Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two men were arrested on a traffic stop after being found with a variety of narcotics. Sidney Poindexter Jr., 57, and Ronald Ellis Jr., 52, both of Raceland were arrested early Sunday morning.

At around 1:35 a.m. on January 12, 2025, a K-9 deputy conducted a traffic stop in Raceland near the intersection of LA 1 and LA 182. The deputy identified the driver as Ellis and the passenger as Poindexter. The deputy found Ellis had an active warrant for his arrest, and took him into custody.

A Thibodaux Police officer in the area arrived to assist. As Poindexter exited the vehicle, the deputy saw him try to hide an object in his jacket pocket. The deputy told him to remove his hands from his pockets, but Poindexter refused. The police officer ran over to attempt to detain Poindexter, and a struggle ensued. As a result, a bag fell from Poindexter’s pocket, and the officer could see a firearm in his pocket. Poindexter was taken into custody. The bag contained other smaller bags of a variety of suspected narcotics. Poindexter was also found to have drug paraphernalia in his possession. Inside the vehicle, the deputy found a large bag of suspected methamphetamine. Both men were transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux for booking.

Poindexter was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, marijuana, hydrocodone, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin. He was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer. Bail is set at $376,000.

Ellis was booked on warrants for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and contempt of court. He was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, driving under suspension, and improper vehicle lighting. Total bail has not yet been set. He is also being held as a fugitive for St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent Jarod Martin announced two teenage girls have been charged for trying to frame a male high school teacher for sending inappropriate messages to a student.

On December 18, 2024, juvenile detectives opened an investigation into a report from a concerned party that a Central Lafourche High School teacher had been sending inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old female student. Detectives learned she and a 15-year-old friend were allegedly engaged in conversations involving inappropriate messages from the teacher via an online instant messaging platform.

Over the next two weeks, detectives conducted a thorough investigation, including interviews with all parties allegedly involved, and obtained search warrants for their phones and accounts on the messaging platform. The investigation revealed that the two teenage girls had fabricated messages, created fake accounts, and shared screenshots with friends in an effort to frame the teacher for sending inappropriate messages.

The investigation proved the teacher had not sent any messages or photos to the girls and, in fact, had no involvement. The teacher was actually proven to be the crime victim and has been cleared of all allegations. One of the two students also admitted to their involvement in the crime.

On January 6, 2025, both girls were charged with one count each of false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety (felony), cyberstalking, and online impersonation. They were placed on electronic monitoring and released to the custody of their parents.

Sheriff Webre applauded the tenacious efforts of investigators and warned those considering similar crimes. “Our juvenile detectives are diligent and take claims of inappropriate behavior very seriously,” said Sheriff Webre. “They are, however, equally serious about false claims. Someone’s life can be instantly ruined by a false allegation, and I am proud that our investigators were able to get to the bottom of this. Technology has made it very easy for people to try to manipulate the truth, but technology also makes it easy for investigators to ultimately find the truth.”

“We are shocked and appalled to learn of the actions of two of our students,” added Superintendent Martin. “The allegations against one of our teachers were false and malicious, and we appreciate the efficiency of investigators in uncovering the source of these messages. Such attacks on a teacher’s credibility and reputation are concerning and can inhibit their ability to effectively educate our children. We are committed to investigating all allegations of misconduct in order to provide a safe environment conducive to learning and working for all of our students and staff.”

UPDATE: Gutierrez has been found and is safe. 

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 14-year-old Jose Gutierrez of Galliano. He was last seen leaving his residence on foot at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, December 30.  

Gutierrez is 4’4” tall, weighing approximately 115 pounds with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and a white cap. 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 detectives have made an arrest as part of an investigation into a scam. Diego Diaz, 47, of Georgia was arrested after being caught trying to accept thousands in cash from a scam victim.

On December 10, 2024, an elderly Thibodaux man contacted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office about a scam. He had received notification of an online purchase that had been made through Walmart for a dishwasher. The man contacted Walmart which had no record of the purchase and was informed the notification was likely a scam. He then received a call from a person claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission who claimed to be investigating money laundering. He told the elderly man that in order to keep his money safe, he should withdraw $40,000 to be picked up by investigators and put into safekeeping. Investigators worked with the victim to coordinate a pickup at 10 a.m. the following day.

On December 11, the elderly man was provided detailed instructions from the scammer on how to package the cash to provide to a courier. Maintaining surveillance at the location, investigators observed the courier arrive, and he was immediately taken into custody. He was identified as Diego Diaz. Further investigation revealed Diaz had acted as a courier in similar transactions in other areas as well, and is associated with a larger criminal organization that spans the southern United States.

Diaz was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on charges including conspiracy to commit extortion, conspiracy to commit felony theft, and conspiracy to commit exploitation of the infirmed. He is being held without bond on these charges, and he is also being held for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This investigation is continuing with cooperation from neighboring parishes where similar incidents have occurred as well as in cooperation with federal authorities.

