to the American Cancer Society at the end of the month. The American Cancer Society funds and conducts research, shares expert information, supports patients, and spreads the word about prevention. For more information on the American Cancer Society, please visit their website: www.cancer.org.

Sheriff Craig Webre stated: “Our local law enforcement officers may look a little ‘different’ in November, but it’s for a great cause. Each of us has been directly affected or knows someone who’s been affected by cancer – and our law enforcement family is no exception. By growing our beards, we are embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose during treatment.”

The public is welcomed to join in our efforts to participate to raise money for this great cause. Checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society and dropped off at any Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office location.

Woman Arrested for Burglaries and Thefts in Lockport

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a woman has been arrested for a string of burglaries and thefts in Lockport last week. Misty Kuramoto, 29, of Lockport faces multiple charges following an investigation.

On October 24, 2019, deputies investigated a string of crimes in the 5300 block of LA Highway 1 in Lockport. Three vehicles had been burglarized, and sets of keys were stolen from other vehicles. A wallet and several access cards were also stolen among other items.

Misty Kuramoto was developed as a suspect in the crimes. She was found to be in possession of the stolen items which were later returned to the respective owners. She was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Kuramoto was charged with three counts of Simple Burglary, two counts of Theft, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bail is set at $30,850.

Sheriff Webre Announces 2019 Blue Light Patrol Special and Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies will conduct the annual Blue Light Special patrol on Halloween in order to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. More than 100 deputies will patrol the streets of Lafourche Parish neighborhoods beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. This patrol will continue until at least 8:30 p.m. during the peak hours of trick-or-treating. Deputies will patrol with emergency lights activated to remind motorists to drive slowly and exercise extreme caution as children take to the streets.

“We encourage adults to eliminate distractions and be vigilant in supervising their children this year, said Sheriff Webre. “We will have deputies patrolling in every neighborhood throughout the parish to ensure safety and ensure a quick response in the event of an emergency.”

Sheriff Webre offers these Halloween safety tips:

Make your child’s costume distinguishable and safe. Ensure your child can easily walk in the costume and that the fabric is flame retardant. Use glow bracelets/sticks, reflective tape, and flashlights. With store-bought costumes, change or add something to make your child distinguishable from others.
Maintain proper supervision for your children. If you must entrust your child to another adult, obtain up-to-date contact information. If they are headed out with a group, make sure there is a buddy system in place.
Stay off your smartphone. Adults should be vigilant while supervising children, and no one should be walking along the roadside while looking down or distracted. Carry a standard flashlight instead of draining your smartphone battery by attempting to use the built-in light.
Inspect all treats collected. Discard anything that is not sealed, has torn packaging, looks questionable, or could be a choking hazard.
Talk to your children about safety. Remind them to walk (don’t run) on sidewalks or near the edge of the roadway – never in the center and always facing traffic. Remind them to stay in front of residences giving out candy and NEVER enter a residence. Have a plan for in case you and your child get separated. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes for trick-or-treaters. Clear sidewalks and pathways of any obstacles, and put away anything children could trip over such as hoses, toys, or yard decorations. Turn on your lights so your property is well-lit, and replace any burnt bulbs prior to Halloween. Secure pets so that they will not attack or frighten anyone.

Motorists are encouraged to keep travel to a minimum on Halloween night due to the high number of pedestrians on neighborhood streets. Those who must be on the roads are encouraged to drive cautiously and be alert for children as they will be excited and may move in unpredictable ways.

Deputies will also be conducting compliance checks for sex offenders on Halloween night. Sex offenders are restricted from wearing masks or handing out candy or gifts on a holiday such as Halloween. Deputies will visit sex offenders in Lafourche Parish to verify they are complying with the terms of their sentences.

