Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

UPDATE: Raceland Man Arrested after Investigators Locate Stolen Boat

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced one man has been arrested after finding a boat stolen from a Gheens residence. Harly Walker Jr., 44, of Raceland faces charges including possession of stolen property as the investigation continues.

On Friday, November 17, 2023, deputies responded to a residence in the 200 block of LA Highway 654 in Gheens in reference to the theft of a boat. The 16’ aluminum boat with a Pro-Drive motor was stolen from the backyard of the residence. Security camera video from nearby residences showed what appeared to be an ATV on the property around 1:15 a.m. with a subject on foot walking in the backyard around 1:30 a.m.

On Saturday, November 18, the stolen boat was located in a bayou in Raceland and recovered by LPSO Water Patrol deputies. The trailer was also found nearby on property belonging to Walker. Deputies made contact with Walker at his residence and also found the stolen motor on another boat on his property. A toolbox, that had also been on the stolen boat, was also found on Walker’s property. Through further investigation, deputies found a firearm at Walker’s residence that had also been reported stolen in a separate incident.

Walker was arrested and charged with illegal possession of stolen things and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Bail is set at $50,000.

The investigation is continuing, and investigators say additional arrests are possible.

Investigators Seeking Information on Boat Stolen in Gheens

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for stealing a boat from a Gheens residence.

On Friday, November 17, 2023, deputies responded to a residence in the 200 block of LA Highway 654 in Gheens in reference to the theft of a boat. The 16’ aluminum boat with a Pro-Drive motor was stolen from the backyard of the residence at some point overnight. Through investigation, including searching security camera video of nearby residences, deputies observed what appeared to be an ATV on the property around 1:15 a.m. with a subject on foot walking in the backyard around 1:30 a.m.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help to solve this crime. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or through the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Sheriff Webre Announces Plan for “Click It or Ticket” for Thanksgiving Week

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 18-25, 2023. 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, and there will be checkpoints held in conjunction with the campaign. During the checkpoints, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as other violations.

Click It or Ticket is a seat belt enforcement campaign aimed at increasing the national seat belt usage rate. In the last decade, seat belts saved the lives of more than 100,000 people in the United States. 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 Now Accepting Names of Children in Need for 30th Annual Bicycle Giveaway

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is now accepting names of children in need for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office’s 30th annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway. Since 1992, more than 5,200 bicycles have been distributed to families in need in our area, including 200 in 2022 alone.

All requests must be completed by Wednesday, December 7, 2023. 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 if they were selected on the date of delivery.

Donations from the public will assist in helping to 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.

Lafourche Parish 2023 Property Tax Notices Now Available Online

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced 2023 property taxes can now be viewed and paid online at LPSO.net/PayMyTaxes. All tax payments are due by January 2, 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. In addition to paying online, payments can also be made over the phone by calling (985) 449-4430, and selecting option 1 for the payment center. 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) and at the South Lafourche Substation (102 West 91st Street, Cut Off) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Our offices will be closed in observance of holidays on November 10, November 23, December 25, and January 1. Online payments can be made on any day at any time.

For those unable to pay in full by January 2, 2024, 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 prior to January 2, 2024. The remaining unpaid amount is still subject to the 1% monthly penalty and must be paid in full by March 30, 2024.

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) 493-6908.

LPSO Accepting Donations for 30th Annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway

Sheriff Craig Webre announced that donations are still being accepted for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office’s 30th annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway. Since 1992, more than 5,200 bicycles have been distributed to families in need in our area. In 2022 alone, 200 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. Checks should be made payable to the Lafourche Deputies Association with the words “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.

“I am thrilled to be celebrating our 30th year of this bicycle giveaway,” said Sheriff Webre. “The longevity of this program shows what a timeless gift a bicycle is for current generations as it was for older ones. Anyone who can purchase a new bike or donate money to this program will benefit from knowing they helped put a small on the face of a needy child this Christmas.”

Beginning on November 15, 2023, 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.

