Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced one person has been arrested and one is being sought in connection to a burglary in Larose. Steve Barbaree Jr., 33, of Larose has been arrested, and deputies are now seeking Dodie Morris, 28, of Cut Off.
Earlier this week, deputies responded to a burglary of a residential shed located on East Main Street in Larose. The victim had over $1,000 worth of property stolen from her shed. She indicated she had seen a post in a Facebook group featuring a man and a woman driving a boat with several items in it, some of which appeared to be her property. Based on the photos, Steve Barbaree Jr. and Dodie Morris were identified as suspects.
With the help of detectives and water patrol deputies, deputies located Barbaree in the Larose area, and he admitted to his involvement in the crime. Deputies found stolen property in his possession, and it was returned to the owner. Barbaree was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on one count of Simple Burglary and four active contempt of court warrants stemming for prior arrests for charges including battery, drug charges, and traffic violations. His bail is set at $59,500.
Dodie Morris has two active warrants for contempt of court and is also being sought for questioning in this case. She has six prior arrests in Lafourche Parish in the last four years, mostly for contempt of court charges. She also had drug charges including possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Anyone with knowledge of Morris’ whereabouts can 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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Galliano woman in an investigation into criminal trespassing and stolen property. Britnie Davidson, 32, of Galliano was arrested on August 6, 2019.
Detectives began an investigation into trespassing and stolen property complaints in the Cut Off area that occurred overnight on August 4-5, 2019. Through investigation, detectives developed Davidson as a suspect in the crimes. Detectives made contact with Davidson, and she admitted to having used drugs prior to committing the crimes. Davidson was arrested for two counts of Simple Burglary, two counts of Theft, and four counts of Criminal Trespassing, and she was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Among her prior arrests, Davidson was arrested in November 2018 for her first drug offenses. She had spent 19 days in jail before bonding out.
Sheriff Webre stated: “It is our hope that by working with the District Attorney’s Office and the court system, Ms. Davidson will ultimately get the help she needs to break the cycle of addiction. In alignment with our mission at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, we will attempt to diagnose and begin that treatment process while she is in our custody. It is imperative that we try to identify and treat the root cause of crime, and not just look at the crime itself.”
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has issued 469 drug charges on 320 arrests in 2019 thus far. This is in addition to the 18 federal indictments recently announced as part of a two-year investigation into drug trafficking in Lafourche Parish.
“Between our own local efforts and our cooperative efforts with agencies such as the Louisiana State Police and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, we are committed to the enforcement of laws involving drug possession and distribution,” said Sheriff Webre. “Drug trafficking is an operation that spans multiple jurisdictions and even crosses into other countries. It is imperative that we work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to find those responsible for bringing drugs into our community. We understand that arresting drug traffickers and dealers attacks the root of the issue, but we also cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the enforcement of drug possession laws. For many, it is the only way they will ever recognize they have a problem and seek treatment.”
The LPSO remains committed in its partnership with the Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court since its inception in 1999. This alternative to incarceration provides those with addictive disorders the opportunity to attain and maintain responsible sobriety while providing treatment, education, and skill development. It has helped a great number of people shed the chains of addiction while also resuming their life as a contributing member of society.
On the side of prevention, for the past 30 years, the LPSO has been teaching children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse through the D.A.R.E. program. With programs and lessons for Kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as 8th grade, our D.A.R.E. instructors and school resource officers ensure children are aware of the consequences of drug use and abuse with a science-based education based on the principles of prevention.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents made four arrests in the South Lafourche area on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, August 7, agents attempted to make contact with Ashley Savoie, 36, at her Larose residence on Hamilton Street due to her having nine contempt of court warrants stemming from charges including multiple counts of theft and traffic violations. At Savoie’s residence, agents made contact with Christopher Moore, 34, of Norco and Malik Jenkins, 21, of Larose. Moore was found to have marijuana in his possession and was charged Possession of Marijuana (1st Offense). Through investigation, agents obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, agents found drug paraphernalia and several types of narcotics which were determined to belong to Jenkins. Jenkins was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on charges including Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Possession of MDMA, Xanax, Codeine, Hydrocodone, and Drug Paraphernalia. Jenkins’ bail was set at $13,200.
Meanwhile, additional agents made contact with Savoie at another location, and she was arrested on the aforementioned warrants. Tevin Robinson, 27, of Larose was with Savoie and found to have an active contempt warrant stemming from a prior theft charge. Both were booked into the Correctional Complex. Savoie’s bail amount was set at $27,000 and she has been ordered to pay $3,184.50 in fines and costs. Robinson was ordered to pay $334.50 in fines and costs.
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct seat belt checkpoints in Lafourche Parish during the daytime hours of August 7, 2019, and August 15, 2019. During these checkpoints, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as for proper inspection tags and other potential violations. Checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested a Thibodaux man following an investigation. Chad Fletcher, 28, faces drug and weapons charges in the case. The investigation was conducted in cooperation with the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Louisiana State Police.
