Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced an autopsy has shown that a female inmate who died on Monday had suffered a heart attack. This is the preliminary finding on Cheryl Dufrene, 60, who died at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on Monday.
On January 9, 2023, Dufrene was being housed in the medical unit of the Correctional Complex due to being treated for a medical condition. Just before 12:30 p.m., a correctional officer found her unresponsive. She was later pronounced dead. Investigators found no evidence of foul play.
During an autopsy conducted at the Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office on January 10, 2023, the doctor found the preliminary cause of Dufrene’s death was a heart attack.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced an inmate at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex has died. Cheryl Dufrene, 60, of Raceland died at the facility on Monday. Her death appears to be from natural causes.
On January 9, 2023, Dufrene was being housed in the medical unit of the Correctional Complex due to being treated for a medical condition. Just before 12:30 p.m., a correctional officer found her unresponsive. She was later pronounced dead.
Dufrene’s death remains under investigation, but her death appears to be due to natural causes. Investigators have found no evidence of foul play. An autopsy is pending.
NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), a mug shot cannot be released.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre reported detectives are currently on scene investigating a suspected shooting death on Market Street in Raceland. The victim is a man in his late 20s.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips mobile app.
More information may be released as the investigation continues.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking the public to be on the lookout for a man wanted in three parishes including Lafourche. Malik Williams, 19, of Houma should be considered armed and dangerous.
On January 5, 2023, detectives investigated the theft of a vehicle and a series of vehicle burglaries in Raceland. All the incidents took place in the 4000 blocks of LA Highway 1 and LA Highway 308 in Raceland. Through investigation, detectives developed Malik Williams as a suspect in these crimes and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Williams is also wanted for failing to appear in court for an armed robbery charge in East Baton Rouge Parish, as well as a vehicle burglary in Ouachita Parish.
Anyone who sees the suspect or knows his whereabouts should not approach him. Instead, 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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a convicted felon who allegedly pointed a gun at another man threatening to shoot him. Jason Bailey, 37, of Raceland was arrested shortly after the incident on Monday morning.
Just before 6:45 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023, deputies responded to a disturbance in the 600 block of Danos Street after Bailey, a convicted felon, reportedly pointed a gun at another man. Through investigation, deputies learned Bailey had arrived at the victim’s house and had an argument over a dog. Bailey pointed a handgun at the man and threatened to shoot him. The victim slammed the door shut. Bailey then pulled the door open and pointed the gun at the man again. These actions were captured on video.
Bailey was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Bail is set at $100,000.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced juvenile detectives are still attempting to locate 16-year-old Dakota McLaughlin of Verret Street in Golden Meadow.
As previously announced, McLaughlin was absent for a legal proceeding on October 19, 2022. At that time, juvenile detectives contacted his mother who stated she had not seen him and he had not been home since October 11, 2022.
McLaughlin was most recently seen on December 27, 2022, around noon in the 100 block of East 156th Street in Galliano, but detectives have been unable to locate him.
Dakota McLaughlin is described as 5’11” tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds with black hair. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 911.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Galliano man wanted for two violent incidents. Danny Ougel Jr., 39, was arrested on Friday.
Ougel had outstanding warrants from two prior incidents. On April 22, 2022, he allegedly forced his way into a Galliano residence and struck a man in the head with a hammer. He also broke a television before departing. Then on June 18, 2022, he was involved in a domestic disturbance in which he strangled the victim, and a child was present at the time. Deputies obtained arrest warrants on Ougel following both incidents.
Then, shortly after 5:15 p.m. on December 2, 2022, deputies in the Larose area saw Ougel driving in a vehicle that had a switched license plate. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and approached Ougel who initially provided a false name. When deputies informed Ougel they already knew his identity, he admitted to giving a false name. In addition to the switched plate, Ougel was found to have an expired registration on the vehicle and no insurance.
Ougel was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was booked on outstanding warrants for aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic abuse battery involving strangulation with child endangerment, home invasion, and simple criminal damage to property. He was additionally charged with resisting an officer, expired vehicle registration, switched license plate, and no insurance. Bail is set at $205,050.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced three men have been arrested for a shooting incident in Raceland on Tuesday. Investigators arrested Adam Thomas, 20, and Vontras Cleveland Jr., 21, both of Raceland, as well as Tyren Lyons, 18, of Houma. There were no injuries in the shooting.
Shortly after 11 a.m. on November 22, 2022, multiple rounds were shot from two vehicles involved in the first incident which took place at the intersection of Buford Street and St. Louis Street. A second incident occurred with several rounds fired near the intersection of LA Highway 1 and Greenville Street.
Descriptions given by eyewitnesses enabled detectives to quickly narrow their search to the specific vehicles involved, and suspects from both vehicles were located and taken into custody without incident before 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Thomas was identified as the driver of one vehicle with Cleveland as the passenger, and Lyons was identified as the driver of the other vehicle.
