Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Lafourche Parish 2024 Property Tax Notices Now Available Online

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced 2024 property taxes can now be viewed and paid online at LPSO.net/PayMyTaxes. Online payments can be made by debit/credit card and e-check, and beginning this year, payments can also be made via PayPal and Venmo. All tax payments are due by December 31, 2024, and delinquent taxes accrue interest of 1% per month until paid per state law plus the cost for delinquent collections. These taxes help fund all aspects of public service in the parish such as roads, drainage, levees, law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, ambulance services, schools, and recreation.

A printed version of your tax notice will be mailed out soon. A QR code is printed on the notice which can be scanned to pay taxes directly on your smartphone. Alternatively, payments can be mailed using the envelope provided with the tax notice received in the mail. Check, money order or cash will also be accepted at the LPSO Administrative Office (200 Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux), the Criminal Operations Center (805 Crescent Avenue, Lockport) and at the South Lafourche Substation (102 West 91st Street, Cut Off). Taxes can be paid at those offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, but offices are closed on weekends and holidays. Payments can also be made over the phone by calling (985) 449-4430, and selecting option 1 for the payment center. (NOTE: For those using online bill pay through a bank, please make payments to Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 5608, Thibodaux, LA 70302.)

For those unable to pay in full by the end of this year, partial payments can be made at our office or by mailing directly to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 5608, Thibodaux, LA 70302 instead of using the envelope provided. Each partial payment must be at least 25% of the total amount of property tax due, and the first partial payment must be made by December 31, 2024. The remaining unpaid amount is still subject to the 1% monthly penalty and must be paid in full by March 15, 2025.

Property owners who do not receive a tax notice in the mail are still responsible for the payment of taxes. In some cases, tax bills may be sent to the previous property owner or might be lost in the mail. Additionally, anyone with a mortgage should check with their mortgage company before submitting payment as property taxes are sometimes paid through escrow.

Any unpaid property taxes are subject to tax sale and additional fees and penalties. For more information on this and other details about your tax notice, go to LPSO.net/PayMyTaxes and search “last name, first name.” Questions regarding the amount owed, property assessment or property ownership should be directed to the Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office at (985) 447-7242. Questions about charges pertaining to property abatement liens should be directed to Lafourche Parish Government by calling (985) 532-6229 or, for those in the Town of Golden Meadow, please call (985) 475-5212.

Sheriff Webre Announced Plan for “Click It Or Ticket” for Thanksgiving Week 2024

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 November 23-30, 2024. This campaign is coordinated and funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During the busy Thanksgiving week, millions of Americans will hit the roads, eager to spend time with family and friends. It is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and it is important to follow critical safety practices when traveling, like wearing a seat belt.

During the campaign, additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts. They will be focused on ensuring vehicle occupants are properly restrained, including child seats.

According to the Center for Analytics and Research Transportation Safety at LSU, more than half of the drivers and passengers who died in motor vehicle crashes last year were not properly restrained. During the Thanksgiving holiday alone, 454 were injured on Louisiana roads in 2023. Since 2019, 54 people in Louisiana have died in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Click It or Ticket is a seat belt enforcement campaign aimed at increasing the national seat belt usage rate. Sheriff Craig Webre asks for patience and cooperation when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.

LPSO Accepting Nominations of Children in Need for 31st Annual Bicycle Giveaway

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is now accepting nominations of children in need for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office’s 31st annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway. Since 1992, more than 5,500 bicycles have been distributed to families in need in our area, including 225 in 2023 alone.

All requests must be completed by Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Requests can be submitted online at LPSO.net/BikeGiveaway.

Due to high demand each year, requests should be limited to no more than two bicycles per household/family, and children must live in Lafourche Parish. LPSO will make every effort to fulfill all requests, but not every person requesting a bike will receive one. Families will be informed whether they have been selected on the day of delivery.

Donations from the public will help fulfill these requests. Monetary donations and donations of new bikes are currently being accepted at all LPSO office locations. Monetary donations are accepted in the form of cash, money orders, or checks made payable to the Lafourche Deputies Association with the words “Bike Giveaway” in the memo line. Bicycles and monetary donations may be dropped off at any Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office location throughout the parish. For more information about making a donation, contact Captain Brennan Matherne at brennan-matherne@lpso.net or call (985) 632-5843.

Narcotics Agents Find Suspected Lockport Drug Dealer with Heroin and Fentanyl

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested a man suspected of selling drugs in the Lockport area. Zavier Triplett, 26, faces multiple charges following the investigation.