Narcotics agents recently opened an investigation into Chad Fletcher after receiving a tip through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region that he was involved in the trafficking of illegal narcotics which included receiving them through the mail. Through investigation, agents obtained a search warrant for Fletcher’s residence on Petal Avenue in Thibodaux.
On Thursday, August 1, agents made contact with Fletcher and conducted a search of his residence with assistance from K-9 deputies, the Louisiana State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. During the search, agents found a black AR-15 rifle, 2.31 pounds of suspected marijuana, three vials of suspected steroids, and $4,575 in cash. They also discovered various drug paraphernalia including syringes, vacuum seal bags, and digital scales – all commonly associated with the sale of illegal narcotics.
Fletcher was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. He was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Steroids, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of Controlled Dangerous Substances, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released Friday morning, August 2, after posting $111,000 bail.
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office recently hosted a special training with other local first responders designed to simulate an active shooter event. The training course, entitled “Active Attack Integrated Response” is designed to allow law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel to train together in response to an active shooter event. The training was conducted at Central Lafourche High School in Mathews.
“In order to save lives in such incidents, you must have cooperation among agencies,” said Sheriff Webre. “It’s absolutely critical that our local law enforcement agencies, EMS, and fire departments train together to maximize preservation of life. This training demonstrates the evolution of our commitment to school safety. We continue to ensure our school resource officers, D.A.R.E. officers, and all deputies are prepared to respond when a situation arises.”
The training course was hosted by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University. The Active Attack Integrated Response Course is a two-day, 16-hour course designed to improve integration between law enforcement, dispatchers, fire, and emergency medical services in active attack/shooter events. The course provides law enforcement officers with tactical emergency casualty care skills which increases a victim’s chances of survival. The course also provides a model framework for law enforcement, fire, and EMS to integrate responses during an active attack through the rescue task force concept.
Personnel from several agencies attended the training including the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lockport Police Department, and Port Fourchon Harbor Police, as well as the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, Grand Isle Police Department, and Gulfport (Mississippi) Police Department. The training also included personnel from Acadian Ambulance, the U.S. Coast Guard, and firefighters from Lafourche Parish Fire District #3 (South Lafourche), Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department, and the Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Department.
Kully Griffin, Fire Chief for Lafourche Parish Fire District #3, stated: “When it comes to complicated emergencies, agencies that train and work together are better prepared to handle them. This training helped bring to focus multiple aspects of an active shooter scenario, and our members who participated are excited to share their knowledge with everyone else.”
Chad Davis, Operations Supervisor for Acadian Ambulance, said: “Every emergency response agency should attend this type of training. EMS, fire departments, and LPSO all working as one unit to respond to an active shooter event will save lives.”
In addition to this training, all P.O.S.T.-certified LPSO deputies have taken part in single-day active shooter training this month. Lieutenant John Champagne, an LPSO ALERRT instructor who assisted in coordinating both training sessions, echoed Sheriff Webre’s sentiments. “Every time there is another mass shooting, we learn more about law enforcement’s response – what worked and what didn’t,” said Lt. Champagne. “Unfortunately, the shooters learn and evolve as well. We have to do our best to stay one step ahead at all times, and these training courses are a major step forward in minimizing casualties if such an event ever occurs. It’s the type of training we hope we never need.”
Training participants from the U.S. Coast Guard enter a school after receiving a call of an active shooter incident.Training participants from LPSO and the Port Fourchon Harbor Police render aid to a “gunshot victim” following a response to an active shooter incident.During the training, firefighters and EMTs enter a building following an active shooter incident.During the training, EMTs and firefighters assist an injured man into an ambulance while an officer stands guard at the scene.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced four teenage boys caught on a doorbell camera were charged with multiple vehicle burglaries on Wednesday, July 31. The burglaries occurred in the Thibodaux area.
At 2:05 a.m. on July 31, 2019, a concerned citizen on West Camelia Drive in Thibodaux reported receiving an alert on his doorbell camera, and he saw four males pulling on vehicle door handles. Deputies found several vehicle doors left open along the street and began searching the neighborhood along with officers from the Thibodaux Police Department. Deputies located a group of boys fitting the description of the suspects on Karen Drive, but as deputies approached, the boys began to run. Deputies and officers pursued and took the four boys – two 16-year-olds and two 14-year-olds – into custody. Deputies found stolen property in their possession, and a handgun was found in the possession of the 16-year-olds.
All four teens were placed into the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility in Thibodaux. They were each charged with three counts of Simple Burglary, and the two 16-year-olds were each charged with Illegal Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile. As the investigation continues, detectives say additional burglary charges could be forthcoming.
Sheriff Webre thanked the alert citizens for recognizing suspicious activity and reporting it immediately to law enforcement.
