Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

UPDATE: Cut Off Businessman Now Charged with Selling Fake Bonds

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Cut Off businessman facing multiple charges in an ongoing investigation is now charged with selling fake bonds. Kristian “Kris” Gaudet, 45, now faces a total of 11 counts of felony theft, as well as charges of monetary instrument abuse, money laundering, racketeering, and exploitation of the infirmed. This investigation is continuing in coordination with the FBI, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Office, and the Fraud Division of the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

On May 30, 2019, a woman came forward with concerns about her investments after learning of Gaudet’s charges. She had purchased bonds totaling $80,000. Upon contacting the holding company, the resident learned the bonds she purchased were fake. Following an investigation into the matter, detectives obtained warrants for additional charges for Gaudet for Felony Theft and Monetary Instrument Abuse.

As previously released, the investigation into Gaudet began in late 2018 when a couple became suspicious of investments made with Gaudet, owner of Kris Gaudet Insurance and Financial Services. Detectives found Gaudet provided false information on an investment company which he also owned. Detectives discovered Gaudet deposited the couple’s $350,000 investment into the company account and then transferred most of it to another of his accounts. Gaudet was initially arrested in January 2019. After his arrest, eight additional victims came forward, and detectives found evidence of money laundering and racketeering. Additional charges were filed in February and March 2019.

Gaudet was booked on the new charges on June 13, 2019. In all, he is charged with 11 counts of Felony Theft, four counts of Exploitation of the Infirmed, and one count each of Racketeering, Money Laundering, and Monetary Instrument Abuse. His current bail amount is now at $433,750.

Once again, detectives are asking anyone who has made an investment with Gaudet and his company since 2012 to please come forward if your investment has not been fully returned. Anyone with insurance policies obtained through Gaudet and his company is also asked to contact their primary insurer listed on documents to ensure your account is in good standing. Anyone with any discrepancies is asked to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 532-4320.

Kristian "Kris" Gaudet — Kristian “Kris” Gaudet

Domestic Disturbance Call Leads to Drug Arrest

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a call for a domestic disturbance led to a man being found with a variety of narcotics. Deadren Rhodes, 40, of Raceland faces several drug-related charges following the incident.

Just before 9 a.m. on June 7, 2019, deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance occurring in the front yard of a residence on West 21st Street in Larose. Deputies arrived to find a man, later identified as Rhodes, arguing with a woman. Deputies approached the man and conducted a pat-down for officer safety. In doing so, deputies discovered Rhodes had a bag containing several smaller plastic bags with various narcotics. Inside the bag, deputies discovered the following amounts of suspected narcotics: 32.7 grams of methamphetamine, 15.7 grams of cocaine, 6.2 grams of MDMA, 5.7 grams of crack cocaine, 1.7 grams of Viagra, and two digital scales. Upon investigating the domestic disturbance, deputies found a verbal altercation had taken place, but it had not turned physical at any point.

Rhodes was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was booked with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and MDMA, as well as Possession of a Legend Drug and Drug Paraphernalia. Bail is set at $40,750.

Sheriff Webre Offers Tips on Drowning Prevention for Children

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is urging parents to be cautious with children around swimming pools and open bodies of water. Drowning is the leading cause of death from injury in children ages 1-4. Three children die every day as a result of drowning.

“Now that school is out, many kids will be looking to spend time in the pool,” said Sheriff Webre. “I implore parents not to use the pool itself as a ‘babysitter’ for any child. Children should always be properly supervised when in or around pools or any body of water.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, children ages 1-4 are at the highest risk of drowning in a pool at a home. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly and can even occur in the presence of lifeguards. Most fatal drownings, however, happen where there is poor or absent adult supervision. Sheriff Webre recommends the following:

Never leave your child unattended outdoors, especially if there is a pool or body of water at your home or nearby.
Enroll your child in swimming lessons as young as possible.
Drain all water from kiddie pools and turn upside-down went not in use.

For those with pools at their home, Sheriff Webre recommends the following:

Enclose pools with a fence at least four feet tall with a self-closing gate.
Remove floats, balls, and other toys from the pool and surrounding area when not in use so that children are not tempted to enter the pool area.
Restrict access to items such as ladders, buckets, and chairs that are easily accessible to children to climb on and enter a pool, and consider installing a safety cover for the pool.

