LSA Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted for 2023

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre has announced applications are now being accepted for the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association annual scholarship for 2023. All eligible students in Lafourche Parish are encouraged to apply.

The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who attends Nicholls State University or Fletcher Technical Community College. An applicant must be a permanent resident of Lafourche Parish and must be eligible for admission to the school indicated on the application. The award will only be paid for attendance at one of the aforementioned qualifying institutions as a full-time, undergraduate student. The scholarship is awarded as a gift, not a loan, and is awarded to defray the rising costs of tuition and related expenses in higher education. There are no restrictions on the purposes for which the scholarship is spent.

Applications are available for download online at www.LPSO.net/scholarship. Completed applications can be turned in at any Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office location or mailed to Captain Brennan Matherne, P.O. Box 5608, Thibodaux, LA 70302. Applications can also be emailed to Captain Matherne at brennan-matherne@lpso.net. All applications must be received by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office no later than April 1, 2023. An independent selection committee will review the applications and select a winner to be announced in May. There are no restrictions on applicants by reason of race, creed, color, age, or national origin.

The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program awards scholarships in all 64 parishes, providing assistance to worthy Louisiana students in furthering their education and training with resources made available through the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program.

Man in Custody for Several Vehicle Thefts and Burglaries in Thibodaux

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced one man is in custody in connection with several thefts and burglaries in the Thibodaux area. Jamyren Caffery, 18, of Marrero is in custody in New Orleans and faces charges in Lafourche Parish.

On the morning of January 30, 2023, deputies and detectives responded to the Thibodaux area due to three calls of vehicles having been stolen. Two SUVs were stolen, one from Kettle Drive and the other from Laverne Drive. A truck had also been stolen from Millstone Drive. Detectives were also investigating several burglaries and thefts in the Thibodaux area as well.

On Monday night, officers with the New Orleans Police Department located one of the stolen SUVs and took four individuals into custody. Lafourche Parish detectives arrived in New Orleans a short time later to assist with the investigation. Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for one of those individuals arrested by NOPD – Jamyron Caffery. Caffery remains in the custody of New Orleans Police due to charges in that jurisdiction, but in Lafourche Parish, he will ultimately be charged with nine counts of burglary, three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of theft of a firearm, and one count of felony theft.

The investigation into these crimes in Thibodaux is continuing, and additional arrests are possible.

Most cases of vehicle burglaries in Lafourche Parish occur when a vehicle is left unlocked. Similarly, many cases of vehicle theft occur when vehicles are locked with keys left inside. Sheriff Webre is strongly urging everyone to assist in keeping communities safe by always securing vehicles and never leaving keys or valuables inside – especially not in plain sight.

“These thieves are extremely mobile, hitting several cars in a single neighborhood in just minutes,” said Sheriff Webre. “They prey upon trustworthy people in safe communities hoping they leave their guard down. I encourage everyone when leaving their vehicle at any time, to be sure it is locked with no keys or valuables inside. Criminals are looking for easy targets, and the best way to protect yourself is to make it more difficult for thieves to steal from you.”

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NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), a mug shot cannot be released.

UPDATE: Larose Man Charged with Murder in October 2022 Teen Overdose Death

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Larose man has been charged with murder in connection to a teenage girl who died from an overdose in October 2022. Blayne Terrebonne, 19, is charged with second degree murder. He had previously been arrested for drug distribution in the investigation.

Shortly before 4:30 a.m. on October 27, 2022, deputies responded to a Galliano residence in reference to a 16-year-old male showing signs of a possible overdose. After being given two doses of Narcan, the boy regained consciousness and was transported to a hospital for further treatment. Less than three hours later, deputies responded to a call at another Galliano residence where a 15-year-old girl was found dead of a suspected drug overdose.

Investigators quickly determined the two incidents were related, and they arrested Terrebonne later that day. Detectives later arrested Sergio Perez, 18, of Cut Off, and Anthony Francis, 21, of Larose in connection with the case. All were charged with drug distribution. Perez remains at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, but Terrebonne and Francis were released on bail in November 2022.

