Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Webre Issues Statement on Impacts to LPSO Due to Statewide Mask Mandate

Sheriff Craig Webre has announced an update to impacts on the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to the statewide mask mandate enacted by Governor John Bel Edwards – the latest development in the ongoing public health emergency involving COVID-19.

Per the Governor’s proclamation, effective July 13, 2020, every individual in Louisiana is required to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial establishment or any other building or space open to the public, whether indoor or outdoor. There are exceptions including children under the age of eight and individuals with medical conditions. The proclamation also limits all bars to curbside delivery or drive-through service only, and crowd sizes are limited to 50 people with some exceptions. A full list of exceptions is included in the Governor’s proclamation.

Regarding enforcement, the Governor’s proclamation states that citations “shall be written only to businesses or organizations, other than religious organizations, that fail to enforce the requirement to wear face coverings.” The proclamation also indicates that GOHSEP and the State Fire Marshal are directed to ensure compliance. Therefore, anyone wishing to report someone for not wearing a mask at an establishment should do so to an employee of that establishment. If the response is unsatisfactory, you may then contact the State Fire Marshal at 1-800-256-5452.

“We are not the ‘mask police,’ but we do have a duty to uphold the law,” said Sheriff Webre. “The Governor’s order does not give the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office the authority to issue citations or arrest anyone for not wearing a mask. We will, however, enforce all other applicable laws, including any broken as a result of someone being asked to wear a mask. We strongly encourage everyone to comply with the Governor’s order and to respect our business owners and employees who are simply trying to follow the mandate.”

In the spirit of cooperation with the Governor’s proclamation and the public, Sheriff Webre has also announced that all employees of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will wear a face covering when interacting with the public in person. Likewise, all members of the public will be required to wear a mask upon entry to any LPSO facility unless exempted by the Governor’s order. Masks will be provided for those without one. Signage will be posted outside each facility with further direction.

“Our deputies and employees will honor this mandate just as we hope our citizens will,” said Sheriff Webre. “The Governor’s proclamation has several exceptions, so please be aware that just because you see someone not wearing a mask, it does not mean they are in violation of the Governor’s order. We know some people will find any way around wearing a mask, but we hope the majority of Lafourche Parish citizens understand the reason for the mandate and comply as part of the greater effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

For more local information regarding the ongoing fight against COVID-19, please go to LPSO.net/coronavirus.

Raceland Sex Offender Arrested for Sex Crimes Involving Juveniles

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a registered sex offender has been arrested for inappropriately touching juveniles and possession of child pornography. Nelson Naquin, 58, of Raceland was initially arrested on June 23, 2020, and he was booked on additional charges on Tuesday, July 7.

Naquin has been registered as a Tier 2 Sex Offender since being convicted of Molestation of a Juvenile and Pornography Involving Juveniles in 2004.

In late June 2020, juvenile detectives began investigating Naquin for reportedly touching teenage boy inappropriately. He was arrested at his residence on June 23, 2020, for one count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux.

Juvenile detectives continued their investigation into Naquin and learned he had sexually assaulted another teenage boy. They also found he had been in possession of child pornography and had failed to comply with registration laws as a registered sex offender. Detectives obtained warrants for new charges including another count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, 22 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles, and Failure of Sex Offenders to Notify Law Enforcement of Change of Address/Residence or Other Registration Information. He was booked on the additional charges on Tuesday. His bail is now set at $600,000.

Due to the nature of the crimes, no further details will be released at this time.

UPDATE: Second Suspect Apprehended in March 2020 Shooting in Abby Subdivision

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a second suspect wanted for attempted murder in connection with a March 2020 shooting in Abby Subdivision has been arrested. Kayvon Woodside, 20, of Gray was arrested in Terrebonne Parish last week. Woodside and a teenage female are each charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice in the incident.

At 10:30 p.m. on March 31, 2020, deputies responded to a report of shots being heard in the area of Abby Subdivision in Thibodaux. Through investigation, detectives learned that Woodside and the girl had planned to rob a male Thibodaux resident who is in his 20s. The two lured the victim to Abby Subdivision, and once he arrived, Woodside allegedly fired several rounds toward the victim’s vehicle. The victim returned fire and then left the scene uninjured. Detectives learned the girl had deleted all text messages exchanged with Woodside to destroy any evidence in the conversations. The female, who was 17 at the time of the incident, was arrested and charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice. She remains at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux with bail now set at $250,000.

