Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

LPSO to Conduct Online Tax Title Sale on August 26, 2020

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a tax title sale on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. The tax sale will begin at 8 A.M. and conclude at 8 P.M. or earlier if all properties are sold. By hosting the sale online, bidders that would not normally be able to attend the auction in person are still able to participate.

This sale is open to the general public. Free registration and a list of available properties are now available through our website at LPSO.net/TaxSale. Bidders are encouraged to participate online from the comfort and privacy of their own computer, but if you wish to attend in person, a limited number of computer terminals will be available on the date of the tax sale on the third floor of the Ferd H. Block Building, located at 200 West 2nd Street in Thibodaux. These computer terminals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, space will be limited and a face covering must be worn. An LPSO representative will be on hand to answer any questions and direct you to a computer terminal.

A tax title sale is the sale of properties that have delinquent taxes due. The tax titles for these properties are sold to the public for the amount of the delinquent taxes due, plus any accrued interest, penalties, costs and other statutory impositions. The tax title sale is a “low bid wins” style auction in which the property is sold to the purchaser willing to bid on the least percent ownership interest in the property. Winning bidders of the tax sale are expected to pay for their purchases within 72 hours of the close of the auction. Payment must be made in full, and all sales are final.

Property owners must remit property tax payments by 4:00 P.M. on August 25, 2020, to avoid having their property subject to sale. Bills not paid in full by this time will result in the property being sold at the tax sale on August 26, 2020. Tax payments can be made at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Administration Office (200 Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux) or at the South Lafourche Sub-station (102 W. 91st Street, Cut Off). For additional information, property owners can call the Thibodaux office at (985) 449-4431 or the Galliano office at (985) 632-5844.

This auction and all future tax sales can be viewed online at LPSO.net/TaxSale. Using the convenient search options, bidders can set the parameters for any property that falls within their interests and budget.

Two Arrested Stemming from Investigation into Larose Vehicle Burglaries

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies arrested two men connected to an investigation into vehicle burglaries in Larose. Dylan Breaux, 28, of Larose and Buddy Thibodaux, 21, of Cut Off each face charges stemming from the investigation.

On Sunday morning, August 16, 2020, deputies responded to reports of two vehicle burglaries in the Larose area. Both vehicles were left unlocked, and several items of value were stolen including a handgun. Through investigation, deputies identified Buddy Thibodaux and Dylan Breaux as suspects. Deputies learned Thibodaux allegedly committed the burglaries, but he had given the stolen handgun to Breaux to hide.

Deputies located Thibodaux and found him in possession of several items which had been stolen. He was placed under arrest. Later, on Sunday evening, deputies located Breaux and found the stolen handgun in his possession. Breaux is prohibited from possessing a handgun due to a previous domestic violence conviction. Both were transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux.

Thibodaux was booked on outstanding warrants for Contempt of Court and Simple Burglary of a Motor Vehicle from a previous incident. He was booked with two additional counts Simple Burglary. His bail is set at $26,000.

Breaux was charged with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Domestic Abuse Battery, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was also booked on an outstanding contempt warrant. His bail is set at $251,000.

Sheriff Webre Announces Plans for Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced plans for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which runs from August 21 through September 7, 2020. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. During the campaign, additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving is a deadly epidemic that takes the lives of more than 10,000 people each year, on average.

Sheriff Craig Webre reminds citizens to have a plan to get home safely before you decide to drink. NEVER drive if you have had anything to drink containing alcohol. Remember that driving under the influence of illegal narcotics can also lead to a DWI arrest. In fact, some legal medications can impair your ability to drive. Always read warning labels and instructions on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Sheriff Webre also thanks citizens for their cooperation and patience when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.

Sex Offender Arrested for New Charges Involving a Juvenile

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a registered sex offender for new crimes involving a juvenile. Rickey Lafont Jr., 35, of Galliano has been charged with Sexual Battery and Indecent Behavior Involving a Juvenile. Lafont was found guilty of indecent behavior with a teenage girl in August 2019.

On August 10, 2020, juvenile detectives opened a new investigation into Lafont. Investigators learned Lafont had reportedly touched a juvenile under the age of 13 inappropriately on more than one occasion. The most recent incident occurred earlier this year. Following the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Lafont’s arrest.

Detectives made contact with Lafont on Wednesday, August 12, and he was taken into custody. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux on charges of Sexual Battery (Forcible Fondling) and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. Bail is set at $600,000.

Following his conviction in 2019, Lafont received a four-year suspended sentence. He was placed on three years of supervised probation and had to register as a sex offender.

Additional Concealed Handgun Course Scheduled for September 13

Due to the overwhelming response for our upcoming concealed handgun training course on September 12, 2020, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host another class on the following day – Sunday, September 13. Registration for the course on Saturday, September 12 is closed due to the class being at capacity, but online registration is now open for the Sunday course.

