Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Raceland Man Arrested on Numerous Drug and Weapons Charges

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Raceland man has been arrested on numerous drug and weapons charges. Bryantra Diggs, 24, of Raceland was arrested on Thursday.

Narcotics agents had been investigating Diggs’ involvement with the sale of illegal drugs. Through investigation, agents obtained arrest warrants and a search warrant. On the afternoon of September 29, 2022, agents and patrol deputies arrived at his residence on Market Street and took Diggs into custody. He was found to have approximately $2,500 in cash in his possession. Inside the residence, agents located a handgun that had been modified to be fired automatically. Inside his vehicle, agents found approximately 336 grams of marijuana, over 16 grams of synthetic marijuana, over 12 grams of methamphetamine, and various items associated with the sale of illegal drugs as well as various ammunition.

Diggs was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on warrants for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, handling of machine guns, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail is set at $845,500.

Citizens are reminded that they can report any drug-related or suspicious activity. Information can be reported directly to the Narcotics section commander, Lieutenant Derek Champagne, at (985) 532-4365 or derek-champagne@lpso.net. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices.

NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), no mug shot can be released.

Two Men Arrested for Attempted Murder in September Shooting in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two men have been arrested for attempted murder for a shooting that occurred earlier this month. Jyairus Folse, 20, of Lockport and Jamyren Richard, 23, of Raceland were arrested on Thursday.

On the afternoon of September 8, 2022, deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Ayo Street in Raceland. When deputies arrived, they found several bullet casings near a residence in the 500 block. A residence had been targeted in the shooting. One person was inside but was not struck by gunfire. Deputies searched the nearby area for the shooters but could not locate anyone at that time.

Through investigation, detectives developed Jyairus Folse and Jamyren Richard as suspects in the shooting and learned they were targeting someone at the residence. Investigators then obtained arrest warrants for Folse and Richard for one count each of attempted second degree murder.

On Thursday evening, September 29, deputies with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Richard during a traffic stop. He was booked into the St. Charles Parish Nelson Coleman Correctional Center where he is being held as a fugitive of Lafourche Parish. He is also being held on a federal weapons charge.

Later Thursday evening, investigators located Folse outside a daiquiri shop in Raceland. He was found to have a handgun in his possession that was reported stolen from the state of Georgia. Folse was arrested and transported to Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. During the booking process, he was found to have a small bag of marijuana concealed on his person. He was booked on warrants for attempted second degree murder and contempt of court, and he was additionally charged with taking contraband to a penal institution and possession of a stolen firearm. The total bail amount has not yet been set.

Concealed Handgun Course Scheduled for October 8, 2022

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, 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.

Raceland Man Charged with Rape of Two Juveniles

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Raceland man charged with the rape of two juveniles. James Griffin Jr., 59, was arrested on Wednesday.

Through investigation, detectives learned Griffin had inappropriate sexual contact with two minor children. When detectives brought Griffin in for questioning, he admitted to his involvement.

Griffin was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on two counts of first degree rape. Bail is set at $1 million.

Due to the nature of the allegations, no further details will be made available.

Thibodaux Man Charged with Sex Crimes Involving a Juvenile

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux man charged with sex crimes involving a juvenile victim. Barry Brown, 45, was arrested on Wednesday.

Through investigation, detectives learned Brown had inappropriate sexual contact with a teenage victim. Following the investigation, detectives obtained warrants for charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and oral sexual battery.

On September 28, 2022, Brown was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the aforementioned warrants. Bail is set at $300,000.

Due to the nature of the allegations, no further details will be made available.

Free Hunter Education Field Day Slated for October 22, 2022

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Saturday, October 22, 2022, for anyone ages 10 or older who has completed the home study course. The class will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland.

As an alternative to the traditional two-day classroom course, a 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.

*Anyone born after September 1, 1969, who wishes to obtain a hunting license in Louisiana, must successfully complete a hunter education course. Exceptions may be granted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for active or veteran members of the United States armed services, for any P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officer, or for persons who are under the direct supervision of a person 18 years or older who is already licensed and has taken the approved course. Exceptions must be applied for and approved by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Narcotics Agents Arrest Eight People after Search at Thibodaux Residence

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested eight individuals after finding narcotics at Thibodaux residence. The arrests occurred at a home on Ledet Drive on Thursday.

