Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Public’s Help Sought To Identify Man Wanted for Several Shoplifting Incidents

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced investigators are seeking to identify a man wanted in connection to several shoplifting complaints at a Mathews department store.

On April 19, 2021, deputies responded to a report of an attempted shoplifting at the Walmart Supercenter located at 4858 Highway 1 in Mathews. A man had attempted to leave the store without paying for several hundred dollars of items which were in a cart. As he was walking out, store employees stopped the man and grabbed the cart. They told the man to remain on scene while waiting for law enforcement, but he left the area on foot. The man had been dropped off at the store by someone driving a black pickup truck. Further investigation revealed the store had been investigating several other recent shoplifting incidents involving the same man. Over $1,000 in merchandise had been stolen in those incidents.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to identify this man. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office mobile app. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Three Arrested as Narcotics Agents Seize Meth and Cash from Gheens Residence

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced three people have been arrested after narcotics agents seized methamphetamine, cash and other related items during a search of a Gheens Residence. Gary Allan Matherne, 25, was arrested along with his father, Gary Matherne Jr., 53, and Sierra Cheramie, 30.

Agents began an investigation after receiving a tip about possible illegal drug activity at the Mathernes’ residence on South Leon Drive in Gheens. Agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and arrived on April 15, 2021. Gary Allan Matherne was present at the residence along with several others including Gary Matherne Jr. and Sierra Cheramie. During the search, agents located approximately 6.8 ounces of methamphetamine, $4,396 in cash, and various items commonly associated with the sale of illegal narcotics, all of which was determined to belong to Gary Allan Matherne. Agents also found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in a room in the residence which was determined to belong to Gary Matherne Jr. and Cheramie. All three were transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex for booking.

Gary Allan Matherne was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and his bail is set at $250,300.

Gary Matherne Jr. was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and his bail is set at $25,300.

Sierra Cheramie was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and her bail is set at $2,300.

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 P3 Tips mobile app.

Fugitive Flees from Deputies Resulting in Three-Vehicle Crash on LA 1 in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a fugitive who fled from deputies was involved in a crash with two other vehicles in Raceland. Ashley Truehill, 39, of Belle Rose had an active warrant for Thibodaux Police. Truehill suffered moderate injuries in the crash, and three occupants in the other vehicles received minor injuries.

At around 8:50 a.m., on April 14, 2021, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a person who appeared to be sleeping in a car parked in front of a discount store in Raceland. Deputies arrived and confirmed the driver was asleep with the vehicle running. Deputies made contact with Truehill and asked for identification. While checking his information, Truehill entered his vehicle and began driving southbound on LA Highway 1. Deputies followed Truehill and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Truehill refused to stop, turning onto Leonard Street. Driving through a residential area, he later drove onto St. Phillip Street before turning northbound onto LA 1. After passing the intersection with LA Highway 182, Truehill continued driving at excessive speeds and attempted to pass an SUV on the shoulder of the highway when he struck the SUV, causing the SUV to strike a pickup truck. Truehill’s car continued and came to rest after crashing into a tree. Truehill exited the car and began running but was quickly apprehended. The two occupants in the SUV and the single occupant of the truck suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Truehill was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Upon his release, he will be booked on the warrant for Thibodaux Police for Stalking and Home Invasion. Criminal charges relating to the crash are also pending as our investigation continues. Louisiana State Police is investigating the crash itself.

Sheriff Webre announces plans for “Buckle Up in Your Truck” Campaign

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will join other law enforcement agencies in participating in the “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign, April 17-24, 2021. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

As part of this effort, additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts in an effort to ensure the safety of everyone on our roadways.

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, state observation surveys and fatality data show that pickup truck drivers and passengers fall well behind occupants of other kinds of passenger vehicles when it comes to wearing seat belts. The “Buckle Up In Your Truck” campaign involves high-visibility enforcement and awareness to encourage seat belt usage and reduce unrestrained fatalities among our pick-up truck drivers and passengers. Taking the time to buckle up before every trip is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

Gun Found Near Edge of Elementary School Property in Thibodaux

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish Schools Superintendent Jarod Martin reported a handgun was found near the edge of C.M. Washington Elementary School property in Thibodaux on Monday. While the incident remains under investigation, officials believe the gun had been there for several days and do not believe there is any ongoing threat at the school.

At around 11:45 a.m. on April 12, 2021, school officials were notified that students had found a handgun on campus. The gun was found lying in the grass near the edge of the school property near School Street. When the LPSO School Resource Officer secured the weapon, he determined it to be a Glock 23 handgun with an extended magazine which was loaded. Based on evidence observed at the scene, it is believed the gun had been lying there for several days. The school had just reopened on Monday having been closed for ten days for spring break.

At this time, there is no evidence that any student brought the weapon to school. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation and is working with the Thibodaux Police Department due to the school being located within the City of Thibodaux. The gun will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge for further investigation.