Then on July 1, 2020, authorities received information about Woodside’s whereabouts in Terrebonne Parish. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, with assistance from the Houma Police Department, located and arrested Woodside. He was later transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex where he was booked on the aforementioned charges. His bail is also set at $1.05 million.

Two Injured in July 4th Shooting in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced two men were injured overnight in a shooting in Raceland on Saturday, July 4. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is continuing.

Shortly after 11:15 p.m. on July 4, 2020, deputies responded to reports of a shooting incident in the 600 block of St. Louis Street in Raceland. Deputies found two men in their early 20s had been shot. One was struck in the torso while the other was struck in the thigh. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment and are in stable condition. No arrests have been made in the incident.

As the investigation is continuing, detectives are asking anyone with information to submit a tip 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 can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Craig Webre Begins His Eighth Term as Sheriff of Lafourche Parish

Sheriff Webre Swear In — *Sheriff Craig Webre is sworn into his 8th term of office by Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Annette Fontana.*

Today – July 1, 2020 – marks the beginning of the eighth consecutive term of office for Craig Webre as Sheriff of Lafourche Parish. Today, Webre began his 29th year as sheriff – part of his overall 40 years of service in local law enforcement.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the citizens of Lafourche Parish for entrusting me to serve as sheriff for an eighth term,” said Sheriff Webre. “For 28 years now, I have had the honor and privilege of serving with the finest public servants, living out our motto of doing whatever it takes to properly serve the public.”

Webre was initially sworn in as Sheriff of Lafourche Parish on July 1, 1992, at the age of 30. Prior to that, he spent time with the Thibodaux Police Department, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and more than 9 years with Louisiana State Police. Now, at the age of 58, he looks forward to the future of policing in America.

“Our agency has made strides in revolutionizing policing, led statewide efforts for criminal justice reform, and has become a nationally respected leader in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Webre. “We do all of this because we believe that all citizens deserve a level of public service that is second to none. We are in a transformational period in our country, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will once again find itself at the forefront for positive and proactive change.

After being officially sworn in for this eighth term earlier this month by Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Annette Fontana, he administered the Oath of Office to every Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employee and reservist (volunteer) – nearly 450 in all.

“In taking that Oath of Office, every one of us made a promise to enforce the Constitution and laws of our country and state to the best of our ability and understanding,” said Sheriff Webre. “Through our accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, you can rest assured the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will continue to evolve with the rest of the country – implementing new policies where necessary and recognizing and adopting best practices. We will never become complacent in our efforts to properly serve you.”

Plans Announced for Independence Day 2020 Driver 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 July 2-6, 2020, centered around the Independence Day holiday. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

As part of the campaign efforts, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will assign additional deputies to saturated patrol efforts to find and remove impaired drivers from the roadways and help keep motorists safe.

Remember that Lafourche Parish is a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a suspected drunk driver refuses a breathalyzer test, deputies will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.

Sheriff Webre reminds citizens to designate a driver if you are going to drink. Have a plan on how you will arrive home BEFORE you leave home.

Sheriff’s Sales of Seized Property Resume; Tax Title Sale Set for August 26, 2020

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the sales of seized property has resumed after having been suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Sheriff Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host an online tax title sale, which is typically held in July, is now scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

The sheriff’s sales of seized property consist of real estate and “movables” (vehicles, boats, etc.). The sales are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays. The sales are held at the Thibodaux City Hall Council Chamber located at 310 West 2nd Street in Thibodaux. All items for sale are advertised in the Daily Comet newspaper. For more information on sales of seized property, please go to LPSO.net/sheriffsales or call Deputy Karla Loupe at (985) 449-4443.

The tax title sale is open to the general public. More details, including online registration and a list of available properties, will be announced in the coming weeks. To avoid having their property subject to the tax title sale, property owners can still remit payment for property taxes online at LPSO.net/delinquenttaxes. Property owners can also use the website to search for their property to ensure all payments have been collected. Alternately, tax payments can be made in full 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). “No-contact” payments can also be made 24 hours a day in the payment drop box located outside the Administration Office in Thibodaux. For additional information, property owners can call the Thibodaux office at (985) 449-4431 or the Galliano office at (985) 632-5844.

Thibodaux Man Charged with Rape, Crimes Against Nature and Domestic Abuse

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Thibodaux man for several counts of rape, crimes against nature, and domestic abuse. Douglas Baney, 59, was booked on the charges on Thursday.

