Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Warrants Issued in Investigation into the Shooting Death of a Montegut Man

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced warrants have been issued for Second Degree Murder in connection to the shooting death of 53-year-old Kirby Courteaux Jr. of Montegut. Terance Dupre, 22, of Montegut is in custody but was hospitalized on Thursday before being booked on charges. Investigators are now seeking Devante Matthews, 21, of Montegut.

On May 14, 2019, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office began the investigation as Courteaux was reported missing. He had not been seen since May 11. On the morning of Wednesday, May 15, TPSO deputies and detectives spotted the victim’s vehicle traveling on Island Road in Montegut and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver sped away at a high rate of speed and eventually abandoned the vehicle in a wooded area along LA Highway 665. He was apprehended and identified as Terance Dupre. TPSO’s investigation led them to determine Courteaux was likely killed near a boat launch located on LA Highway 665 in Pointe-Aux-Chenes in Lafourche Parish.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives responded and discovered the crime scene near the boat launch, and bullet casings and other evidence were processed at the scene. The investigation also led to the discovery of Courteaux’s body in Morgan City in the area of Levee Road and Veterans Boulevard. His body was recovered with the assistance of the Morgan City Police Department.

Meanwhile, LPSO detectives began questioning Dupre in reference to Courteaux’s death. Through investigation, detectives learned Matthews, Dupre, and Courteaux were at the boat launch Saturday night when Courteaux was reportedly shot. 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. An autopsy on Thursday revealed Courteaux suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the shooting. On Thursday afternoon, detectives obtained warrants for the arrest of Matthews and Dupre for Second Degree Murder with bail set at $1 million each.

During questioning on Thursday, Dupre was transported to a local hospital for treatment on an unrelated matter. Upon release from the hospital, he will be booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on the warrant.

Investigators are now searching for Devante Matthews. 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.

Detectives learned Dupre knew the victim, but they have yet to determine Matthews’ relationship to the victim or a motive in the shooting. The investigation is continuing.

SCAM ALERT: Warrant Scam Affecting Lafourche Residents and Businesses

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is warning citizens of a warrant scam targeting our area. Several citizens reportedly received similar scam calls this week.

In this version of this scam, the caller poses as a deputy with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, even providing a false name and rank. The caller then informs the victim that he or she failed to appear for a Grand Jury, and threatens to issue a warrant if payment is not made immediately. The caller will then request payment via prepaid debit card, electronic money order, or gift card.

In reality, if you are required to appear in court, you would have been duly notified. It should, therefore, not be a “surprise” to learn you missed court. In the event you do actually fail to appear in court, a warrant may then be issued for your arrest, but the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office would not call demanding immediate payment. Also, should you choose to pay a fine or ticket by phone, those means of payment would not be accepted. You can only use a credit card or debit card when paying fines or tickets by phone to LPSO.

Like every scam, there are aspects of reality, but it also displays common signs of a scam. The demand for “immediate” payment by an incoming caller and the payment method (prepaid debit card, electronic money order, or gift card) are two signs of a scam. Other signs could include a caller asking you to send money to receive money or prizes, a caller using threatening or vulgar language, or someone calling from a department, but not giving the name of the company. Ultimately, if you are concerned the call may be legitimate, simply hang up and call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808. If the call is in reference to tickets, fees, or fines, you can call directly, (985) 449-4429. Do not call a number given to you by the incoming caller unless you verify it first.

We encourage you to call us BEFORE you send money if you have any doubt about the authenticity of the call. We would be happy to assist you to ensure you do not become the next scam victim. It is not necessary to report every phone scam, but if you lose money in a scam or receive threats of physical harm or violence, you should report it to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Named One of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation

Sheriff Craig Webre and members of his Senior Staff are pictured with the 2018 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For Award.

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has been named one of the 2018 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation. The award was recently accepted by Sheriff Webre and his staff. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office was one of 2,400 employers to be nominated for the award.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. Organizations are assessed based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more.

“In order to provide the best possible service to the public, you have to first provide the best working environment, opportunities, and training for your employees,” said Sheriff Webre. “This award is just another example of how we are working to ensure the highest level of public service. We strive for a family-like atmosphere while still maintaining the highest levels of professionalism.”

In addition to offering a competitive benefits package, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages employee development through a variety of initiatives including specialized job training and the opportunity for a college degree. Despite being a law enforcement agency, employees have a variety of fields in which they can specialize.

“With Water Patrol, Police Social Services, the K-9 Section, and Corrections as just some examples, there are so many opportunities for employees to find their niche,” said Sheriff Webre. “We try to identify each employee’s passion and give them the tools to succeed. That has led to unparalleled levels of public service, and in many cases, it has resulted in accolades for our agency such as this one.”

This is the second award of its kind for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in as many years. LPSO also received the 2017 When Work Works Award for Exemplary Workplace Practices – the only law enforcement agency in the country and the only employer in Louisiana to receive the award that year.

radKIDS® Defense Courses Slated for June and July 2019

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host radKIDS® Defense Courses for children in Raceland, Cut Off, and Thibodaux in June and July. These courses are designed for children 5 to 12 years of age and provide hands-on techniques giving children the tools they need to identify, avoid and if necessary, respond to danger. This is the 21st year the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has offered these courses.