Sheriff Webre said, “We will be working closely with Thibodaux Police to investigate this matter fully to determine how the gun ended up on campus. This could have been a disastrous day if not for these students who did the right thing and reported it to school officials. They are truly heroes.”

Narcotics Operation “Bad BOI” Nets 33 Arrests in South Lafourche Area

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre reported the arrest of 33 people as a result of an investigation into narcotics distribution in the South Lafourche area. The investigation was dubbed Operation Bad BOI based on the street name for heroin (“BOI”). It began in late 2020 and culminated in several searches and arrests, most of which occurred over the last two months.

During the operation, agents obtained eight search warrants for residences, including one on 64th Street in Cut Off which was searched twice in 12 days. More than $20,000 was seized as part of the operation.

“We believe this operation will have significant impact on the availability of heroin, methamphetamine, and especially fentanyl in the southern area of the parish,” said Sheriff Webre who hopes this operation sends a clear message to other drug violators. “Just because you don’t see an arrest every week doesn’t mean you’ll be able to continue to operate in this community. Our agents will continue to work to build cases and bring these violators to justice.”

The following individuals were arrested as a result of the operation:

Laura Alexander, 29, of Golden Meadow: Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of Heroin, Fentanyl, and Drug Paraphernalia (two counts), Contempt of Court (two counts);
Reed Anderton, 25, of Golden Meadow: Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia;
Taylor Anderton, 28, of Cut Off: Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia;
Bryce Arabie, 33, of Cut Off: Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
Robert Bourgeois, 53, of Cut Off: Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
Michelle Breaux, 42, of Larose: Possession of Heroin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Suboxone, and Drug Paraphernalia;
Trent Bruce, 39, of Galliano: Distribution of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
Thomas Cedotal Jr., 46, of Galliano: Distribution of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin;
Jermie Charles, 32, of Galliano: Principal to Distribution of Fentanyl, Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Fentanyl, Marijuana, Clonazepam, and Drug Paraphernalia;
Chris Cheramie, 26, of Galliano: Possession of Marijuana, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance;
Paul Collins, 58, of Golden Meadow: Distribution of Heroin;
Brinkley Dantin, 20, of Galliano: Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia;
John Dufrene, 56, of Galliano: Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia;
Jeromy Ferriss, 24, of Grand Isle: Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth and Violation of Probation/Parole;
April Garcia, 35, of Galliano: Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Fentanyl, Marijuana, Clonazepam, and Drug Paraphernalia;
Trudy Gremillion, 41, of Galliano: Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia;
Chelsey Griffin, 31, of Golden Meadow: Possession of Heroin, Meth, and Drug Paraphernalia;
Paul Heseltine, 52, of Galliano: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
Tyeine Jones, 43, of Houma: Possession of Heroin;
Holly Lee, 52, of Cut Off: Possession of Klonopin, Xanax, and Drug Paraphernalia;
Shelby Lefebvre, 27, of Galliano: Possession of Heroin (two counts), Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia;
Lynzi Lombas, 27, of Cut Off: Contempt of Court (six counts) *arrested during one of the searches*
Brian Martin, 54, of Cut Off: Distribution of Heroin (two counts), Distribution of Meth, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia;
Shrena Martin, 36, of Golden Meadow: Possession of Heroin;
Nikki Melancon, 32, of Cut Off: Possession of Xanax and Marijuana;
Dodie Morris, 30, of Galliano: Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Vicodin, Xanax, and Meth;
Josh Plaisance, 35, of Larose: Distribution of Heroin, Distribution of Fentanyl;
Meghan Plaisance, 33, of Larose: Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Meth, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia;
Haley Rogers, 30, of Larose: Possession of Heroin, Suboxone, and Drug Paraphernalia;
Chantelle Smith, 40, of Galliano: Principal to Distribution of Heroin;
Kaleb Smith, 23, of Galliano: Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia;
Alexander Williams, 28, of Houma: Distribution of Heroin;
Jill Williford, 48, of Cut Off: Possession of Meth (three counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (two counts), Possession of Xanax;

Additionally, Ann Williford, 74, of Cut Off was issued a criminal summons for Maintaining a Structure for Narcotics Use on three separate occasions.

Sheriff Webre encourages anyone who is suffering from addiction or knows someone addicted to seek help. “All to often, the call for help doesn’t come until there is an overdose, and by then, it is too late for some,” said Sheriff Webre. There are numerous options for help around the area. Anyone needing assistance is welcome to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Police Social Services section at (985) 449-4476, and the staff can assist you in seeking proper treatment. Alternately, the South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority has a crisis assistance hotline available 24 hours a day at (877) 500-9997.

In 2020, 11 people died as a result of heroin and opioid overdoses in Lafourche Parish. Since 2017, deputies began carrying naloxone, sold under brand names such as Narcan and Evzio, to use in emergencies to block or reverse the effects of opioids. In 2020, deputies used naloxone 66 times in responding to calls for heroin and opioid overdoses. In 2020, 52 of the 93 overdose calls to which deputies responded were in the South Lafourche area – nearly 56% of the parish-wide total.