Suspect Identified, Sought in Raceland Burglary

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Bayou Blue man is being sought for a burglary at a Raceland residence. Joshua Lee, 36, is wanted for simple burglary and property damage.

On the morning of October 18, 2023, a Raceland resident reported an overnight burglary at his home. Investigators found damages to a rear door where it appeared the burglar forced entry into the home. Detectives found evidence of records being pawned. They also found video evidence of the suspect with the stolen bicycle. Through investigation, the suspect was identified as Joshua Lee.

Detectives obtained warrants for Lee’s arrest for the charges of simple burglary and simple criminal damage to property. Anyone with knowledge of Lee’s whereabouts is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or through the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

LPSO and Thibodaux Police Agents Arrest Two Drug Dealers

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a joint narcotics operation with the Thibodaux Police Department resulted in the arrest of two drug dealers. Corbin Butler, 31, and Ray Jackson, 43, both of Thibodaux, were arrested last week.

As part of an investigation into Butler, LPSO narcotics agents and Thibodaux Police Narcotics were able to obtain arrest warrants for Butler and a search warrant for his apartment. When agents arrived at the apartment, Butler was immediately taken into custody. Jackson, who was also present, was also taken into custody due to outstanding warrants.

During the search, agents found over 718 grams of marijuana, more than 64 Xanax pills, 44 Adderall pills, as well as quantities of heroin, promethazine, and hydrocodone. They also found various drug paraphernalia including items commonly used to mix fentanyl with heroin, as well as two handguns, one of which had been reported stolen.

Butler was booked on warrants for distribution of heroin and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. He also faces charges stemming from the search including illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile, and operation/creation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance. He was also charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, marijuana, Adderall, Xanax, and hydrocodone. Bail is set at $293,000.

Jackson was booked on four outstanding warrants for contempt of court stemming from previous drug charges. He was also found to have heroin in his possession. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile. His bail is set at $361,600, and he is also being held for Louisiana Probation and Parole.

The investigation is continuing, and additional charges are possible.

Sheriff Webre Announces Patrol Efforts and Safety Tips for Halloween 2023

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 Tuesday, 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. Motorists are encouraged to keep travel to a minimum on Halloween night due to the high number of pedestrians on neighborhood streets. New and inexperienced drivers should avoid driving if possible.

“We are committed to providing a safe and fun Halloween for Lafourche Parish,” said Sheriff Webre. “Adults are encouraged to keep a close watch for all children and report any incidents or suspicious activity to a nearby deputy or by calling us directly.”

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 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.

UPDATE: Second Man Arrested in July 2023 Armed Robbery in Thibodaux

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a second man has been arrested in an armed robbery incident in July 2023 in which the victims were lured by a Facebook ad. Blake Chiasson Jr., 21, of Thibodaux was arrested on Tuesday. Darius Walter, 20, of Thibodaux had been arrested on the day of the incident.

At 4:20 p.m. on July 28, 2023, deputies responded to an armed robbery reported in the Thibodaux area. Through investigation, detectives learned a man and woman had gone to Lindsey Street in Thibodaux to meet up with someone regarding a trailer posted for sale on Facebook. When they arrived, they were greeted by a man who invited them inside the trailer to inspect it. Once inside a bedroom, a man with a ski mask robbed them at gunpoint, stealing a large amount of cash and two cell phones. The victims were able to get away from the area and call for help. Darius Walter was found and arrested shortly after the incident. He was booked with two counts of armed robbery with the use of a firearm and was released after posting bail in the amount of $55,000 on August 29, 2023.

As the investigation continued, detectives developed Chiasson as the second suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. On Tuesday, October 17, while passing in the area of Ridgefield Road in Thibodaux, deputies spotted Chiasson and stopped to detain him. As the deputy approached, Chiasson started to run, but deputies were quickly able to take him into custody.

Chiasson was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the warrant for two counts of armed robbery with use of a firearm. He was additionally charged with resisting an officer. Bail is set at $80,000.