Here is the schedule of courses:

LPSO Range Facility
3451 Highway 182, Raceland
Tuesday, June 4 through Friday, June 7
Deadline to Register: Friday, May 31

The Learning Center at Lady of the Sea Hospital
200 West 134th Place, Cut Off
Tuesday, June 18 through Friday, June 21
Deadline to Register: Friday, June 14

Moses Community Center
1310 Cardinal Drive, Thibodaux
Tuesday, July 16 through Friday, July 19
Deadline to Register: Friday, July 12

Times:

Children ages 5-7 attend daily morning sessions from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and an afternoon session is held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages 8-12. Parents can elect to drop children off or stay for the two-hour program each day. Children are urged to wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes.

Cost is $10 per child (for course materials).
Class size is limited, so advance registration is required.

To register, please download and complete the REGISTRATION FORM.

Send completed form and $10 check (made payable to Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office) to:
Sergeant Carla Landry
P.O. Box 5608
Thibodaux, LA 70302

For more information, contact Sergeant Carla Landry at
(985) 449-4441 or carla-landry@lpso.net.

“RAD” stands for “Resist Aggression Defensively.” Through radKIDS® training, children become empowered and learn to replace fear, confusion, and panic in dangerous situations with confidence, personal safety skills, and self-esteem. It is an educational opportunity for children to learn personal safety strategies as they will receive special training in school safety, 911 calls, and general awareness. On the final day, they get to “fight off” an aggressor. The courses are taught by deputies of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office certified to instruct the children in self-defense and awareness of possible dangerous situations.

Raceland Pedestrian Robs Man Who Planned to Offer Him a Ride

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Raceland man who robbed another man who planned to offer him a ride. Jonathan McDowell, 26, was taken into custody minutes after the incident took place along LA Highway 1 on Friday.

At around 9:15 a.m. on May 11, 2019, deputies responded to the 4700 block of LA 1 in Mathews in reference to a reported robbery. The first deputy to arrive in the area noticed a man walking along the highway fitting the description of the suspect. Deputies made contact with him and he was detained with assistance from Louisiana State Police within less than five minutes of the call.

Investigators made contact with the victim who was reportedly driving on LA 1 when he noticed McDowell walking along the highway. With weather conditions deteriorating, the man decided to stop and offer a ride. As he approached McDowell, the man struck a puddle causing water to splash onto McDowell. When the man stopped the vehicle, McDowell approached him and immediately began arguing about being splashed with water. As the argument escalated, McDowell tried punching the man and opened the man’s door, trying to pull him out of the vehicle. He managed to pull the driver’s shoes and pants off. McDowell then grabbed the man’s wallet which was in his pants, and he left the area.

During questioning, McDowell admitted to his involvement in the crime. He was arrested and charged with Simple Robbery and Simple Battery. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. His bail is set at $26,500.

2019 LSA Scholarship Awarded to Central Lafourche High School Senior

Lt. Brennan Matherne presents a certificate for the LSA Scholarship to Brooke Bergeron. — *Lt. Brennan Matherne presents a certificate for the 2019 LSA Scholarship to Brooke Bergeron.*

Sheriff Craig Webre announced Central Lafourche High School senior Brooke Bergeron has been awarded the 2019 Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship for Lafourche Parish. Bergeron will receive the $500 scholarship to assist her with expenses as she plans to attend Nicholls State University and major in Chemistry (Pre-Med). On her application, Bergeron indicated plans to pursue a career as a flight surgeon after completing medical school. Bergeron was notified of the scholarship award and presented with a certificate on Wednesday, May 8 at Central Lafourche High School’s Senior awards night.

Sheriff Webre congratulated Bergeron on receiving the scholarship. “Ms. Bergeron is involved in many school organizations and has already been recognized for her academic achievements in chemistry. I wish her the best of luck as she pursues her dream of a career as a flight surgeon.”

The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Educational Scholarship Program awards $500 to graduating high school students in parishes where the sheriffs are members of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program. Funding for this scholarship is made possible through the generous support of Lafourche Parish’s Honorary Members. The goal of the program is to provide assistance to worthy Louisiana students in furthering their education and training with resources made available through the program.

To be eligible for the LSA scholarship, each applicant must be a Lafourche Parish resident and a high school senior planning to enroll 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 rising costs of tuition and related expenses in higher education. An independent board of review selects the winner of the scholarship.

Deputies Seek to Identify Suspect in Vehicle Burglaries in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies are seeking to identify a suspect wanted in connection to vehicle burglaries on Darwen Drive in Raceland.

On the morning of May 6, 2019, deputies responded to Darwen Drive just off LA 1 in Raceland. They learned several vehicles which had been left unlocked were burglarized overnight. One of the victims captured images of the male subject committing a burglary on surveillance camera.