This operation began under the leadership of Captain John Champagne, who supervised the Narcotics section for many years until his recent promotion to Support Services commander in January 2021. His diligence and effectiveness as a leader of the narcotics section resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars of illegal drugs, cash and assets seized over the years, combined with a multitude of arrests of dealers at every level.

Lieutenant Derek Champagne continued work on this operation following his promotion to commander of Narcotics section on February 1, 2021. Sheriff Webre describes Lieutenant Champagne as a “dedicated and proactive leader” and trusts that narcotics agents will continue to vigorously pursue drug offenders under Lieutenant Champagne’s leadership.

Citizens are encouraged to report any drug-related or suspicious activity. Information can be reported directly to 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 P3 Tips mobile app.

RUNAWAY TEEN: Alonna Carter

4/15/21 UPDATE: Alonna Carter has been found and is safe.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Alonna Carter of Ledet Drive in Thibodaux. She was seen at the residence on April 7, 2021, and she left the residence some time overnight.

Alonna Carter is described as 5’3″ tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds with red/auburn hair. She was last seen wearing a black tank top with black athletic shorts. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 911.

Narcotics Agents Arrest Four on Drug Charges in Galliano

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents arrested four individuals in the South Lafourche area on Tuesday. John Dufrene, 56, of Galliano, Jeromy Ferriss, 24, of Grand Isle, and Chelsey Griffin, 31, of Golden Meadow were arrested following a search of Dufrene’s residence. Chantelle Smith, 40, of Galliano was also arrested on a warrant in connection with heroin distribution in a separate investigation.

Through investigation, narcotics agents obtained an arrest warrant for Griffin and a search warrant for Dufrene’s residence. On April 6, 2021, agents arrived at Dufrene’s residence on West Main Street in Galliano where they encountered Griffin and Dufrene, as well as Ferriss. During the search, agents found approximately 8.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia which was determined to belong to Dufrene. Agents also discovered Ferriss to have approximately 12.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine separated in smaller bags in his possession.

All three were arrested and transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. Griffin was booked on warrants for possession of heroin, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia, as well as three warrants for contempt of court. Dufrene was charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Ferriss was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Violation of Parole. Bail amounts have not yet been set.

In a separate investigation, agents had obtained an arrest warrant for Chantelle Smith for Principal to Distribution of Heroin. On Tuesday, agents made contact with Smith at her residence on West 213th Street in Galliano, and she was arrested and booked on the warrant. She subsequently posted $50,000 bail and was released on Tuesday afternoon.

Detectives Investigating Theft at Lockport Consignment Store

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking the public for help in solving a case involving theft at a Lockport consignment store last week.

On March 29, 2021, deputies responded to a reported theft at a consignment store in Lockport. The store manager arrived at the store to find the donation bin to be empty. Upon reviewing surveillance video, a white Chevrolet truck was seen leaving with several donated items. An unknown white male subject was also seen loading the truck. Two other individuals were inside the truck at the time of the theft. It is estimated that items valued at approximately $1,000 were stolen. The unknown subjects arrived at 3:21 a.m. and the site left at 4:13 a.m. on March 29, 2021.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers via the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office mobile app. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Lafourche Parish Inmates Take Part in White Flag Exposition as Part of Second Chance Month

Sheriff Craig Webre announced inmates at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex recently took part in the first White Flag Exposition. Inmates posted white flags on the front lawn outside the complex during a ceremony on April 1, 2021. This event was created to mark the beginning of Second Chance Month which has been annually observed during the month of April since 2017.

As an internationally recognized sign of peace and surrender, a white flag was personalized and signed by each participating inmate as a symbol of atonement for their past and to proclaim their desire for a new life. Some wrote heartfelt messages on the flags to acknowledge the effects of their past actions on others. Members of the Southeast Central Regional Reentry Program team were joined by Sheriff Webre, Major Cortrell Davis (Warden), LPSO Police Social Services staff, and representatives from the Louisiana Department of Corrections to assist participants in planting the flags. Their participation signified the staff’s willingness to do whatever it takes to help the inmates achieve their second chance.

“We wanted to provide the inmates an opportunity to confirm their intent to renounce their past and strive for a new peaceful life,” said Captain Karla Beck, coordinator of the White Flag Exposition project. “Re-entry programs like those offered at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex are crucial in giving offenders the opportunity and the power to change. As we intervene while they are incarcerated and begin to provide the tools needed for reform, we significantly reduce the probability of re-incarceration and we increase community safety. That’s what second chances are really about.”

Second Chance Month is a national effort to raise awareness of the collateral consequences of criminal conviction and unlock second-chance opportunities for those who have completed their sentences to become contributing citizens.

The flags will remain on display throughout the month of April, which will also include recognition of the 40^th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 18-24, 2021. This annual commemoration is aimed at raising awareness about victims’ rights and associated issues. Sheriff Webre and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office have been leaders in the provision of services and support for victims.

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MEDIA FILES

Link to video testimony of inmates: https://youtu.be/-LfaFZLrmQ4