Investigators learned the girl had purchased what she thought was a Percocet pill from Terrebonne the night prior to her death. Investigators learned the pill was actually pressed from pure fentanyl. An autopsy conducted by the Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office determined the cause of her death to be a drug overdose. A toxicology report later showed she had a high level of fentanyl in her blood at the time of her death. After receiving these results, detectives obtained a warrant for Terrebonne’s arrest for second degree murder.

On January 25, 2023, investigators located Terrebonne and placed him under arrest. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on a warrant for one count of second degree murder. Bail is set at $500,000.

Blayne Terrebonne
Blayne Terrebonne

Seat Belt and DWI Checkpoints Planned for January 27, 2023

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct a seat belt checkpoint and a DWI checkpoint on Friday, January 27, 2023, in Lafourche Parish. These checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists.

The seat belt checkpoint will be conducted Friday evening, and deputies will focus on checking motorists for seat belts and child safety seat violations. The DWI checkpoint will begin Friday evening following the seat belt checkpoint and will continue into the early morning hours of Saturday, January 28. During the DWI checkpoint, deputies will be looking for drivers who are possibly impaired while checking for other traffic safety issues.

Sheriff Webre reminds citizens to designate a driver if they are going to drink. Motorists suspected of DWI who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test will lose their driver’s license for one year (first offense). For a second offense, the penalty increases to two years. Anyone convicted of a DWI offense while their driver’s license is suspended because of another DWI offense will face automatic prison time. Lafourche Parish is also a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a suspected drunk driver refuses a breathalyzer test, deputies will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.

Four Arrests Made in Two Separate Incidents on Tuesday

*UPDATED 1/25/2023 at 9:11 a.m.*

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced four individuals were arrested in two separate incidents in Bayou Blue and Gray on Tuesday. Trevonte Walker, 21, of Houma and Lauren Ledet, 19, of Thibodaux were arrested for one incident while Michael Jules, 22, and Javonte Miller, 19, of both of Houma, were arrested for the other.

The first incident occurred just after 9 a.m. on January 24, 2023, on Saint Marie Drive in Bayou Blue. A car was traveling toward Bayou Blue Road while dragging a woman from an open passenger door. The woman fell from the vehicle after being dragged for some distance on the street while the vehicle left the area. Deputies who were in the area responded quickly to the scene and quickly called for an ambulance. Investigators quickly located the vehicle and identified the occupants as Lauren Ledet and Trevonte Walker. Walker was found to have had a bag containing approximately two pounds of marijuana in his possession.

After questioning, both Walker and Lauren were arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Both were charged with aggravated second degree battery. Ledet’s bail is set at $50,000. Walker was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and his bail is set at $200,000.

The second incident occurred just before noon at Cypress Court Trailer Park in Gray. A man and woman were reportedly held at gunpoint by two men, later identified as Michael Jules and Javonte Miller. They stole a vehicle and another item. Deputies apprehended the suspects on a traffic stop and both admitted to stealing the vehicle.

Jules and Miller were each charged with armed robbery with the use of a firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Jules’ bail is set at $235,000. Miller was additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and his bail is set at $270,000.

Trevonte Walker
Trevonte Walker
Lauren Ledet
Lauren Ledet
Javonte Miller
Javonte Miller
Michael Jules
Michael Jules

UPDATE: Detectives Arrest Suspect in Thibodaux Armed Robbery

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the detectives have made an arrest in an armed robbery that occurred in Thibodaux on Saturday evening. Nigel Washington, 47, of Thibodaux confessed to committing the robbery.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on January 21, 2023, at the Wag-A-Pak convenience store at 1715 St. Mary Street in Thibodaux. At that time, a man – later identified as Washington – walked into the store with a firearm, demanded money, and left with cash. Through the initial investigation, detectives believed he had arrived and departed the store on a bicycle.