When kids are swimming, be sure to designate a “water watcher” even if a lifeguard is on duty. This individual should be an adult with the skills, knowledge, and ability (such as CPR) to rescue someone in distress or be able to notify someone nearby who can. The water watcher should have a working phone to be able to call 9-1-1 in an emergency but should NOT be distracted by the phone. This person should NEVER be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Unfortunately, our parish is no stranger to this sort of tragedy,” said Sheriff Webre. “There is seemingly nothing more devastating to a parent or a community than the death of a child. By taking these steps, you can do your best to prevent such a tragedy.”

On June 30, 2018, Riley John Bourgeois slipped away from his parents’ watch and was found in a neighbor’s swimming pool. CPR was administered by bystanders, and first responders took over upon their arrival. Riley was then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans where he remained in for two days before his death on July 2, just a few days shy of his second birthday (July 8).

Darby Bourgeois, Riley’s father, said, “As I saw my son’s lifeless body lying there, I was praying to God, and I thought to myself that I don’t want another person to have to go through this agony.”

To that end, Bourgeois and his family launched the Blue Boot Rodeo in 2019. The event is slated for July 12-13, 2019 at Sand Dollar Marina in Grand Isle. The proceeds from the rodeo will go towards the education of elementary students and parents on drowning prevention and water safety awareness, as well as scholarships to local high school seniors. The rodeo is geared toward driving awareness to childhood drowning and celebration of the life of Riley John Bourgeois who loved wearing blue boots! For more information, go to www.BlueBootRodeo.com.

For more tips on childhood drowning prevention, go to WaterSafetyUSA.org.

*Riley Bourgeois passed away on July 2, 2018.*

Deputies Seek to Identify Man for Burglary at a Raceland Market

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted for a burglary at a Raceland market.

On the morning of June 5, 2019, deputies responded to a reported burglary at the Cajun Fresh Market located at 938 Highway 90 East in Raceland. It is estimated the burglary took place between 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4 and 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5. The unidentified white male took several food items in the burglary.

Anyone who can identify this man or anyone with any other information on this crime 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.

Seat Belt Checkpoints Slated for June 6 and 12

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct seat belt checkpoints in Lafourche Parish during the daytime hours of June 6, 2019, and June 12, 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.

Arrest Made in Recent Rash of Vehicle Burglaries in Central Lafourche Area

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced an arrest has been made in an investigation into a recent rash of vehicle burglaries in the central area of Lafourche Parish. Cadarren Turner, 30, of Raceland has been arrested after he was found with stolen property in his possession and linked to several burglaries.

Shortly after 3:30 a.m. on May 27, 2019, detectives observed a man, later identified as Turner, riding a bicycle along LA Highway 1 near St. Patrick Street in Raceland without proper lighting. Detectives attempted to stop Turner, but as the detective approached, Turner got off the bicycle, dropped items he was carrying, and fled on foot. Detectives lost sight of Turner and were unable to locate him. Detectives collected the items Turner left behind and determined it to have been stolen in vehicle burglaries in the area of Danos Street in Raceland.

Shortly after 1 p.m. on May 28, 2019, deputies located Turner in the Raceland area, and he once again attempted to flee on foot. This time, deputies were able to take him into custody. He was found to have suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his possession, as well as a backpack which had recently been reported stolen. During questioning, Turner admitted to committing three burglaries and admitted to fleeing from the bicycle the previous day. Through further investigation, deputies and detectives found evidence linking Turner to the three burglaries and an attempted burglary.

Turner was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex and charged with three counts of Simple Burglary, Attempted Simple Burglary, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, two counts of Resisting an Officer, Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and improper bicycle lighting. He was also booked on a warrant for Contempt of Court. Bail is set at $67,520.

“In addition to processing evidence and using traditional investigative techniques, we are employing new and innovative strategies to attempt to catch these thieves,” said Sheriff Webre. “We will continue to patrol neighborhoods throughout the day and night, but we also ask citizens to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and report it to us immediately.”

In nearly every recent burglary, each vehicle was left unlocked. In the rare instances forced entry was made, such as a window being broken, there was either an item of value easily seen from the outside or the vehicle was parked in a remote location.

“Despite the smash and grab tactics used in other areas, these burglars are not wasting time trying to break into a vehicle unless they see something valuable,” said Sheriff Webre. “By removing all valuables from your vehicles and keeping your vehicles locked, you can avoid becoming a victim.”

The investigation into these burglaries is continuing, and additional arrests could be forthcoming.

