Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

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.

Davonte Mathews — WANTED: Devante Matthews

Galliano Man and Woman Arrested on Numerous Drug Charges

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Galliano man and woman for numerous drug charges. Agents arrested Mark Williams, 49, and Wanda Plaisance, 49, on May 21, 2019.

In April 2019, both detectives and narcotics agents had obtained search warrants for Williams’ residence in separate investigations. Williams was suspected to be a mid-level drug dealer, and detectives were investigating his involvement in printing counterfeit money. On April 26, 2019, agents and detectives searched Williams’ home and discovered a variety of suspected illegal narcotics as well as evidence of possible counterfeit activity. Williams was not present at the time of the search, but Plaisance was. At that time, she was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, a Legend Drug, and Drug Paraphernalia, all of which were found in her immediate possession. She was released after posting $5,000 bail.

Following the search, agents obtained warrants for both Plaisance and Williams for additional charges stemming from the search. Warrants were obtained for both for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin, Marijuana, Suboxone, and Clonazepam, as well as Possession of LSD. Additionally, agents obtained warrants for Williams for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Legend Drug, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Meanwhile, the evidence in the counterfeit case was sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge for processing, and that investigation is ongoing.

On Tuesday, May 21, narcotics agents located Williams and Plaisance while they were traveling in the Galliano area. During a search of the vehicle, agents located suspected methamphetamine, LSD, MDMA, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Williams and Plaisance were taken into custody and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on the aforementioned warrants as well as new charges from the traffic stop. Those included one count each of Possession of Methamphetamine, LSD, MDMA, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia. Plaisance’s total bail is set at $40,800. Williams was additionally charged with Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and improper vehicle lighting, and his bail is set at $58,500.

2019 Norman Swanner Foundation Scholarship Awarded to Thibodaux High School Senior

2019 Swanner Scholarship — *Neal Swanner presents a scholarship check to Meagan Matherne with her parents, Deputy Jason Matherne and Angela Matherne.*

Sheriff Craig Webre announced Thibodaux High School senior Meagan Matherne has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Norman Swanner Foundation Scholarship award for Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees and family. She is the daughter of Deputy Jason Matherne, a school resource officer. Neal Swanner presented Matherne with her award on Tuesday, May 21 on behalf of the Norman Swanner Foundation.

Matherne received the $500 scholarship to assist her with expenses as she plans to attend Nicholls State University and major in Pediatric Nursing. On her application, Matherne indicated plans to pursue a career locally at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center.

“Ms. Matherne is a well-rounded, outstanding student who has received several honors and is involved in numerous extra-curricular activities,” said Sheriff Webre. “It is always great to see our top students planning to attend school and pursue a career here in Lafourche Parish. I wish Meagan the best of luck as she pursues her degree at Nicholls State University.”

The Norman Swanner Foundation awards a $500 scholarship annually to one Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employee or immediate family member who plans to enroll in the fall as a full-time student at Nicholls State University, L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College, or South Central Louisiana Technical Community College. The scholarship is awarded as a gift, not a loan, to defray the cost of tuition and related expenses in higher education. An independent board of review selects the winner of the scholarship.

The Norman Swanner Foundation is a non-profit organization created in memory of Norman Swanner, a Thibodaux resident who passed away on November 8, 2006. Swanner was a City Councilman at the time of his death. Swanner’s daughter, Jamie Beth Swanner, also passed away on December 24, 2012. The Foundation funds several awards and scholarships for students at Nicholls State University and several high schools throughout the region.

Lafourche Parish Officials Urge Citizens to Sign up for New Emergency Notification System

Lafourche Parish officials have announced a new emergency alert service immediately available to all residents. The new system is called “Everbridge” and allows citizens to sign up online to receive location-based notifications by a phone call or text message in the case of an emergency.

Everbridge replaces the “CodeRED” system which has been used since 2016. All individuals who live, work, or attend school in Lafourche Parish are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through the new Everbridge system. Any resident who registered their cell phones or email with the CodeRED system will have to register on the new system in order to continue receiving alerts.

While details on emergencies such as mandatory evacuations, hazardous material spills, and boil water advisories are always announced through news releases and social media, officials have been using a telephone system for many years which made automated phone calls to residents in a specified area in the event of such an emergency. This old system relied on information from phone companies and primarily made calls to landlines. Everbridge will provide the same functionality, but it will also send text messages and/or emails to anyone who registers a cell phone number or email address.

When signing up for Everbridge online, users will enter basic information, including name and addresses for home and work. You will then be able to list cell phone numbers to text and/or call, home and business lines, and email addresses. Multiple phone numbers can be added. You will automatically be signed up for Lafourche Parish emergency information, but you also have the option to subscribe to local severe weather alerts as well. Once a user is registered, Everbridge will even conduct a test to ensure the information was entered accurately.

Registration for Everbridge emergency alerts is available online on the homepages of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office website (www.lpso.net) or the Lafourche Parish Government website (www.lafourchegov.org). Users only need to register at one of the sites to be included in all Lafourche Parish notifications. Anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Lafourche Parish is encouraged to sign up. Anyone needing additional information or assistance should contact the Lafourche Parish Government Office of Emergency Preparedness at (985) 532-8174.

DIRECT LINK: SIGN UP FOR EVERBRIDGE ALERTS: LPSO.net/news/alerts/

Sheriff Webre Congratulates Nicholls State University Criminal Justice Graduates

Captain Lafate Day (left) and Lieutenant Michael Beck Jr. (right) graduated with degrees in Criminal Justice on Saturday at Nicholls State University.

