Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

REMINDER: Seat Belt and DWI Checkpoints Slated for Wednesday, July 3

Sheriff Craig Webre is reminding residents that the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct checkpoints on July 3, 2019, in Lafourche Parish. A seat belt checkpoint will be conducted during the evening hours of Wednesday, July 3, followed by a DWI checkpoint which will continue into the early morning hours of Thursday, July 4. This checkpoint is being conducted in coordination with the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which began on Monday, July 1, and runs through July 7, 2019.

During the seat belt checkpoint, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as for proper inspection tags and other potential violations. During the DWI checkpoint, deputies will be looking for drivers who are possibly impaired while checking for other traffic safety issues. These checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be dedicating the DWI Checkpoint on Wednesday night to honor both Lindsey Fontenot and Raymond Bourg. “These two men lost their lives right here in this community, during this holiday season on July 2, 2010, due to an impaired driver who made a terrible decision to get behind the wheel of his vehicle,” said Valerie Cox, Program Director for MADD Louisiana. “Lindsey and Raymond’s family and friends are serving their own life sentences without them now because of a choice that was made which was 100% completely and easily preventable.”

In addition to the checkpoints, as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has assigned additional deputies to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more people die in drunk driving crashes in July than any other month. The Independence Day holiday itself is particularly deadly. Drunk driving typically accounts for about 40% of all traffic deaths on July 4th and the weekend before or after.

The July 3, 2019 DWI Checkpoint is dedicated to honor the memory of Raymond Bourg and Lindsey Fontenot. — *The July 3, 2019 DWI Checkpoint is dedicated to honoring the memory of Raymond Bourg and Lindsey Fontenot.*

2019 National Night Out Against Crime Slated for Tuesday, August 6

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will once again be participating in the National Night Out Against Crime scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2019. This is the 36th annual nationwide event.

Citizens will host block parties throughout the parish, and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies will be attending to meet community members to discuss crime prevention and any other concerns. Explorers from POST 323 will also be conducting fingerprinting and DNA swabbing in some areas. LPSO will supply the parties with hot dogs, but each party is encouraged to organize additional food and refreshments with attendees.

Anyone interested in hosting a block party is asked to contact Lt. Valerie Martinez-Jordan at (985) 449-4479 or via email at valerie-martinez@lpso.net. The deadline to contact Lt. Martinez-Jordan to organize a block party is July 31, 2019.

ABOUT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT:
National Night Out is a yearlong community building campaign designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Approximately 38 million people from more than 16,000 communities across the nation participate in the annual event. The first National Night Out took place on August 7, 1984, and it was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch which continues to spearhead the event today.

UPDATE: Cut Off Man Arrested for Assault, Drug Possession Faces Additional Charges

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a man arrested last week after an assault led deputies to discover drugs at a residence now faces additional charges. Christopher Grant, 29, of Galliano was originally arrested on June 27, 2019, and he was booked on additional charges on July 1.

As previously released, a man was traveling on a bicycle along LA Highway 3162 in Cut Off on June 26, 2019, when Grant emerged from a vehicle in a driveway and began arguing with him. Grant reportedly threatened to shoot him and showed a handgun tucked in his pants. At that time, the man flagged down a deputy who was passing by to report the incident, and Grant quickly ran into the nearby residence. After additional deputies arrived, Grant exited the residence and was taken into custody.

Deputies found no weapons on Grant, but obtained a search warrant for the residence where they found over 58 grams of synthetic marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, Xanax, and Valium. Also during the search, deputies had discovered a combination safe which was also seized. Deputies obtained a separate search warrant for the safe. Inside, they discovered a pistol and suspected cocaine, marijuana, and Suboxone. Deputies then obtained warrants for additional charges.

Grant was initially arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on June 27, 2019. At that time, he was charged with Simple Assault, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Synthetic Marijuana, as well as Possession of Valium, Xanax, and Drug Paraphernalia. He was also booked on an active contempt of court warrant. Then, on Monday, July 1, Grant was additionally booked with Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), and Possession of Suboxone. His bail amount has now increased to $105,000.