Agents had received an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region about drug activity at a residence in the 200 block of Ledet Drive in Thibodaux. LPSO narcotics agents recently accompanied agents with the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole during a compliance check for Ryan Lirette, 55. When agents arrived, they encountered several people and discovered drugs in the residence. Agents then obtained a search warrant and found heroin and methamphetamine inside the residence.

In all, eight individuals were arrested, including Lirette who was charged with maintaining a structure for narcotics use. Jeremy Frederick, 43, of Arnaudville and Kathryn Gibson, 46, of Breaux Bridge were also arrested for possession of heroin.

Five individuals were arrested for possession of methamphetamine:

Jennifer Fessler, 28, of Choctaw
Taylor Lachney, 29, of Thibodaux
Arabella Leray, 22, of Thibodaux
James Gueho, 39, of Thibodaux
Todd Broussard, 33, of Houma

NOTE: Per Act 494 (effective June 2022), these mug shots will not be released.

Lafourche Parish Night Out Against Crime Block Parties Announced for Tuesday, October 4

Sheriff Craig Webre has announced a list of 15 official block party locations in Lafourche Parish for the 2022 Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies will be visiting each location to speak with area residents about crime prevention and neighborhood concerns. Each party will begin at 6 p.m. and last until around 9 p.m.

“Like many events, Night Out Against Crime has been canceled the past two years due to COVID and Hurricane Ida,” said Sheriff Webre. “We are so pleased to be back this year for this annual event to foster the relationship we have with our local community. Through our combined efforts, we can continue to make our neighborhoods a safe place to live and work.”

Citizens will be hosting block parties throughout the parish, and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies will be attending those events to meet community members to discuss crime prevention and any other concerns. LPSO will supply the parties with food, but each party is encouraged to organize additional food and refreshments with attendees.

Here is a list of block party locations around Lafourche Parish:

Thibodaux Family Church (785 N. Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux)
301 Hyland Drive, Thibodaux
Thibodaux Housing Authority (1425 Eagle Drive, Thibodaux)
Bayou Boeuf Volunteer Fire Co. Station (3457 LA 307, Bayou Boeuf)
Wallace Community Center (3603 Hwy. 308, Raceland)
Kingdom Impact Global Worship Center (1951 Hwy. 182, Raceland)
Ebenezer Christian Community Fellowship (824 St. Louis Street, Raceland)
329 Aspen Drive, Raceland (access via Elm Drive off LA Hwy. 1)
Sugar Land Subdivision (144 Twin Oaks Drive, Raceland)
Lockport Town Hall & Police Department (710 Church Street)
The Broadway Elder Living & Rehabilitation Center (7534 Hwy. 1, Lockport)
Myrtle Drive (near Emerald Car Wash, Lockport)
202 Chateau Drive, Lockport
133 West 112th Street, Cut Off
Golden Meadow Town Hall (107 Jervis Dr., Golden Meadow)

The annual Night Out Against Crime parade will take place in the Raceland area, beginning at the U.S. Highway 90 Fire Station and continuing throughout the streets of the Sugar Land Subdivision.

Anyone who has questions about the event can contact Deputy Melissa Simmons at (985) 449-4478 or via email at melissa-simmons@lpso.net.

Detectives Investigating Sunday Evening Shooting in Marydale Community

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday evening in the Marydale community in Thibodaux. One man was injured in the shooting.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on September 25, 2022, deputies responded to a report of multiple shots fired in the area of Carol Street in Thibodaux. One man was struck by at least one round and taken to a hospital for treatment. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any knowledge of this incident can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region 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.

Detectives Investigating Overnight Shooting Death in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred overnight in Raceland that left one man dead. Investigators identified the victim as Lorenzo Stuart, 37, of Lockport.

At around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2022, deputies responded to calls of shots fired in the area of St. Louis Street. When they arrived, they found a man, later identified as Stuart, had been shot. He was later pronounced dead. The shooting is believed to have occurred in the 700 block of St. Louis Street.

As the investigation continues, detectives are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with any knowledge of this incident can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region 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.