Sheriff Webre reminds citizens to always be skeptical of any calls they receive asking for money or trying to “protect” their money as part of a larger investigation. “Anytime someone suggests you not tell anyone, even law enforcement, what is happening and asks you for money, you can bet it’s a scam,” said Sheriff Webre. “We were fortunate to arrest someone appearing in person, but in most cases, everything is done electronically, and once money is sent, it is difficult – if not impossible – to recover. We strongly encourage anyone to contact local law enforcement for help before exchanging money.”

Diego Diaz

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent Jarod Martin announced an 11-year-old boy has been charged after school resource officers discovered he had brought a replica BB pistol to C.M. Washington Elementary School.

School resource officers opened an investigation on Thursday, December 12 after another student reported the boy had brought a firearm to school. It was determined that he did not have a firearm in his possession, but he admitted bringing a replica pistol to school at some point in November 2024. The replica BB pistol was turned over to deputies and found to be a replica of a Glock 17 handgun. The student was charged with violating Louisiana R.S. 14:95.2 which prohibits carrying a dangerous weapon onto school property. He was then released to the custody of a relative.

“I am once again reminding parents that these types of guns are extremely dangerous,” said Sheriff Webre. “Aside from the obvious injuries they can cause outright, these pistols are nearly indistinguishable from a firearm, especially in the split-second in which someone would be faced with one. We urge everyone to refrain from using these in public settings and to modify the pistol so that it does not look like an actual firearm.”

Superintendent Martin said, “The Lafourche Parish School District is committed to the safety of all of our students and staff. The presence of any weapon of any kind on school grounds will not be tolerated. There will be severe consequences from the school district and law enforcement for anyone who brings any type of weapon onto our campuses.”

“The student who came forward and reported this incident is to be commended,” Martin added. “Please remind your students that they should immediately report anything suspicious to an adult on campus.”

UPDATE: Gohil has been arrested.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced one man has been arrested and another is being sought in connection with a November 2024 armed robbery that occurred in Lockport. Clyde “Trey” Hodge III, 28, of Gonzales has been arrested. Investigators have also obtained a warrant for the arrest of Vijay Gohil, 54, of Kenner.

At around 7 p.m. on November 6, 2024, deputies were notified of an armed robbery that occurred just outside a motel in Lockport. Through investigation, detectives learned a man was outside the motel when he was approached by a masked man with a gun who demanded money and the victim’s cell phone. The victim gave cash to the masked man, but he did not have a phone. The masked suspect then forced the victim into a building and closed him inside before leaving the area in a van driven by a second suspect. Through investigation, detectives identified Hodge as the masked man and Gohil as the driver, and they obtained arrest warrants.

On December 2, 2024, Hodge was located by the St. Gabriel Police Department and placed under arrest. He was initially booked into the Iberville Parish Jail. He was later transferred to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was booked with armed robbery and armed robbery with the use of a firearm. He was released on December 6 after posting bail in the amount of $150,000. He is currently on home incarceration.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating Vijay Gohil who is wanted for principal to armed robbery and principal to armed robbery with the use of a firearm. Anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts can contact Detective Blake Thibodaux at 985-532-4352 or blake-thibodaux@lpso.net. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Bayou Region Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters who use Bayou Region Crime Stoppers could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Clyde Hodge III

WANTED Vijay Gohil

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a man is wanted for causing a disturbance at Thibodaux High School last week. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Marvin Rainey, 43, of Thibodaux.

On December 3, 2024, Rainey, a parent of a student at the school, entered a classroom and made several threatening statements to the teacher and students in the class. Following an investigation of the incident, deputies obtained a warrant for Rainey’s arrest for unlawful disruption of the operation of a school (R.S. 14:40.6), a felony. Deputies have made multiple attempts to contact Rainey, but they have been unable to locate him.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating Marvin Rainey. Anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts can submit a tip anonymously to Bayou Region Crime Stoppers 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.

Marvin Rainey

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced three people have been charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in Raceland on Thursday night. Two people were injured in the shooting. Payton Scott, 18, of Bayou Blue, Kayleigh Gregoire, 19, of Houma, and a 16-year-old male all face charges in the incident.

Just after 9:30 p.m. on December 5, 2024, LPSO received a call about a shooting that had occurred in the 100 block of Brooklyn Lane in Raceland. Through investigation, detectives learned Gregoire and another female allegedly lured a 17-year-old male to the residence promising a sexual encounter but planning to have Scott and the juvenile rob him instead. When the victim arrived, Scott and the juvenile approached him and were armed. Gunfire was exchanged between them and the victim who was grazed by one round on his hand. He sought medical treatment at a local hospital and was released. The other female involved was also struck twice in the gunfire exchange, and she was later airlifted to a New Orleans hospital for treatment. She remains in critical but stable condition.

Scott and the juvenile were charged with attempted armed robbery and use of a firearm in an attempted armed robbery. Scott was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Bail is set at $150,000. The juvenile was placed in the Juvenile Justice Facility in Thibodaux.

Gregoire was charged with principal to attempted armed robbery and principal to attempted armed robbery with the use of a firearm. She was also booked into the Correctional Complex, and bail is set at $150,000.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.

Kayleigh Gregoire

Payton Scott