“In recent months, we’ve made it clear how vehicle burglars are operating in our area by lifting door handles looking for easy targets,” said Sheriff Webre. “Thanks to the use of a doorbell camera, a citizen was able to recognize this activity and report it in time for us to catch the suspects.”
Sheriff Webre reminds residents to keep vehicles locked at all times and keep valuables out of sight, especially overnight. Sheriff Webre also reminds citizens that any level of home security, including doorbell cameras and other surveillance cameras can assist in identifying and arresting suspects.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a man arrested for sex crimes in April 2019 is facing new charges. Benjamin Holbert, 30, of Larose faces additional counts of sexual battery and indecent behavior with juveniles after two more victims came forward.
As previously released, juvenile detectives began investigating Holbert after it was reported he had inappropriately touched a juvenile under the age of 12. Detectives obtained a warrant, and he was arrested on April 8, 2019. In that case, he was charged with one count each of Sexual Battery (Forcible Fondling) and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. He was released the following day after posting $10,000 bail.
After learning of Holbert’s arrest, two additional victims came forward. Detectives learned similar incidents had occurred approximately two years prior, and both victims were under the age of 12 at the time of the incidents. Detectives obtained warrants for two additional counts of Sexual Battery (Forcible Fondling) and one count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile.
Holbert was arrested on July 29, 2019. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on the new charges. He was subsequently released later that day after posting $60,000 bail.
Sheriff Craig Webre has announced a list of 19 official block party locations in Lafourche Parish for the 36th Annual National Night Out Against Crime on August 6, 2019. 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.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will be providing food at each of the block party sites. Additionally, Explorers from POST 323 will be present at many of the block party locations offering free child fingerprinting and DNA swabbing to help enhance personal safety in Lafourche Parish. Each block party will be unique and offer various interactive activities for children and adults.
Here is a list of block party locations around Lafourche Parish, as well as contact information for each party:
Thibodaux Family Church (785 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux)
Contact Pastor Duane Bland at (985) 859-9005
301 Hyland Dr., Thibodaux
Contact Earl Woods Sr. at (225) 205-8335
Bayou Country Club Parking Lot (900 Country Club Blvd., Thibodaux)
Contact Anna Theiss at (985) 859-7495
Bayou Boeuf Volunteer Fire Co. Station (3457 LA 307, Bayou Boeuf)
Contact Capt. Lafate Day at (985) 803-1062
1024 Bayou Blue By-Pass Rd., St. Charles Community
Contact Jennifer Richard at (985) 513-0446
NAACP at Rev. Lloyd Wallace Community Center (3603 Hwy. 308, Raceland)
Contact Burnell Tolbert at (985) 713-4250
161 Market St., Raceland
Contact Natasha Gabriel at (985) 805-0881
329 Aspen Dr., Raceland (access via Elm Dr. off LA Hwy. 1)
Contact Cory Detillier at (985) 791-4285
111 Maxine Blvd., Bayou Blue
Contact James Wendell at (985) 870-0789
Green Acres Subdivision (100 block of Pelican Drive, Raceland)
Contact Sgt. Carla Landry at (985) 537-0037
Sugar Land Subdivision (144 Twin Oaks Dr., Raceland)
Contact Rose Sampey at (985) 537-5667
Vacherie-Gheens Community Center (1783 Hwy. 654, Gheens)
Contact Spence Cressionie at (985) 805-0522
Town of Lockport (Holy Savior Ball Park on Church Street)
Contact Chief David Harrelson Jr. at (985) 532-3117
The Broadway Elder Living & Rehabilitation Center(7534 Hwy. 1, Lockport)
Contact Tameka Bourda at (985) 532-1011
202 Chateau Dr., Lockport
Contact Jerry Knight at (985) 856-8072
281 West 32nd St., Larose
Contact Bob Faulk at (985) 232-8020
243 East 58th St., Cut Off
Contact Holly Cheramie at (985) 278-9949
133 West 112th Street, Cut Off
Contact Peggy Bagala at (985) 632-6382
Golden Meadow Town Hall (107 Jervis Dr., Golden Meadow)
Contact Jamie Liner at (985) 475-7942
The annual National 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. For more information on the parade, contact Danny Mayet at (985) 637-2166.
Anyone in Lafourche Parish who has planned a party that is not on this list is asked to contact Lt. Valerie Martinez-Jordan at (985) 449-4479 or via email at valerie-martinez@lpso.net.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives have identified a man whose body was found in Bayou Lafourche on Monday. The man was identified as Kelvin Johnson, 30, of Napoleonville. Johnson’s body was recovered from Bayou Lafourche near Tiger Drive in Thibodaux on Monday, July 29.
An autopsy was conducted Tuesday morning and the results are pending. Based on the preliminary findings and evidence, foul play is not suspected in Johnson’s death. The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office.