Sheriff Craig Webre congratulated two Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees who were among the first group of Criminal Justice degree graduates at Nicholls State University. Captain Lafate Day and Lieutenant Michael Beck Jr. each graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice on Saturday.

Nicholls State University recently instituted a Bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice. Captain Day, Director of the Lafourche Sheriff’s Regional P.O.S.T. Training Academy, and Lieutenant Michael Beck, a patrol shift supervisor, were among the first class to graduate in the new program. The two did so while taking advantage of the education benefits afforded to all Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees.

“The people of Lafourche Parish deserve the best-educated officers we can provide them, and I am committed to supporting their goals of achieving college degrees,” said Sheriff Webre.

For employees attending Nicholls State University or L.E. Fletcher Community College, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will cover 100% of tuition if pursuing an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, or in the fields of government, sociology, or psychology, depending on the employee’s job assignment. LPSO will also cover a portion of tuition expenses for any employee seeking a graduate degree in those fields. Sheriff Webre also offers additional monthly payment for any employee who possesses a college degree.

“Sheriff Webre created a win-win situation for us as employees,” said Lt. Beck. “Our sheriff covers our tuition and further compensates us for earning our degree, giving you every reason for us to better ourselves in our roles as public servants.”

“Sheriff Webre rewards hard work and dedication,” said Captain Day. “I was able to earn my Associate degree in 2001 and now my Bachelor degree. The Sheriff is a role model who earned his degrees while working and has provided the same opportunity for those who work for him. I am blessed and honored to work for Sheriff Webre and an agency that makes this possible .”

In 2017, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received the When Work Works award from the National Society of Human Resource Management for excellence in effective workplace strategy and outstanding employee benefits. LPSO was also named one of 2018’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the nation. The college educational benefit is a prime example of how LPSO distinguishes itself as a leading employer.

Sheriff Webre congratulates all recent graduates as they look forward to a bright and exciting future.

Free Hunter Safety Courses Slated for Summer 2019

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host FREE Hunter Education classroom courses in June and July for anyone ages 10 or older. This two-day course covers topics such as hunter responsibility and ethics, how firearms work and firearms safety, survival and first aid skills, firearm handling skills and hunting techniques, wildlife identification, game care, and information related to wildlife conservation and management.

The first classroom course will be offered on Wednesday, June 26 through Thursday, June 27. The classroom portion on June 26 will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lafourche Parish Fire District #3 Galliano Station, located at 17462 West Main Street in Galliano. The class will resume the following day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. CLICK HERE to register for this course.

The second classroom course will be offered on Wednesday, July 31 through Thursday, August 1. Both days will be at the LPSO Shooting Range at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The classroom portion on July 31 will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and class will resume the following day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CLICK HERE to register for this course.

Participants must attend BOTH days of the class and pass a written and practical exam to be certified. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required, and a valid email address is required for registration.

Firearms and ammunition should NOT be brought to the class, but snacks are permitted. For more information, or for assistance with online registration, call the LPSO Training Academy at (985) 387-4480 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email Lieutenant Nolan Smith at nolan-smith@lpso.net.

*Anyone born after September 1, 1969, who wishes to obtain a hunting license in Louisiana, must successfully complete a hunter education course. Exceptions may be granted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for active or veteran members of the United States armed services, for any P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officer, or for persons who are under the direct supervision of a person 18-years or older who is already licensed and has taken the approved course. Exceptions must be applied for and approved by Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Driver Arrested Following Pursuit from St. Charles Parish to Lafourche Parish

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Galliano man was arrested following a pursuit that began in St. Charles Parish. Lionelle Cheramie, 30, of Galliano faces charges including DWI and Aggravated Flight from an Officer.

Sheriff Greg Champagne reported that on Thursday morning, a St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on a car driving erratically. The driver, later identified as Cheramie, sped away from the stop and eventually began heading west on U.S. Highway 90.

Shortly after 9 a.m., the Cheramie’s vehicle entered Lafourche Parish where LPSO deputies and Louisiana State Police joined in the pursuit. Cheramie exited from U.S. 90 headed southeast on LA Highway 308. Spike strips were set up, but Cheramie went around the strips and ended up off-road in the Gheens community. Cheramie cut through several residential yards before abandoning his car near a railroad track. He attempted to flee the area on foot, but he was quickly taken into custody.

During questioning, Cheramie told deputies he had used methamphetamine earlier in the day. A blood test was conducted, and the results are pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Cheramie was also found to have several active warrants for his arrest.

Cheramie was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with DWI (2nd Offense) and Aggravated Flight from an Officer. He was also booked on six counts of Contempt of Court stemming from failure to appear in court on various charges. His bail is set for $161,000. He is also being held for St. Charles Parish for charges including Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Reckless Operation, Hit-and-Run Driving, and no registration.

Sheriff Webre Announces Plans for “Click It Or Ticket” Campaign

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will join other local law enforcement agencies in participating in the Click-It or Ticket campaign which runs from May 20 through June 2, 2019. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts, and there will be several checkpoints held in conjunction with the campaign. Seat belt checkpoints will be conducted on May 23, 24, and 29. Additionally, a DWI checkpoint will also be conducted on May 24 and continue into the early morning hours of May 25.

During the seat belt checkpoints, 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.

Click It or Ticket is a seat belt enforcement campaign aimed at increasing the national seat belt usage rate. Every year during the annual Memorial Day Weekend holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, from coast-to-coast, for an enforcement blitz that delivers a simple message: “click it or ticket.” In 2017, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives.

“Most individuals understand that seat belts save lives,” said Sheriff Webre. We hope this enforcement campaign is a reminder of the importance of seat belt usage to the small percentage that do not follow the law.”

Sheriff Craig Webre also asks for patience and cooperation when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.