Two-Year Investigation Leads to 18 Indictments and Seizure of $1 Million in Illegal Drugs

Sheriff Craig Webre speaks at Monday's Press Conference — *Sheriff Craig Webre speaks at Monday’s press conference*

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and officials from surrounding parishes, federal agencies, and state agencies announced the results today of a two-year investigation into major methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin trafficking in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes. Eighteen individuals were federally indicted as part of the investigation. A press conference was held on Monday afternoon, July 1, in New Orleans at the office of the U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana. Overall, the operation resulted in the seizure of more than $1 million in illegal drugs, guns, and cash.

U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser stated: “All of us in law enforcement – federal, state, and local – we stand together, and we will never surrender in the fight against drugs. We work together to detect, dismantle, and disrupt drug trafficking organizations.”

In connection with the investigation, more than 85 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine, heroin, cash, and guns, including AK-47 rifles. The street value of the drugs seized is approximately $1 million.

U.S. Attorney Strasser announced Monday that the following individuals were federally indicted in connection to the investigation:

Kendall Mathews, 36, of Thibodaux
Earl Johnson, 39, of Thibodaux
Montrell Cleveland, 32, of Thibodaux
Dontrell Mathews, 40, of Thibodaux
Javante Coler, 25, of Thibodaux
Deondre Gramma, 26, of Thibodaux
Larry Chatman, 28, of Thibodaux
Hakeam Drane, 29, of Gray
Spencer Rounds, 29, of Gray
Michael Lewis, 33, of Edgard
Harris Henderson, 43, of Schriever
Rafael Molina, 43, of Texas
Gustavo Balderas, 32, of Texas
Michael Garza, 34, of Texas
Daniel Cabrera-Vergara Jr., 35 of Houma
Laranza Thomas, 28, of Houma
David Mar, 24, of Houma
Andrew Anderson, 38, of LaPlace

“This case illustrates the value of task forces,” said Sheriff Webre. “The sharing of information and resources between our local deputies and narcotics agents with Louisiana State Police and federal agents helps keep all our streets safe. These partnerships are critical with these large trafficking investigations which can span multiple jurisdictions and states.”

US Attorney Peter Strasser speaks at Monday's Press Conference Press Conference 7 1 2019 (Peter Strasser) — *US Attorney Peter Strasser speaks at Monday’s press conference.*

Detectives Investigating Overnight Shooting Death of Woman in Thibodaux

UPDATE: The victim in Sunday’s shooting has been identified as Anjhae Pharagood, 24, of Thibodaux. The investigation is continuing.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating the death of a woman who was found shot in Thibodaux. The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time.

Just after 10:30 p.m., deputies responded to a call of possible gunshots and a woman found lying in the street on Michelle Place in Thibodaux. Upon arrival, deputies found a woman in her 20s with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

This investigation is continuing. More information will be provided when it can be made available.

Anyone with any information on this case 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.

Rape Aggression Defense Course Slated for Larose in August

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course on August 12, 13, and 14, 2019, at Alstarz Cheer Academy, located at 13347 W Main Street in Larose.

This self-defense course is designed exclusively for women and will take place over the course of all three days. The class will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 9 p.m. each day. Participants must attend all three days. Course instruction will be provided by certified R.A.D. instructors from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The cost of the course is $10 to cover the cost of course materials. Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. You can register online here: www.LPSO.net/RADsignup. Payment cannot be made through the online sign-up form, but the fee must be pre-paid and is non-refundable. Please send payment by mail, along with your name, address, and phone number to Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Captain Lafate Day, 1300 Lynn Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301. Please make checks payable to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The deadline to register for the class is Friday, August 9, 2018, at 11 a.m.

For more information, please contact Captain Lafate Day at (985) 449-4485 or by email at lafate-day@lpso.net.

Assault Leads Deputies to Narcotics Discovery at Cut Off Residence

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Christopher Grant, 29, of Galliano on June 27, 2019.