As always, this class will be held at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. Class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until approximately 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch.

The course will include the following:

One hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol.
One hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting.
Three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution. (Includes a review of R.S. 14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force)
One hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions.
One hour of instruction on child access prevention.
Two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures. Live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds.
Must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.
Must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of an NRA B-27 type silhouette target with 36 rounds.

Participants will need to bring a handgun in good working condition, 50 rounds of ammunition for that handgun, eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are sufficient), and ear protection (muffs or plugs). All individuals must wear a mask or face covering while in the classroom or the range office. Masks or face coverings are not required on the pistol ranges for those adhering to proper physical distancing.

The cost for the course is $110, and advance online registration is required due to limited class size. This course is a pre-requisite for those applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit from the State of Louisiana. Go to LPSO.net/classes to register for this course online. For more information, please contact Captain Lafate Day at (985) 449-4485 or by email at lafate-day@lpso.net.

Concealed Handgun Course Slated for September 12

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until approximately 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. The actual ending time will vary due to class size.

The course will include the following:

One hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol.
One hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting.
Three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution. (Includes a review of R.S. 14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force)
One hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions.
One hour of instruction on child access prevention.
Two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures. Live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds.
Must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.
Must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of an NRA B-27 type silhouette target with 36 rounds.

UPDATE: Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Armed Robbery in Raceland Incident

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Houma man has been arrested in an investigation into an armed robbery in Raceland this past week in which shots were fired. Joshua Chaisson, 36, faces several charges including Attempted First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery.

At around 8:20 p.m. on August 3, 2020, deputies and detectives responded to a call of shots fired in the area of Buford Street in Raceland. Investigators have learned that a man was driving on Greenville Street when he stopped at a residence to visit a friend. Before he could enter the residence, Chaisson approached him holding a handgun and ordered him to get back into his vehicle and start driving. As Chaisson had him at gunpoint, he reportedly stole cash and a phone from the victim. The driver then exited the vehicle on Buford Street and began running away. As he ran, Chaisson fired several rounds at him. None of the rounds struck the driver, and no other injuries were reported.

Detectives made contact with Chaisson on Friday, August 7. Following questioning, Chaisson was arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Armed Robbery with Use of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Bail is set at $1.85 million.

The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Investigators Seek to Identify Man Wanted for Multiple Vehicle Burglaries and Attempted Burglaries

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help to solve a series of vehicle burglaries and attempted burglaries which occurred last month in Thibodaux.

In July 2020, several Thibodaux residents contacted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding overnight vehicle burglaries and attempted vehicle burglaries. Several vehicles in the area of Cane Break Drive and Millstone Drive were burglarized after being left unlocked. There were also several attempted burglaries caught on camera when the suspect lifted door handles on several vehicles. Items of value were stolen, including purses, cash, credit cards, jewelry, sunglasses and other items. Some of the stolen items were later found to have been discarded around the neighborhood.

Security cameras captured an unknown thin black male subject wearing dark-colored pants, a white tank top, and white covering over his head. Due to the lack of quality of the images, only one video is able to be released showing the man walking up to a locked vehicle, lifting the handle, and then walking away.

Anyone who can identify the suspect, or anyone with any knowledge of these crimes, 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 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.

Sheriff Webre reminds vehicle owners to always lock unattended vehicles, especially overnight. Valuable items, including handguns, should also be removed and stored safely inside your home.

“Criminals are looking for easy targets and often attempt to burglarize many vehicles in one outing,” said Sheriff Webre. “It is extremely rare for a burglar to break a window or pry a door open to enter a vehicle unless they can clearly see something of value inside. By removing valuables and locking your vehicle, you dramatically decrease the chances your vehicle will be burglarized or stolen.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to promote the “9 p.m. Routine” through its official social media outlets. Through this national awareness campaign, the “9 p.m. Routine” encourages citizens to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicles, and lock their home at or before 9 p.m. each night before going to bed.

Two Injured in Wednesday Night Shooting in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating a shooting in Raceland on Wednesday night which left two people injured.

Just before 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, deputies and detectives responded to a report of gunshots in the 400 block of St. Patrick Street in Raceland. Numerous items of evidence were recovered at the scene. Investigators learned two men had arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Both were later flown to a New Orleans hospital for further treatment. The wounds are not believed to life-threatening.

As detectives continue their investigation into this incident, they are asking the public for help. Anyone with any information on this shooting 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 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.

Deputies Seek to Identify Suspected Vehicle Burglar

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a person wanted for a vehicle burglary in Raceland.

On July 31, 2020, deputies responded to a reported vehicle burglary in the 100 block of Acadia Drive in Raceland. The vehicle showed clear signs of a burglary, but nothing was determined to have been stolen. An image of the suspected burglar was captured on surveillance camera.

Anyone who can identify the suspected burglar 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 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.