Narcotics agents had opened an investigation into Zavier Triplett and the sale of narcotics in the Lockport area. Triplett also had an outstanding warrant for the Town of Lockport. On November 7, 2024, narcotics agents conducted a traffic stop on Triplett’s vehicle. A K-9 unit at the scene alerted to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search, agents found suspected heroin and fentanyl inside the vehicle, and Triplett also had possession of additional amounts on his person. In all, agents recovered over 15 grams of heroin and more than 7 grams of fentanyl. The street value of the narcotics recovered is approximately $2,230, and the amount of fentanyl is equal to multiple lethal doses. Agents also discovered a blender and powdered fiber, commonly used in combination with fentanyl and heroin to give a false appearance of larger quantities.

Triplett was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the outstanding warrant. He was additionally charged with the operation/creation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and improper lane usage. Bail is set at $111,200.

The public is reminded to report any drug-related or suspicious activity. Information can be reported directly to the Narcotics Section commander, Lieutenant Adam Dufrene, at (985) 532-4365 or adam-dufrene@lpso.net. Information can also be reported anonymously through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433, at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips mobile app.

Detectives Requesting Public’s Help in Armed Robbery at Lockport Motel

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to help solve a case involving an armed robbery at a Lockport motel.

At around 7 p.m. on November 6, 2024, deputies were notified of an armed robbery that occurred just outside a motel in Lockport. Through investigation, investigators learned that the male victim was outside the motel when he was approached by a masked man with a gun who demanded money and the victim’s cell phone. The victim gave cash to the masked man, but he did not have a phone. The suspect then forced the victim into a building and closed him inside before leaving the area.

Further investigation revealed the masked man entered a light-colored minivan which was being driven by another male. Images of the van and driver were captured by camera.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help in solving this crime. The driver and passenger are to be considered armed and dangerous, based on their involvement in the crime. The suspect is described as a white male between 5’9” and 6’0” tall. Anyone who can help identify those involved or anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Blake Thibodaux of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (985)-532-4352 or by email at blake-thibodaux@lpso.net.

Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously to Bayou Region Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tips submitted through Crime Stoppers could lead to a reward of up to $1,000.00 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Bayou Blue Man Charged with Attempted Murder after Striking Man with His Vehicle

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Bayou Blue man has been arrested for intentionally striking a man with his vehicle. Lamor Belanger, 33, is charged with attempted murder and property damage in the incident.

At around 2:45 p.m. on November 9, 2024, deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a crash with injuries in Bayou Blue. They learned Belanger had allegedly rammed his vehicle into another causing severe injuries to a man standing near the vehicle. The male victim was found in critical condition. He was airlifted to a New Orleans hospital for treatment. A woman, who was the driver of the vehicle, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Deputies located Belanger’s abandoned vehicle and found him running from the area. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Through investigation, deputies learned Belanger located the woman and the male victim in the area near a Bayou Blue school. Allegedly, the male victim was standing near the open door of his vehicle when Belanger intentionally rammed the other vehicle severely injuring the man. Belanger reportedly exited the vehicle and made threats before fleeing the scene. As he sped away, he struck and damaged a mini bike that belonged to a bystander.

Belanger was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with attempted second degree murder and aggravated criminal damage to property. Bail is set at $150,000.

LPSO Still Accepting Donations for 31st Annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway

Sheriff Craig Webre announced that donations are still being accepted for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office’s 31st annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway. Since 1992, more than 5,500 bicycles have been distributed to our area’s needy families. In 2023 alone, 225 new bikes were delivered to children throughout Lafourche Parish.

LPSO is accepting donations of new bicycles or monetary donations in the form of cash or a check to purchase new bikes. Checks should be made payable to the Lafourche Deputies Association with “Bike Giveaway” in the memo line. New bicycles and monetary donations may be dropped off at any Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office location throughout the parish. Donations are accepted year-round. For questions regarding donations, please contact Captain Brennan Matherne at brennan-matherne@lpso.net.

“For 30 years, we have been bringing a little joy to children on Christmas morning with a new bike,” said Sheriff Webre. “This timeless gift continues to be in high demand each year. With the help of our generous community, we can brighten the holidays for children in need in Lafourche Parish.

Beginning on November 15, 2024, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will begin taking names of children in need of bicycles. Due to high demand, requests should be limited to no more than two bicycles per family. Further details, including the link to sign up online, will be released on November 15.

Sheriff Webre Issues Strong Warning to Residents About Cryptocurrency ATM Scams

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is strongly cautioning residents about scams involving cryptocurrency and asking the public to warn friends and family members.

“Lafourche Parish residents are being targeted relentlessly by scammers who are convincing them to feed their money into cryptocurrency ATMs where it’s instantly transferred to the scammer,” said Sheriff Webre. “Lately, they are primarily impersonating law enforcement, telling people they missed jury duty or have active warrants, but they have also used other classic scams as well.”

