Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced that a search for a missing Thibodaux man ended on Wednesday when investigators found his body. Scott Chiasson, 60, was found deceased in a wooded area near the Choupic water tower on September 6, 2023.
Chiasson’s death remains under investigation. To this point, detectives have found no evidence of foul play. Anyone with information about his death can send 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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced three burglary suspects were found and apprehended minutes after allegedly committing several vehicle burglaries in Thibodaux. Shannon Thomas, 27, of Thibodaux and two juveniles face charges in the investigation.
On the morning of September 3, 2023, deputies responded to reports of vehicle burglaries on Thoroughbred Park Drive in Thibodaux. While investigating, deputies also made contact with persons fitting the description of the suspects on nearby California Street which included Thomas and two teenage boys Investigators discovered surveillance video of the suspects rummaging through vehicles and found further evidence of vehicle burglaries. It was later discovered that deputies had apprehended the suspects less than 30 minutes after the crimes had occurred.
Thomas was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. He was charged with five counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary, and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Bail is set at $330,000.
The two teenagers were placed at the Juvenile Justice Facility in Thibodaux. They face the same burglary and attempted burglary charges as Thomas.
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NOTE: Per Article 234 of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, a booking photo cannot be released for this arrest.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux man has been arrested for child molestation. Jake Clement, 46, faces several charges in the incident.
Juvenile detectives had opened an investigation into Clement after allegations surfaced that he had inappropriately touched two children, both under the age of 13. Following an investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Clement’s arrest.
On September 2, 2023, detectives made contact with Clement, and he was taken into custody. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with two counts of molestation of a juvenile under 13 years of age, and two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. Bail is set at $150,000.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 60-year-old Scott Chiasson of LA Highway 304 in Thibodaux. He was last seen on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, when he was cutting grass at his residence.
Scott Chiasson is described as 5’7″ tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has gray and black hair with a beard and mustache. He was last seen wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or dial 911.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Pointe-aux-Chenes man after firefighters found drugs and cash while extinguishing a fire at his residence. Jeremy Leblanc, 37, was arrested at the scene.
On the morning of August 29, 2023, firefighters responded to a fire at Leblanc’s residence on Hope Farm Road in Pointe-aux-Chenes. While extinguishing the fire, they found suspected narcotics in a bedroom. Firefighters notified the Sheriff’s Office, and narcotics agents responded to the scene. Agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun which was found to have been reported stolen.
Leblanc was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. He was released on Thursday, August 31 after posting bail in the amount of $57,000.
Citizens are reminded that they can 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 app on mobile devices.
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NOTE: Per Article 234 of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, a booking photo cannot be released for this arrest.
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the National Institute for Jail Operations has recognized the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex with the Detention Facility Innovation Award for programming and reentry services. Major Cortrell Davis, warden, and Captain Karla Beck, assistant warden, accepted the award at JailCon23 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on August 30, 2023.
“I am extremely proud of our staff who created and implemented these incredible programs and processes in an effort to return better citizens to our community,” said Sheriff Webre. “This award demonstrates that the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to be a national leader in law enforcement and corrections innovation.”
The Detention Facility Innovation Award is one of several annual Correctional Professional Awards given by the National Institute for Jail Operations. It is awarded to a detention facility that has demonstrated exceptional achievement in developing or enhancing a particular aspect or feature in the facility or in the operations of the facility in line with the mission of the Sheriff’s Office during the past year.
Major Davis said, “I am pleased to be a part of the revolution of corrections. Our entire Corrections Department is committed and dedicated to changing the lives of the offender population. The satisfaction of releasing an offender with the intangibles to succeed is awarding in itself!”
The Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex was recognized for its innovation in programming and reentry. Captain Beck, who serves as the Director of Programming and Reentry for the Southeast Central Regional Reentry Program, said, “This award is a testament to the dedication and exemplary service of the men and women devoted to the success of our reentry programs which lead to the overall safety, security, and quality of life for our entire community.”
Established in 2011, the National Institute for Jail Operations provides a compilation of legal-based resources and training specific to various state statute legal requirements or Circuit Courts of Appeal. The organization provides agencies access to a database of industry standards, the ability to conduct self-audits, customizable training, and legal consultation.
From left to right: Tate McCotter (executive director of the National Institute for Jail Operations), Captain Karla Beck, and Major Cortrell Davis.
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course on September 18-20, 2023, at the LPSO Shooting Range Classroom, located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland.
This self-defense course designed for women will take place over three days. The class will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m. each day. Participants must attend all three days. Course instruction will be provided by certified R.A.D. instructors from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The cost of the course is $10 to cover the cost of course materials and is non-refundable. Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. You can register and pay for the course online at www.LPSO.net/classes. The class registration deadline is September 15, 2023, at 11 a.m.
For more information, please call Lucie Morvant at (985) 446-2367 or email Captain Kevin Johnson at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested a drug dealer who was found with drugs and a handgun during a residential search in Golden Meadow. Jeff Lee Jr., 44, was arrested on Thursday.
Through investigation, narcotics agents obtained an arrest warrant for Lee for distribution of methamphetamine. Agents additionally obtained a search warrant for a Golden Meadow residence with which Lee is associated. On August 24, 2023, agents arrived at the residence and made contact with Lee who was immediately taken into custody. Lee, who is unable to possess firearms due to being a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a handgun. He was also found to be in possession of marijuana, psilocybin (mushrooms), and drug paraphernalia.
Lee was transported to Thibodaux and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the warrant for meth distribution. He was additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, as well as possession of marijuana, psilocybin, and drug paraphernalia. Bail is set at $80,500.
Citizens are reminded that they can 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 app on mobile devices.
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NOTE: Per Article 234 of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, a booking photo cannot be released for this arrest.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Larose man for crimes against nature. Jose Lopez, 51, was arrested on Tuesday.
On August 22, 2023, juvenile detectives began an investigation into allegations that Lopez had touched a juvenile inappropriately on several occasions. As part of the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Lopez’s arrest.
Detectives made contact with Lopez on Tuesday evening, and he was taken into custody. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on one count of crimes against nature. Bail is set at $100,000.
Due to the nature of the crime, no further details will be released at this time.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Thursday, September 28, 2023. The Field Day will occur from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The Field Day is recommended for those ages 14 or older, and participants must have completed the home study course.
As an alternative to the traditional two-day classroom course, the Home Study Course is available online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. Those who complete the home study course MUST take their completion voucher to a “Field Day” to complete their hunter education. Entry to the Field Day will be denied unless the completed forms are presented. There will be a written test required to complete the Field Day. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for the Field Day.
Firearms and ammunition should NOT be brought to this course, but snacks are permitted. For more information, or for assistance with online registration, call the LPSO Training Academy at (985) 449-4481 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email Captain Kevin Johnson at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.
