Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

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.

Central Lafourche High School Student Charged Amid Threats

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent Jarod Martin announced that a Central Lafourche High School student has been charged amid threats. The student was charged after being identified as the singer in a rap song uploaded to YouTube last week that contained threats of violence to individuals at the school. No specific threat has been made concerning the school or any certain date.

On October 16, 2023, deputies were alerted to the song by a concerned individual. The song contained thoughts of violence directed at specific teachers at the school. Through investigation, they identified the singer as a student at Central Lafourche High School. On Monday night, juvenile detectives located the student, and he was charged accordingly.

After the video began circulating on social media on Monday, an old screenshot of a threat regarding an ambiguous “central” school also began circulating on social media and via private messages. The rap song coupled with the screenshot caused concern for parents of Central Lafourche High School Students. Investigators have determined that the screenshot originated in another state and referenced a different school.

Sheriff Webre said there will be an increased presence at Central Lafourche High School on Tuesday out of an abundance of caution, but there is no specific or credible threat to the school.

Correctional Complex Warden Receives Prestigious Honor at State Conference

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced Major Cortrell Davis, warden of the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, has received the Richard L. Stalder Award. This award, presented by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, recognizes leaders in corrections who go above and beyond in exhibiting a “no excuses” leadership approach. Major Davis received the award on Monday, October 9, at the 2023 8th Annual Louisiana Correctional Association Training Conference in Lake Charles.

“Major Cortrell Davis has shown exemplary leadership and has contributed to the improvement of the corrections environment for all under his command,” said Sheriff Webre. He has excelled in every level of employment in Corrections that he has held. He exhibits unwavering leadership, high integrity, and outstanding support, both professionally and personally.”

The award was created to honor Richard L. Stadler who spent the last 16 years of a 30-year correctional career as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. He had a saying: “Responsibility for Results – Not Excuses.” He believed staff should take ownership in their day-to-day jobs and be accountable for operations and outcomes. It is in this spirit and in recognition of this approach that the Louisiana Correctional Association honors members who are dedicated corrections professionals who take ownership of their work and make no excuses.

The Louisiana Correctional Association is an affiliate of the American Correctional Association. Both the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex and the Transitional Work Program are accredited by the association. The Louisiana Correctional Association is dedicated to ensuring the correctional professionals of Louisiana’s criminal justice system are provided opportunities for professional development and are recognized for their contributions to the State of Louisiana.

Raceland Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Shooting Incident

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Raceland man for a shooting incident on Saturday. Charles Gale, 41, has been arrested on charges including attempted murder.

At around 3:45 p.m. on October 7, 2023, deputies responded to calls of shots fired in the area of LA Highway 1 and St. Louis Street in Raceland. According to reports, the shots occurred in the area involving persons in a black SUV and a white sedan. Minutes after the shooting, deputies located the black SUV heading northbound on LA 308 and later identified the owner of the white sedan. Through investigation, they identified the shooter as Charles Gale. They determined the shooting was the result of an ongoing feud with another man and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Tuesday, October 10, Gale was taken into custody. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on charges including attempted second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bail is set at $175,000.

Deputies Investigating Report of Shots Fired Near Thibodaux High School

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced an investigation after several shots were reportedly fired near Thibodaux High School on Friday night. A football game between Thibodaux High School and Hahnville High School was occurring at the time. Out of an abundance of caution, play was suspended, and all players and spectators left the area.

Following the report of shots fired, there was a medical incident involving a student-athlete. This incident was unrelated to the reported shots. There were no injuries of anyone at the football game related to the reported shots.

As of this time, no crime scene has been located nor have any victims been identified. 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.