Two Arrested For Larose Shipyard Burglaries

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two people have been arrested in connection to burglaries at a Larose shipyard. Ted Toups, 53, and Ronda Badeaux, 50, both of Gheens, were arrested on Saturday.

In January 2019, detectives began investigation burglaries of marine vessels at a Larose shipyard. Locks on shipyard entry gates, as well as the vessels, had been cut. Through further investigation, detectives identified a white sedan as a suspicious vehicle which had been parked in the area several times over the span of a few months. It was believed Ted Toups was using the vehicle. Then, in May 2019, surveillance cameras captured images of subjects, later identified as Toups and Ronda Badeaux, entering marine vessels on several occasions.

On May 25, 2019, detectives made contact with Toups and Badeaux on a traffic stop. Following questioning, both were arrested and charged with Simple Burglary in connection to the shipyard burglary investigation. They were booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux and bail was set at $50,000 each.

Investigators found most of the stolen items had been sold for scrap. The value of the items stolen is in excess of $100,000.

LPSO Sergeant Honored by Louisiana Housing Council

Sergeant Keniyelle Frank was honored by the Louisiana Housing Council on May 24, 2019.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre congratulated Sergeant Keniyelle “Nicole” Frank who has been recognized by the Louisiana Housing Council for Meritorious Accomplishment by a Law Enforcement Officer. The award was presented Thursday evening at an awards ceremony at the Louisiana Housing Council’s Annual Legislative Conference in Baton Rouge.

Sergeant Frank said, “I would like to thank Sheriff Webre for giving me the opportunity and tools needed to mold me into the officer I am today. I also sincerely thank the Louisiana Housing Council for this extraordinary honor.”

Sergeant Frank has served as the Housing and Urban Development Officer for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office for the past 14 years. She oversees and is the direct contact for tenants in seven housing developments and over 250 residents in Section 8 housing. She works to keep all housing residents safe and has spearheaded various efforts of community outreach with those residents.

“Sergeant Frank is an incredible advocate for the community,” said Sheriff Webre. “I have always seen the best results when I can identify an employee’s passion and place them in a role where they can excel. Sergeant Frank has certainly been a valuable asset to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and the community she serves. She is very much deserving of this recognition.”

Founded in 1962, the Louisiana Housing Council is a statewide organization of professional people who are involved in Housing and Community Development. The council is comprised of dedicated individuals and agencies working together to improve housing programs. One of the main goals of the council is to provide training to its membership in order to enhance the professionalism of the entire industry. The Council’s parent organization is the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials based in Washington, DC.

Thibodaux Man Charged with Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux Man for Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. Gerard Adams, 32, was arrested on Thursday, May 23.

Juvenile detectives began an investigation in April 2019 after learning Adams had reportedly touched a teenage girl inappropriately. Through investigation, detectives learned that Adams also reportedly sent an inappropriate message to the girl following the incident. On Thursday, May 23, Adams met with investigators. During questioning, Adams denied any intentional inappropriate touching, but he admitted to sending the message.

Adams was arrested and charged with Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was subsequently released after posting bail of $30,000.

UPDATE: Juvenile Charged as Accessory in Death of Montegut Man

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a 16-year-old male has been charged as an accessory in the shooting death of 53-year-old Kirby Courteaux Jr. last week. The juvenile is the third person facing charges in the incident. Terance Dupre, 22, of Montegut was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder in the case. Devante Matthews, 21, of Montegut is also wanted for murder and is still at large.

Through investigation, detectives learned Dupre, Matthews, and Courteaux were at a boat launch in Point-aux-Chenes on the night of May 11, 2019, when Courteaux was reportedly shot multiple times. Matthews and Dupre took Courteaux’s body and his truck. They then transported his body to Morgan City and left him near a wooded area. Further investigation revealed a 16-year-old male was traveling with them in the truck to Morgan City.

On May 15, 2019, Dupre was taken into custody after Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies found him driving the victim’s vehicle in Montegut. During questioning by Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators, Dupre had to be hospitalized for treatment on an unrelated matter. He was released from the hospital on Thursday, May 23, and he was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the charge of Second Degree Murder. His bail is set at $1 million.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives obtained a warrant for the juvenile for the charge of Accessory After the Fact to Second Degree Murder. On Thursday, May 23, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies made contact with the juvenile and took him into custody. He was placed into the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility in Thibodaux.

Investigators are still seeking Devante Matthews who is wanted for Second Degree Murder. Anyone with information on 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.

The investigation into this case is continuing.