Through the first ten months of 2024, more than 160 Lafourche Parish residents have been scammed out of nearly $1.6 million. Over 40% of that total (nearly $657,000) has been lost through cryptocurrency ATMs. Investigators believe these numbers could be higher as some victims do not report being scammed out of embarrassment. These numbers have skyrocketed since 2020 wherein Lafourche residents only lost about $33,000 to scammers.

Last week, several parish officials banded together to create a video for social media detailing ongoing scams and explaining that no public agencies accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. Since that video premiered, three more individuals (ages 30, 75, and 79) have reported being scammed using a cryptocurrency ATM, losing more than $43,000 collectively.

Modern scam artists are not just targeting the elderly. The average age of victims in 2024 is 52 years, with victims ranging in age from 20 to 81. “We are seeing people of all ages and all walks of life fall victim to these scams,” said Sheriff Webre. “It’s not just the elderly.”

Sheriff Webre is strongly urging every citizen to talk to family members and ensure they are aware of these scams.

“It’s time for everyone to have a conversation with your family. Explain to them there is never a legitimate reason for someone to direct you to a cryptocurrency ATM or to purchase gift cards for legitimate business. If they are ever in doubt, tell them to hang up and call an officially listed agency phone number. They can also call our office, and we will assist them accordingly. Let’s ensure we protect our residents from these heartless con artists!”

Lockport Man Charged with Kidnapping and Domestic Abuse

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a man has been arrested for domestic abuse and kidnapping. Brian Curole, 30, of Lockport was arrested on Monday.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m. on October 28, 2024, deputies were notified of a domestic incident that occurred. Deputies learned the victim, a woman in her 20s, had been asleep at a friend’s home on Saint Ann Street in Raceland when Curole entered the home. He reportedly grabbed the victim by her ankles and also by the hair, dragging her out of bed. He demanded she get in his vehicle, threatening her with violence if she did not comply. To avoid further injury, the woman complied.

Curole took her to a residence for some time before getting back into the vehicle and eventually proceeding to U.S. Highway 90 in Raceland wherein a battery occurred. Allegedly, Curole kept the door to the vehicle forcefully locked and threw the woman’s cell phone out of the car window. He then proceeded to strike the woman several times in the head. The woman reportedly tried screaming for help and attempted to flag down other drivers. Eventually, Curole dropped the woman off in the Gheens area.

With the assistance of officers from the Lockport Police Department, Curole was located and taken into custody. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with simple kidnapping, domestic abuse battery, and interfering with emergency communications. Bail is set at $150,000, and he is also being held for Louisiana Probation and Parole due to a parole violation.

Sheriff Webre Announces Patrol Efforts and Safety Tips for Halloween 2024

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies will conduct the annual Blue Light Special patrol on Halloween to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. More than 100 deputies will patrol the streets of Lafourche Parish neighborhoods on Thursday, October 31. This effort will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., surrounding the hours when trick-or-treating is typically most active. During the Blue Light Special patrol, deputies will patrol with overhead lights activated to remind motorists to drive slowly and exercise caution for those families who are trick-or-treating.

“We encourage adults to eliminate distractions and be vigilant in supervising children, said Sheriff Webre. “We will have deputies patrolling in neighborhoods throughout the parish to ensure safety and allow for a quick response in case of an emergency.”

Sheriff Webre offers these safety tips for trick-or-treating:

Remind children to walk (don’t run) on sidewalks or near the edge of the roadway.
Avoid distractions (such as cell phones), especially while supervising children.
Make your child’s costume distinguishable and safe by using glow bracelets/sticks, reflective tape, lights, or other items.
Ensure your child’s costume is fire-resistant and fits properly to prevent trips and falls.
Consider using makeup and face paint instead of masks which can block a person’s view.
Inspect all treats collected, and discard anything that is not sealed.
Remind children to stay in front of residences giving out candy and NEVER enter a residence.
Have a plan for if you and your child(ren) get separated.

Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes for trick-or-treaters. Clear sidewalks and pathways of any obstacles, and put away anything children could trip over such as hoses, toys, or yard decorations. Turn on your lights so your property is well-lit, and replace any burnt bulbs before Halloween. Secure pets so that they will not attack or frighten anyone.

Motorists are encouraged to keep travel to a minimum on Halloween night due to the high number of pedestrians on neighborhood streets. Those who must be on the roads are encouraged to drive cautiously and be alert for children as they will be excited and may move in unpredictable ways.

Deputies will also be conducting compliance checks for sex offenders on Halloween night. Sex offenders are restricted from wearing masks or handing out candy or gifts on a holiday such as Halloween. Deputies will visit sex offenders in Lafourche Parish to verify they are complying with the terms of their sentences.

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