Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent Jarod Martin announced that threats of violence at two Lafourche Parish high schools have been investigated and found not to be credible. Detectives began investigating threats Saturday evening, and the investigations continued into Sunday.

On the evening of October 23, 2021, images began circulating on social media featuring what appeared to be private Snapchat messages threatening shootings at Central Lafourche High School and Thibodaux High School. Through investigation involving social media platforms, as well as state and federal authorities, the threats have been found to not be credible.

The investigation began with copies of a message regarding a possible shooting at a “Central High School,” which is a name associated with numerous high schools across the country. Several law enforcement agencies throughout the country are investigating the same threat which was found to be a hoax and has led to arrests in several states.

Similar messages began circulating specifically involving Thibodaux High School and Central Lafourche High School. Investigators have found no evidence of credibility to these threats which are believed to be “copycat” threats.

Although no threats involving Lafourche Parish schools have been deemed to be credible, out of an abundance of caution, additional security measures and law enforcement personnel will be in place Monday morning, October 25, 2021. Additional deputies or investigators may be present at Lafourche Parish schools over the next several days.

Sheriff Webre said that while these threats are alarming, he is not surprised to see a rash of threats as this has become a trend with school shooting threats.

“Anytime there is a widely circulated threat or a local arrest involving a school threat, we’ve seen ‘copycat’ incidents over the next few days or weeks,” said Sheriff Webre. “I want to reassure the community that we are working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement officials as well as the Lafourche Parish School District to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. Every threat is considered credible until proven otherwise, and we will fully investigate all threats that arise.”

Sheriff Webre also issued a warning to those posting threats. “Making a threat of this nature can result in an arrest and criminal charges, including the charge of Terrorizing, that will follow you for the rest of your life,” said Sheriff Webre. “With our resources and investigating partners, there is no level of anonymity that can protect you from being caught.”

Sheriff Webre also cautions parents and students not to share images or rumors of threats on social media to prevent public fear and panic. Instead, please report threats and rumors to school and law enforcement officials to properly investigate.

As the investigation continues, anyone with any information about the possible origin of these or any school threats is asked to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at www.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.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson are reminding residents about proper debris and trash pickup and disposal and issuing a warning about illegal dumping of trash and storm debris. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, deputies have recently responded to calls of illegal dumping in areas such as East 40^th Street in Cut Off and Brule Guillot Road in Thibodaux, as well as some individual residences throughout the parish.

“We understand these are unprecedented and trying times for our residents,” said Sheriff Webre. “Everyone seems to be dealing with their own issues right now. When you illegally dump on someone else’s property, you are making your problem someone else’s. We cannot allow this to occur. In order to get through this recovery, we are going to have to do it together as a community.”

In lieu of illegally dumping, Parish President Chaisson says residents can continue to place storm debris at the curbside, away from fire hydrants, low-hanging wires, and water meters, and keep drainage ditches clear. For detailed information on how to separate and handle storm debris, go to LafourcheGov.org/Emergency-Information.

“We have parish and state contractors picking up all residential debris throughout the parish,” said Chaisson. “They will continue picking up trash for the next several weeks. Even if they have passed by your property already, they will be coming again. There is really no need to haul any debris away at this time.”

Household Garbage pickup is back to twice per week collection in most areas of Lafourche Parish. Only household garbage placed in a Parish issued can (or similar store-bought can)  will be picked up. Do not put storm debris in the garbage cans. If you lost your parish-issued garbage can due to Hurricane Ida, you may use a store-bought can that is similar (60-95 gallons, square and sturdy), and the contractor will attempt to service it. Residents can also call (985) 282-4273 to be placed on a list for a new or replacement garbage can. 

Those residents who choose to illegally dump trash and debris on public or private property could face criminal charges. Among those charges are Gross Littering (R.S. 30:2531.1) and Criminal Trespassing (R.S. 14:63).

Those charged with Gross Littering would face a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense and eight hours of litter abatement community service. For third and subsequent offenses, there is a fine of up to $5,000, up to 30 days in jail, up to 100 hours of community service, and driver’s license suspension for one year.

Those caught in violation of the Criminal Trespassing statute would face a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense or, for third and subsequent offenses, a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.