At around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, a man was traveling on a bicycle along LA Highway 3162 in Cut Off when another man, later identified as Christopher Grant, emerged from a vehicle in a driveway and began arguing with him. The man said that during the argument, Grant threatened to shoot him. The man also claimed that Grant showed him a handgun tucked into his pants. At that time, the man flagged down a deputy who was passing by to report the incident, and Grant quickly ran into the nearby residence.

Grant had an active warrant for his arrest. Additional deputies responded to the residence. Grant exited the residence and was taken into custody. He was not found to have any weapon on his person. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence in an attempt to locate the firearm. During the search, deputies discovered suspected narcotics including approximately 26.5 grams of synthetic marijuana, 21.6 grams of cocaine, 10.2 grams of methamphetamine, 15 doses of Xanax, and 2 doses of Valium. They also located various drug paraphernalia commonly associated with the selling of illegal narcotics. All illegal items were determined to have been in Grant’s possession. Deputies did not locate a gun during the search, but the investigation is continuing.

Grant was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Synthetic Marijuana. He was also charged with Simple Assault and Possession of Valium, Xanax, and Drug Paraphernalia. He was additionally booked with an outstanding warrant for Contempt of Court. His bail is set at $42,500.

Plans Announced for Independence Day 2019 Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced plans for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which runs from July 1-7, 2019, centered around the Independence Day holiday. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

As part of the campaign efforts, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will assign additional deputies to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe. Additionally, LPSO deputies will conduct a seat belt checkpoint and a DWI checkpoint. A seat belt checkpoint will be conducted during the evening hours of July 3, 2019. A DWI checkpoint will also begin during the evening hours of July 3, 2019, and continue into the early morning hours of the following day.

During the seat belt checkpoint, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as other violations such as expired inspection tags. During the DWI checkpoint, deputies will be looking for drivers who are possibly impaired while checking for other traffic safety issues, including but not limited to seat belt usage. Remember that Lafourche Parish is a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a suspected drunk driver refuses a breathalyzer test, deputies will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.

Sheriff Webre reminds citizens to designate a driver if you are going to drink. Sheriff Webre also asks for patience and cooperation when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.

Missing Person Report Leads to Man Being Charged with Kidnapping and Sexual Battery

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Anthony Adams, 39, of Thibodaux on Saturday, June 22. Adams faces charges of kidnapping and sexual battery.

At around 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, Thibodaux Police responded to a report that a mentally disabled woman in her 40s was missing. It was suspected that Anthony Adams, who is known to the family, may have picked up the woman earlier in the evening. Through investigation, officers learned Adams was located at a motel outside the city limits.

Deputies with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office responded to the motel where Adams vehicle was located. After determining which room Adams was in, deputies attempted to make contact. After some time, Adams eventually came to the door. Deputies located the missing woman inside the hotel room, and she appeared to be emotionally distraught.

Detectives responded to the scene. Through investigation, they learned Adams committed a sexual battery on the woman after removing her from her home without proper permission. The woman asked to leave, but Adams refused to take her home.

Following an investigation, detectives obtained a warrant, and Adams was placed under arrest. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on the charges of Simple Kidnapping and Misdemeanor Sexual Battery. He was released on Sunday, June 23 after posting $6,500 bail.

Deputies Arrest Man Found Riding on Stolen Dirt Bike

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Markell Folse, 18, of Raceland on Friday, June 21. Folse faces charges which include possession of stolen property and aggravated flight from an officer.

At around 11:35 a.m. on Friday, deputies in the Raceland area saw a man wearing a mask and riding an off-road motorcycle (“dirt bike”) on Morristown Road. When deputies approached, the man saw the deputies and attempted to flee on the motorcycle. The mask had been moved, and deputies identified the man as Markell Folse. Folse made his way to Wilson Street and continued to LA Highway 1 where deputies lost sight of him. In searching the area, deputies discovered Folse hiding in a nearby abandoned trailer. Deputies recovered the motorcycle and learned it had been reported stolen in Houma the previous day. It was returned to the owner. During questioning, Folse admitted he knew the bike was stolen but did not have any knowledge of the theft.

Folse was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, and wearing a mask/hood in public places (R.S. 14:313). His bail is set at $5,500, but he is also being held for Louisiana Probation and Parole.