Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Detectives Investigating Overnight Shooting Death in Thibodaux

UPDATE: The victim in this incident has been identified as 50-year-old Soyica Tillman.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred overnight in Solar Trailer Park in Thibodaux.

At around 12:40 a.m., deputies traveling in the Thibodaux area heard several gunshots in the area of Solar Trailer Park. Deputies proceeded to the location and discovered the body of an unidentified man with a suspected gunshot wound. The man was lying on the ground in front of a residence.

As the investigation continues, detectives are asking anyone with information to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices.

Raceland Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Overnight Shooting

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Raceland man is charged with attempted murder in connection to a shooting that occurred overnight on Sunday. Michael Harris III, 20, is also charged with attempted burglary.

At around 6:45 p.m. on November 28, 2021, deputies responded to a report of an attempted vehicle burglary in the 400 block of St. Phillip Street in Raceland in which Harris was the suspect. Harris fled the area prior to law enforcement arriving.

Then, approximately three and a half hours later, Harris returned to the same residence and reportedly shot a woman. The victim appeared to have suffered wounds to her left foot and left leg, and she was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Through investigation, detectives learned Harris allegedly fired shots through the door of the residence knowing the victim was inside. Investigators were unable to locate Harris at that time, and they obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Monday afternoon, Harris surrendered to authorities. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Attempted Simple Burglary. Bail is set at $255,000.

Larose Man Arrested for Second Time in Two Weeks as Narcotics Agents Make Two Arrests

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested two men on Monday, one of whom was arrested for the second time in two weeks. Reggie Estay, 46, of Larose and Reese Gravois, 62, of Cut Off, each face drug charges. Estay was also arrested by agents on November 9, 2021, after attempting to conceal methamphetamine inside a loaf of bread.

At around 3 p.m. on November 22, 2021, agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on LA Highway 308 in Lockport. Agents identified the driver as Gravois and the passenger as Estay. During the stop, an agent’s K-9 alerted to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Inside the fuse box near the engine, agents located approximately 28 grams of suspected methamphetamine determined to belong to Estay. Agents learned Gravois assisted Estay in hiding the drugs inside the vehicle.

Both men were arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Estay was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and his bail is set at $25,000. Gravois was charged with Principal to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and his bail is also set at $25,000.

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.

LPSO Gearing Up for 28th Annual Bike Giveaway

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for the annual Christmas Bike Giveaway. This marks the 28th year of the program. More than 4,800 bicycles have been distributed to children of families in need in Lafourche Parish over that period of time.

Due to Hurricane Ida and the expected high level of demand this year, LPSO is partnering with Bless Your Heart Nonprofit and HERE to help identify children who are most in need.

“The needs of our community are great right now,” said Sheriff Webre. “Rather than duplicating ongoing efforts, we felt teaming with a local nonprofit group who has already identified those most affected by the storm was the best way to reach those most in need. We are grateful to Bless Your Heart and HERE for assisting logistically and financially in helping to ensure these children have a great Christmas in spite of what they have endured.”

LPSO is accepting donations of new bicycles or monetary donations. Checks should be made payable to the Lafourche Deputies Association with the words “Bike Giveaway” in the memo line. New bicycles and monetary donations may be dropped off at any Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office location throughout the parish.

Meth Sandwich? Agents Find Drugs Hidden in Loaf of Bread

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced four people were arrested in a drug investigation in which agents found suspected methamphetamine hidden in a loaf of bread. Agents arrested suspected drug dealer Reggie Estay, 46, of Larose during the stop. During a search of Estay’s residence, three others were arrested – Robin Morant, 53, Sherman Allen Jr., 40, and Sue Gisclair, 41 – all of Larose.

Narcotics agents had been investigating Reggie Estay for the sale of narcotics and obtained a warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine. On November 9, 2021, gents located Estay traveling in a car in the central area of Lafourche Parish and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, an agent’s K-9 alerted to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, agents located a loaf of bread in its retail packaging. Inside the package, they discovered part of the loaf had been hollowed out to conceal a bag containing over 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Based on their investigation, agents obtained a search warrant for Estay’s residence on West 11th Street in Larose. Inside the residence, agents located additional methamphetamine, cash, and other items commonly associated with the sale of narcotics. Additionally, agents located three individuals at the residence who were each in possession of methamphetamine. Those included Morvant and Gisclair, as well as Allen, who was also in possession of heroin.

All four individuals were arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. This is the second time in as many months that agents searched the West 11th Street residence resulting in arrests both times. Agents had also arrested Estay for drug possession in May 2021.