Golden Meadow Couple Arrested for Child Cruelty; Victim in Critical Condition

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Golden Meadow couple has been arrested for cruelty to a juvenile as the victim remains in critical condition. Dustin Naquin, 29, and Jasmine Bouvier, 24, have been charged with Second Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, detectives began investigating the couple after they brought a preschool-aged child to the hospital with injuries consistent with recurring child abuse. The most significant of those injuries was a broken arm and bleeding on the brain in two places. The child also had multiple bruises and other injuries across his entire body. The child remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

During questioning, Naquin and Bouvier admitted the child was struck on the buttocks with a makeshift wooden paddle, but they claimed the other injuries resulted from accidents. The couple said they had knowledge of the child’s broken arm due to one of the alleged accidents but did not seek medical treatment. Investigators did not find the injuries to be consistent with the couple’s accounts. Following the investigation, arrest warrants were obtained.

Naquin and Bouvier were charged with two counts each of Second Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile. Naquin was additionally booked on an outstanding warrant for Contempt of Court. Both are being held without bail.

The case remains under investigation, and detectives say additional charges are possible. Due to the nature of the investigation, no further details can be released.

Thibodaux Man Wanted on Charges Stemming from Domestic Incident

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating a Thibodaux man with several outstanding warrants. Jerrod James, 39, is wanted for charges including domestic abuse, intimidating a witness, and telephone harassment.

Through investigation, deputies learned James had been harassing an ex-girlfriend via text messages. He confronted the woman early one morning as she was leaving her residence for work, and an argument ensued. James reportedly grabbed the woman by the neck and began to strangle her before punching her in the face. Deputies were unable to make contact with James, and they obtained a warrant for his arrest. The woman then reportedly received additional threatening messages from James on Facebook telling her to drop the charges.

Jerrod James has active warrants for Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Strangulation, Intimidating a Witness, and Telephone Harassment. He also has a Contempt of Court warrant related to child support. His last known address is on Johnson Ridge Lane in Thibodaux in Terrebonne Parish. LPSO deputies have been working with investigators with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office to attempt to locate James.

Anyone with any knowledge of his whereabouts 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 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.

WANTED - Jerrod James — WANTED – Jerrod James

Student Charged with Possession of BB Pistols at West Thibodaux Middle School

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a 12-year-old boy has been charged after deputies found he had brought two replica BB pistols to West Thibodaux Middle School on Tuesday, October 22.

Through investigation, the school resource officer at the school learned a male student had two replica BB guns in his possession. The officer located the male student in the area near portable buildings at the school. After searching the area, the officer found one of the pistols on the ground under a portable building. The student was found to be carrying the other pistol in his waistband. Following an investigation, the student was charged with violating Louisiana R.S. 14:95.2 which prohibits carrying a dangerous weapon onto school property. He was then released to the custody of his mother.

“All guns, including BB guns, are strictly prohibited on school property,” said Sheriff Webre. “Not only are BB guns dangerous, but law enforcement officers will most often not have the time or ability to distinguish a replica pistol from an actual firearm and will treat the situation as though there is a real firearm present. It’s imperative that any gun of this nature be easily distinguishable from a real firearm.”

UPDATE: Detectives Still Searching for Missing Cut Off Teen

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre reported detectives are still searching for 15-year-old Skylor Rachal of Cut Off who has been missing since Sunday. Rachal left her East 95th Street residence on foot at around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2019.

Detectives have released new photos in an effort to try to locate Rachal. She has run away from home in the past, and detectives believe Rachal may be altering her appearance to avoid being found.

Skylor Rachal is described as 5’7” tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds with brown hair. She was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve shirt, denim shorts, brown sandals, and brown glasses. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808 or simply dial 9-1-1.

Slidell Man Arrested for Armed Robbery in Chackbay

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Slidell man has been charged in an armed robbery that occurred in Chackbay. Michael Lee Sr., 38, was arrested after admitting to his involvement in the crime.

At 7:50 p.m. on October 15, 2019, deputies responded to an armed robbery on Woodland Drive in Chackbay. Deputies learned a man, later identified as Lee, had forced his way into a home while holding a knife. Lee reportedly demanded money from a couple at the home. The couple gave Lee several hundred dollars and he took additional cash he saw on the counter. Lee then left the residence.

Through investigation, detectives developed Lee as a suspect in the robbery. Detectives contacted Lee on Thursday, October 17, and questioned him about the incident. During questioning, he admitted to his involvement in the crime.

Lee was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. He was charged with Armed Robbery. Bail is set at $50,000.