On June 1, 2020, juvenile detectives began an investigation after two victims came forward with allegations that Baney had inappropriately touched them as children several years prior. Further investigation revealed Baney forcefully engaged in sexual intercourse with one of the victims. The incidents occurred over time at locations in Larose, Lockport and Thibodaux. Following a thorough investigation, detectives obtained warrants for Baney’s arrest for three counts of First Degree Rape and three counts of Aggravated Crimes Against Nature.

During the course of the investigation, on June 11, 2020, deputies responded to domestic incident at Baney’s home. Deputies made contact with Baney at the residence and found him to be highly intoxicated and making statements indicating he wished to harm himself. He was, therefore, taken to a local hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, deputies obtained additional warrants for two counts of Domestic Abuse Battery in reference to the incident.

Following his release from the hospital on June 18, 2020, Baney was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the aforementioned warrants. Bail is set at $751,000.

Due to the nature of the crime, no further details will be released at this time.

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NOTE: Baney’s date of birth is 6/19/1960.

UPDATE: Raceland Man Arrested for First Degree Murder in Double Homicide in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced an arrest has been made in the shooting deaths of two young women this past weekend. Cordale Richard, 28, of Raceland faces several charges including two counts of First Degree Murder in the shooting deaths of 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call at 12:14 a.m. on June 14, 2020, about a disturbance involving a large gathering of people at a party in the area of St. Louis Street in Raceland. Shortly after deputies arrived, they heard several shots fired. Gabriel and Francis, who were innocent bystanders, were shot in the incident. Deputies and other bystanders assisted in performing CPR while waiting on an ambulance to arrive, but both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Through investigation, detectives learned that prior to the shooting, a fight had occurred at the party. During the fight, Richard brandished a glass bottle and struck another man in the head. Investigators also learned that after deputies had arrived at the scene, Richard allegedly fired several shots into the crowd striking Gabriel and Francis resulting in their deaths.

On Wednesday, June 17, detectives obtained warrants for Richard’s arrest and a search warrant for his residence. Due to the nature of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Lafourche Parish Interagency Crisis Management Unit was assembled on Wednesday afternoon and proceeded to Richard’s residence on St. Louis Street in Raceland. The unit arrived at the residence and Richard was immediately taken into custody without incident.

During questioning, Richard confessed to having committed the shooting. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux where he was booked on warrants for two counts of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He is being held without bail.

Armed Fugitive Sought by U.S. Marshals Apprehended Following Standoff in Thibodaux

Standoff With Yacub Williams — U.S. Marshals escort fugitive Yacub Williams following a standoff in Thibodaux.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre reported a fugitive sought by the U.S. Marshals Service has been apprehended following a standoff in Thibodaux on Tuesday afternoon. Yacub Williams, 35, was taken into custody in the Marydale community following a standoff that lasted nearly four hours.

Williams, who is a Louisiana native, was being sought by the U.S. Marshals for a parole violation following a 2009 federal armed robbery conviction for an incident in Missouri. Williams had eluded custody in December 2019, leaving a five-year-old child in a car along with a rifle and narcotics. He had been considered armed and dangerous.

Shortly before noon on Tuesday, June 16, U.S. Marshals arrived at a residence in the 200 block of Ridgeway Street in Thibodaux. They encountered Williams and found he was armed with a handgun. Williams took cover in a shed behind the residence.

The Lafourche Parish Interagency Crisis Management Unit responded to the scene, and negotiators established communication with Williams while a perimeter was set up around the area. Members of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police also responded to assist. At approximately 3:45 p.m., following an intense four-hour standoff, Williams emerged from the shed momentarily but then started to retreat. To prevent him from retrieving the handgun, deputies deployed bean bag rounds (less-lethal weapons) to temporarily incapacitate him so that he could be safely taken into custody. He was then turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals, and the handgun was recovered from the shed.

Sheriff Webre applauded the effort of the crisis management unit and all other agencies who responded. “Our team did exactly what they’ve been trained to do,” said Sheriff Webre. “They responded to an intense crisis scenario and patiently de-escalated the situation, resulting in the safe apprehension of the fugitive. Everyone involved walked away from this incident, which is the best possible outcome. I am extremely proud of the efforts of everyone at the scene.”

“I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Williams’ family members who were cooperative in achieving a peaceful end to this standoff,” continued Sheriff Webre. “I also thank the residents of the Marydale community for their patience and support during this operation.”