Estay was booked on the aforementioned warrant. He was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Bail is set at $100,000.

Morvant was booked on outstanding warrants for Misdemeanor Theft, Contempt of Court, and Distribution of Methamphetamine. She was additionally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. Bail is set at $34,050.

Allen was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Heroin. His bail is set at $12,500.

Gisclair was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. She was released after posting bail in the amount of $2,500.

Free Hunter Education Field Day Slated for November 21, 2021

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Sunday, November 21, 2021, 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 Lieutenant 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.

Agents Arrest Suspected Heroin Dealers Following Traffic Stop

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of three suspected drug dealers last week, all from Golden Meadow. Dwayne Johns, 29 has been charged along with Rickey Cheramie Jr., 45, and his wife, Lacie Cheramie, 39.

Narcotics agents were conducting surveillance in the central area of Lafourche Parish when they observed a traffic violation on LA Highway 1 in Mathews. With assistance from a patrol deputy, they conducted a traffic stop on the car and identified the driver as Dwayne Johns. Other occupants in the vehicle were identified as Rickey and Lacie Cheramie. Lacie Cheramie was found to be holding suspected heroin in her hand and was later discovered to have several small bags of heroin on her person.

A K-9 unit in the area responded to the scene and alerted to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, agents found more suspected heroin and paraphernalia determined to belong to Johns and Rickey Cheramie. Agents seized a total of approximately 58.9 grams of heroin during the traffic stop.

Through investigation, agents also obtained a search warrant for the Cheramies’ residence in Golden Meadow. There, they discovered more heroin, digital scales and other drug paraphernalia, as well as $1,260 in cash.

All three were arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Rickey Cheramie was charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, and bail is set at $150,000. Lacie Cheramie was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Possession of Heroin, and bail is set at $80,000. Johns was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, and bail is set at $75,000.

R.A.D. Course Slated for November in Thibodaux

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course on November 15 and 16, 2021, at the LPSO Law Enforcement Complex located at 1300 Lynn Street in Thibodaux.

This self-defense course is designed exclusively for women and will take place over the course of both days. The class will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m. each day. Participants must attend both days. Course instruction will be provided by certified R.A.D. instructors from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The cost of the course is $10 to cover the cost of course materials and is non-refundable. Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. You can register and pay for the course online at www.LPSO.net/classes. The deadline to register for the class is November 12, 2021, at 11 a.m.

For more information, please call Lucie Morvant at (985) 446-2367 or email Lieutenant Kevin Johnson at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.

Lafourche Parish School Threats Found Not to Be Credible

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 Officials Issue Trick-or-Treating Guidance for Halloween 2021

Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson and Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre have announced plans for Lafourche Parish regarding Halloween for 2021 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

“Lafourche has been through some tough times for the past two years, and we want to make Halloween as enjoyable as possible this year for the families of Lafourche. We are aware of some areas that are not as safe as usual, and we ask residents to look for alternative locations to trick-or-treat. Our kids deserve some normalcy in their lives, and all we ask is for everyone to be safe, stay vigilant, and most importantly, have fun,” said President Chaisson.

Sheriff Webre said Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies will conduct the Blue Light Special patrol as normal during the peak hours of trick-or-treating, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, 2021. Around 100 deputies will patrol the streets of Lafourche Parish neighborhoods with emergency lights activated to remind motorists to drive slowly and exercise caution for those families who do decide to go trick-or-treating. Motorists are encouraged to keep travel to a minimum on Halloween night due to the high number of pedestrians on neighborhood streets.

“While adults have been dealing with the stresses of hurricane recovery, our kids have had their own hardships,” said Sheriff Webre. “Many of their schools are still damaged, and some aren’t even back at their own school. Our deputies are committed to providing a safe environment for our children, and we look forward to this opportunity for a positive experience for our deputies and the community in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Ida.”

Here are some trick-or-treating safety precautions to consider:

Remind children to walk (don’t run) on sidewalks or near the edge of the roadway.
Be aware of your surroundings by staying off your phone unless making a call, especially while supervising children.
Make your child’s costume distinguishable and safe by using glow bracelets/sticks, reflective tape, lights, or other items.
Ensure your child’s costume fits properly to prevent trips and falls.
Inspect all treats collected and discard anything that is not sealed.
Remind children to stay in front of residences giving out candy and NEVER enter a residence.
Have a plan in case you and your child(ren) get separated.

Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes for trick-or-treaters. While debris piles may be present, residents can still clear sidewalks and pathways of any obstacles, and put away anything children could trip over. Turn on outside lights so your property is well-lit, and secure pets so that they will not attack or frighten anyone.