Through investigation, and thanks partly to anonymous tips received by Crime Stoppers Bayou Region, detectives identified Washington as the suspect. On January 23, detectives located Washington in the Thibodaux area and brought him in for questioning. During questioning, Washington admitted to committing the armed robbery. Detectives even recovered some of the stolen cash that Washington admitted to having in his possession. Detectives conducted a search of Washington’s residence and recovered the firearm reportedly used in the robbery, as well as boots that matched those from surveillance videos.

Washington was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. He was charged with armed robbery with the use of a firearm. Bail is set at $200,000.

Nigel Washington
Nigel Washington

Detectives Seek to Identify Armed Robbery Suspect

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a person who robbed a Thibodaux store at gunpoint on Saturday evening.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the Wag-A-Pak convenience store located at 1715 St. Mary Street in Thibodaux. At that time, an unidentified male subject walked into the store with a firearm, demanded money, and left with cash. Detectives say it’s possible the subject was traveling by bicycle.

As the investigation continues, anyone who can identify the subject, or anyone with any information about this incident, is asked to submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Suspect Photo 1
Suspect Photo 1
Suspect Photo 2
Suspect Photo 2

Five Teens Charged in Vehicle Burglaries in Thibodaux

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced five teens have been charged in connection with vehicle burglaries in the Thibodaux area earlier this week.

During the early morning hours of January 16, 2023, more than a dozen vehicle burglaries occurred in and around Abby Lakes Subdivision and Abbey Heights Subdivision in Thibodaux. Through investigation, detectives developed five juveniles, ages 15 to 17, as suspects in the crimes. Each of them was charged accordingly for the vehicle burglaries.

Most of the stolen items have been recovered including some firearms. Detectives are continuing the investigation in an attempt to recover more stolen property.

Thibodaux Man Charged with Sex Crimes after Meeting Woman on Dating App

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux man for forcing himself on a woman he met through an online dating app. Shane Chelette, 30, is charged with sexual battery and oral sexual battery.

On January 5, 2023, deputies responded to the initial complaint by a Lockport woman. She had reportedly met Chelette via Tinder in late December 2022, and they had a few conversations. The woman agreed to have lunch with Chelette on January 5. After some time at the residence, Chelette began making unwanted advances to the woman who had told him to stop repeatedly. Chelette then committed sexual battery and oral sexual battery on the woman before leaving the residence. Following an investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Chelette’s arrest.

On January 13, 2023, Chelette was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with sexual battery (forcible fondling) and oral sexual battery. He was subsequently released that same day after posting bail in the amount of $2,000. He has also been ordered to stay away from the victim.

Sheriff Webre would like to caution anyone using online dating apps or websites to remember a few tips:

  • Search for the person on a search engine and social media to see if you find anything concerning;
  • Always meet in a public place and always bring your phone;
  • Be sure to leave the person’s name with a trusted friend or family member;
  • Always have your own method of transportation in case something feels strange and you need to leave; and
  • Never share intimate photos with anyone electronically, especially someone you’ve never met.
Shane Chelette Shane Chelette

Concealed Handgun Course Scheduled for January 21, 2023

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until approximately 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. The actual ending time will vary due to class size.

The course will include the following:

  • One hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol.
  • One hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting.
  • Three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution. (Includes a review of R.S. 14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force)
  • One hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions.
  • One hour of instruction on child access prevention.
  • Two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures. Live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds.
  • Must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.
  • Must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of an NRA B-27 type silhouette target with 36 rounds.

Participants will need to bring a handgun in good working condition, 50 rounds of ammunition for that handgun, eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are sufficient), and ear protection (muffs or plugs).

The cost for the course is $110, and a special rate of $55 is offered for seniors (ages 60+). Online registration is required in advance due to the limited class size. This course is a pre-requisite for those applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit from the State of Louisiana. Go to LPSO.net/classes to register for this course online. For more information, please contact Captain Kevin Johnson at (985) 449-4481 or by email at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.