Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Officials Remind Residents of Proper Debris Pickup and Disposal and Warn of Illegal Dumping

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.

UPDATE: Mother Now Charged in Infant Daughter’s Death

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the mother of an infant girl killed in September 2021 has been charged in connection to her daughter’s death. Kageionna Butler, 21, of Houma was arrested on Sunday and charged with Principal to Second Degree Murder in the death of 11-month-old Zabria Guidry. The child’s father, Jake Guidry, 26, was previously charged with Second Degree Murder in the investigation.

Just after 12:15 a.m. on September 28, 2021, a family member contacted the Houma Police Department to check the child who was with Guidry in Thibodaux at the time. Houma Police contacted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and deputies responded to Guidry’s residence on Brule Guillot Road. When deputies arrived, Guidry told deputies he struck his child “too hard,” and the child had died. Deputies located the body of the deceased child in the rear cargo area of Guidry’s SUV. Guidry was arrested and into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on the charge of Second Degree Murder with bail set at $1 million.

Initially, Butler had told detectives she had no knowledge of what happened to her daughter, but through further investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest for Principal to Second Degree Murder. She was arrested in Terrebonne Parish on October 10, 2021, and she was transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. She was booked on the aforementioned warrant, and her bail is also set at $1 million.

Due to the nature of this crime, no further details are available at this time.

LPSO Teams with Bless Your Heart Nonprofit for Jacket Donation Drive for Students

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Bless Your Heart Nonprofit Corporation to collect light jackets for school-aged children through the end of the month. Donations of new or “like new” jackets for kids in Pre-K through 12th grade are now being accepted at LPSO offices. This is the latest in Hurricane Ida relief efforts for LPSO.

Bless Your Heart Nonprofit is also currently coordinating a school uniform drive for students whose uniforms were lost or damaged due to Hurricane Ida. This is just one of many needs being addressed among Lafourche Parish relief efforts.

“As we continue our hurricane relief efforts, we wanted to help organize a donation drive to help the children of Lafourche Parish,” said Sheriff Webre. “Watching the efforts of volunteers from Bless Your Heart Nonprofit inspired us to help replenish items students had lost due to the storm. We know jackets will be needed, and we wanted to address it now before cooler weather arrives.”

Jeray Jarreau, founder of Bless Your Heart Nonprofit, said she is excited about the partnership with the LPSO, and is happy to meet another need of the community.

“It has been such a blessing being able to serve this community in its time of need,” said Jarreau. “It has been devastating to see our community like this, but I am also so incredibly thankful for all of the volunteers and donors who help us, including the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. We look forward to continuing to serve our community together.”

Light jackets and windbreakers that are either new or “like new” (no stains, tears, etc.) will be accepted beginning Monday, October 18 through Friday, October 29, 2021. Jackets can be dropped off during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday . The jackets will be for school-aged students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Jacket sizes ranging from 4T to Adult XL are preferred, but all sizes will be accepted. Jacket donations can be dropped off at any of these LPSO offices:

Administrative Office, 200 Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux
Law Enforcement Complex, 1300 Lynn Street, Thibodaux
Criminal Operations Center, 805 Crescent Avenue, Lockport
South Lafourche Substation, 102 West 91st Street, Cut Off

Narcotics Agents Arrest Mid-Level Dealer in South Lafourche Area

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a mid-level drug dealer in the South Lafourche area. Thomas Cedatol Jr., 46, of Galliano was arrested after agents found drugs in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

On October 5, 2021, narcotics agents were conducting surveillance in the Galliano area when they observed a vehicle traveling on LA Highway 1 without a license plate. Agents conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Cedatol, who was known to be a mid-level drug dealer in the south Lafourche area.

A narcotics K-9 unit at the scene alerted to the possible presence of narcotics in the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, agents located a large bag containing several smaller bags of suspected narcotics. This included approximately 29.1 grams of methamphetamine, 1.9 grams of suspected heroin, 20.5 Xanax pills, three lorazepam pills, and other substances.

Cedatol was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Xanax. He was also charged with Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance, no driver’s license and no license plate. Bail is set at $650,200.

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.

UPDATE: Man Wanted in Connection to Cut Off Shooting in Custody

Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies have located Rogelio Xavier Ledezma and he has been taken into custody. He was wanted in connection with a shooting incident that took place Monday afternoon at a residence on West Main Street in Cut Off. He is now in custody. Further details will be released at a later time.

LPSO Searching for Person in Connection with Cut Off Shooting

Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies are currently searching for Rogelio Xavier Ledezma in connection with a shooting incident that took place this afternoon at a residence on West Main Street in Cut Off. Ledezma is believed to be armed. If seen, please contact 911 immediately.

Rape Aggression Defense Course Set for Raceland in October

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course on October 26 and 27, 2021, at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland.

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, and participants must wear a face covering during class. Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we encourage immediate family members to sign up for a class as a pair if possible, but this is not required. 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 October 22, 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.

Narcotics Agents Arrest Two Drug Dealers in Larose

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested two individuals following an investigation. Ronnie Stevens, 25, and Lavonne Johns, 28, both of Larose, were arrested on Tuesday night.

Narcotics agents had started an investigation into Stevens beginning in July 2021 after identifying him as a low to mid-level drug dealer in the South Lafourche area. Through the investigation, agents were able to obtain arrest warrants for Stevens and his girlfriend, Lavonne Johns, for heroin distribution.

On September 28, 2021, agents located Stevens outside of his residence. As agents began to take him into custody for the active warrant, Stevens began resisting violently and punched an agent in the face. Agents eventually took Stevens into custody, as well as Johns who was also on scene. Agents then obtained a search warrant for the tent outside Stevens’ residence. During a search of the tent, agents located methamphetamine, heroin, various drug paraphernalia, and approximately $500 in cash.

Stevens was booked on a warrant for Distribution of Heroin. He was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Battery of a Police Officer, and Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence. Bail is set at $301,000. He is also being held for Louisiana Probation and Parole.

Johns was also booked on a warrant for Distribution of Heroin. She was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Methamphetamine, as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her bail is set at $176,000.

Thibodaux Man Charged with Murder in Infant Daughter’s Death

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux man has been charged with murder in the death of his infant daughter. Jake Guidry, 26 has been booked with Second Degree Murder in the death of 11-month-old Zabria Guidry.

Just after 12:15 a.m. on September 28, 2021, deputies responded to a residence in the 600 block of Brule Guillot Road in Thibodaux to check on an 11-month-old child on behalf of the child’s mother. When deputies arrived, they contacted the child’s father, Jake Guidry, who stated he had struck his child “too hard,” and the child had died. Guidry was immediately taken into custody. Deputies located the body of the deceased child in the rear cargo area of Guidry’s SUV.

Guidry was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with Second Degree Murder, and bail is set at $1 million.

Nightly Curfew Lifted for All Remaining Areas of Lafourche Parish

Officials from Lafourche Parish Government, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcment agencies have reviewed the current situation and decided to lift the curfew for all remaining areas of Lafourche Parish.