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

Two Arrested, One Sought for Leeville Camp Burglaries

UPDATE: The third suspect, Christopher Beatty, has turned himself in.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two people have been arrested and a third is being sought in connection to a string of camp burglaries in the Leeville area. Jean Gisclair, 30, and Damain Randazzo, 29, both of Golden Meadow, have been arrested. The third suspect, Christopher Beatty, 47, of Lockport is still at large.

On May 3, 2019, detectives began investigating a string of burglaries which had occurred at camps in the Leeville area. Five camps were burglarized, and mostly fishing equipment had been stolen. Through investigation, detectives located a storage unit in Golden Meadow where the stolen items were being stored. Some of the stolen property was identified and returned to the owners, and detectives developed Gisclair, Randazzo, and Beatty as suspects.

Prior to the investigation, on May 2, 2019, deputies had arrested Gisclair and Randazzo during a traffic stop where they were assisted by Golden Meadow Police. The driver, Randazzo, was found to have several active warrants, and he had marijuana in his possession. The passenger, Gisclair, was found to have Vyvanse pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. They were both arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex at that time. Randazzo was booked on five Contempt of Court warrants and charged with Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense). Gisclair was booked with Possession of Vyvanse, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Following the burglary investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for all three men. Gisclair and Randazzo, who were still in jail, were each booked with five counts of Simple Burglary. Randazzo’s bail is set at $127,000, and Gisclair’s bail is set at $127,100.

Christopher Beatty is also wanted for five counts of burglary and is still at large. 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, online at www.crimestoppersbr.org, or via 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.

LPSO Named Ally of the Year by the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

LCADV Ally Of The Year Award — From left to right: Julie Pellegrin (The Haven), Lt. Valerie Martinez-Jordan, Deputy Amy DeVincent, Sheriff Craig Webre, Mariah Stidham Wineski (Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence), Pamela Guedry (LPSO, The P.A.C.T. Place), Captain Karla Beck.

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has been recognized as the “Ally of the Year” by the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Sheriff Webre and several staff members were presented the award at the coalition’s annual event in Baton Rouge on Monday, May 6.

“All of the credit belongs to our employees who are some of the finest public servants in the country,” said Sheriff Webre. “I consider myself blessed to be able to work with some incredible individuals who have a passion for what they do.”

During the event, entitled A Celebration of Excellence: Standing Together Against Domestic Violence, the coalition honored advocates, organizations, and legislators working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office was recognized for several programs and initiatives, including Police Social Services, the P.A.C.T. Place Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Center, as well as recent legislative efforts in the fight against domestic violence.

Mariah Stidham Wineski, executive director for the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, presented the award. “When it comes to prioritizing domestic violence, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is a beacon and an example of what a sheriff’s office could do,” said Wineski. “Sheriff Webre understands the importance of addressing domestic violence: he understands the nuances of doing it right, and he understands the consequences of failure. We look to (LPSO) for what possibilities could be when law enforcement gets it right.”

Julie Pellegrin, Executive Director of The Haven, also praised the work of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office during the award presentation. “LPSO is an unmatched ally in our work to eliminate Domestic Violence,” said Pellegrin. “Sheriff Webre and his team walk the walk and talk the talk on a daily basis. Their dedication to effective intervention in domestic violence is impressive, but it’s the passion they display that is inspiring and unparalleled.”

If you have been a victim of domestic violence in Lafourche Parish, please contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Police Social Services section for help at (985) 449-4477.

ABOUT THE LOUISIANA COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, non-residential programs, and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. Their programs serve people from everywhere in Louisiana and who come from all backgrounds. The coalition opposes violence as a means of control over others and support equality in relationships.

Houma Man Faces Rape and Kidnapping Charges for 2016 Incident

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced the arrest of a Houma man who reportedly raped a woman after forcing her into his car at gunpoint in 2016. Matthew Otis III, 33, faces charges of First Degree Rape and Aggravated Kidnapping.

In January 2016, the Thibodaux Police Department contacted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to assist in an investigation into an alleged kidnapping and rape that had occurred in Thibodaux. A woman in her 30s had reported that as she was walking on Eagle Drive in the afternoon, a man forced her into his car at gunpoint. The man, later identified as Otis, offered her money for sex and drugs. When the woman refused, Otis drove her outside the city limits to Forty Arpent Road where he reportedly pulled out the gun and coerced her into oral sex. Following the incident, Otis dropped the woman off at a nearby convenience store where she proceeded to contact law enforcement.

Investigators collected DNA evidence from the victim’s clothing which was sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for forensic analysis. The analysis determined the DNA was a match for Matthew Otis III, and detectives obtained a warrant for Otis’ arrest. With the assistance of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives made several attempts to locate Otis, but they were unsuccessful at those times.

Then, on May 3, 2019, deputies with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office located Otis, and he was arrested on the outstanding warrants. He was then transferred to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex where he was booked on the warrants for First Degree Rape and Aggravated Kidnapping. His bail is set at $300,000.