All three were booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. They were charged with one count each of attempted second degree murder, illegal use of weapons, and three counts each of aggravated criminal damage to property.
Thomas was additionally charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail is set at $1.1 million. Bail for Cleveland and Lyons is also set at $1.1 million each.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced that detectives are presently investigating two related shootings that took place in the Raceland around 11:00 am today, November 22, 2022. Preliminary findings have revealed that multiple rounds were shot from the two vehicles involved with the first altercation taking place at Buford and St. Louis Streets, and the second round of shots fired taking place near LA Highway One and Greenville Street. Sheriff Webre further stated that “the cooperation given to us by eye witnesses quickly enable detectives to narrow their search to the specific vehicles involved and suspects from both vehicles were apprehended and taken into custody, without incident, before 11:30 AM” (see attached photo of suspect’s vehicle). This investigation is ongoing.
Thankfully, no one was injured in today’s altercation.
Anyone with knowledge of this incident can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStopperBR.org, or though 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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is offering several safety tips to the public for the upcoming holiday season. “During the week of Thanksgiving, many residents go on vacation or start their holiday shopping,” said Sheriff Webre. “We want to offer you some safety tips to keep your property safe while you’re away and to conduct financial transactions as safe as possible.”
For those planning to leave home for vacation, Sheriff Webre offers these safety tips:
Double-check all doors and windows before leaving. This may seem obvious, but you may have left a window unlocked for weeks unknowingly. Don’t forget to secure your garage door as well and remove any spare keys you have stashed outside.
Unplug electronics and small appliances. By unplugging TVs, coffee makers, lamps and computers, you can avoid costly repairs if there is a power surge or worse, a fire.
Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your residence each day. Have them check the mail and pick up any newspapers to avoid the appearance that no one is home.
Install exterior and interior lights with timers or motion detectors. This can help to leave the impression that someone might be home.
Secure any vehicle being left behind and remove all valuables from it. If a vehicle burglary occurs while you are away, you may not even realize it until you return home. Avoid making your vehicle an easy target by locking the doors and removing all valuable items.
Consider waiting to post photos and videos from your vacation to social media until after you’ve returned home. This advertises that you are not home and makes you a potential target for criminals.
Beginning this week, retail outlets traditionally offer significant sales and deals luring multitudes of consumers to their stores and websites. The large crowds at physical sites and people seeking the best deals online, attract criminals as well. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division will be conducting extra patrols in and around shopping centers and retail outlets throughout the parish during the busy holiday shopping season, but there are many ways consumers can protect themselves from becoming a victim:
Be smart about parking. Lock your vehicle, and ensure all windows are closed. Park in well-lit areas away from dumpsters or larger vehicles that can serve as hiding places for thieves or carjackers. Never hide a second set of keys in a vehicle, and never leave a vehicle running or unattended.
Keep purchases out of sight. Hide purchases and store bags by keeping them in a trunk, or bring blankets and garbage bags to conceal your purchases. Change parking locations each time you store purchases in your vehicle in case thieves are watching. Try making expensive purchases last giving thieves less opportunity to steal.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and gifts, especially outside the store. Locate your keys before arriving at your vehicle, and never put bags down or on top of a vehicle to open a door. Do not make more purchases than you are able to carry. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart.
Only use ATMs in well-lit locations. Only use an ATM if necessary, and only withdraw the amount of cash needed. When possible, carry cash in your front pocket instead of your wallet or purse. Protect your PIN number at ATMs and registers by shielding the keypad from bystanders. Using a drive-up ATM is generally safest, but always remember to check your surroundings.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists may try various ways to distract your attention with the intention of stealing your money or belongings. Be wary of anyone approaching you needing “quick cash” or offering you a large check for a smaller amount of cash. You’ll likely end up holding a bad check.
Only make secure online transactions. When shopping online, check for a “secure” icon in the address bar when you begin the checkout process. The URL should begin with the letters “https”. Always begin an online shopping session by typing the address of the official website in the address bar instead of clicking on a link from another website or email. This will help avoid “phishing” sites and emails which often look like official sites but are used to steal your financial information.
Ensure packages are delivered to a person. When having items shipped, choose a location where someone will be present in lieu of allowing packages to be left unattended. Most delivery companies will also offer the option of picking up the package at their facility.
Save all receipts. If something is stolen, a receipt is often the easiest way to begin tracking the stolen item because it includes the time of checkout as well as pertinent information about the purchase. When making purchases online, save all correspondence and order confirmations.
Following these tips will not only help protect yourself and your family, but you’ll make it easier to catch criminals and put them behind bars to prevent them from victimizing others. When it comes to scams, always remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more tips on avoiding scams, go to LPSO.net/Scams.
