Good Ole Boys Raided
May 26, 2013, a task force led by Sheriff Williams after an on-going investigation, along with St Helena deputies, LA Parole and Probation Officers, and LA ATF raided the Good Ole Boys Bar on Hwy 16. The raid was planned around enforcing the parish ordinances pertaining to the closing and hours of operation, sale of alcohol for consummption on the premises after 1 a.m. and underage drinking. The State Fire Marshals on the scene addressed the issue of overcrowding with over 130 people in a building approved for 100. Other violations were noted and will be dealt with accordingly. When the raid was complete, sheriff deputies arrested operators Tony Jarreau and Joshua Tharpe. Jarreau was charged with 8 counts of illegal sale of alcohol when forbidden, one count of closing violation, and one count of allowing underage drinking. Tharpe was charged with 4 counts of sale of alchol when forbidden, and 1 count of allowing underage drinking. Both were taken to jail and were released on bond. Chief Deputy Pritchett stated that this is part of an ongoing investigation dating back to February, 2012 involving the previous business at this location, The Triage as well as the Mansion. With these arrests over 40 violations are pending in the district court.
Sheriff Williams Warns of Meth Labs on Roads
Sheriff deputies discovered several portable meth labs in and around the Pine Grove area. It appears someone is throwint the mobile meth labs out of vehicles as they are driving along the roads and highways, most likely to get rid of the evidence and traces of meth. Sheriff Williams is concerned for the safety of the people of St. Helena Parish and the neighboring parishes and wants the public to know of this criminal activity. The labs are usually made in two liter coke and gatorade type bottles containing a white crystalline residue and may be very volutile. If you find any suspicious item, please do not touch it. Instead call the SHPSO at 225-222-4413 and report what and where the items can be found.
May Arrested in Shooting Death of Elderly Man
May 27, 2013. Call was received by the SHPSO of a shooting in the residence on Nick Lane. Upon arriving, officials found 58 yr old Wardell Brown on the floor with several bullet holes to the chest. Brown was pronounced deat at the scene. Several witnesses alleged that 25 yr old Lamar Nichols and the victim had a verbal altercation about a month before and Nichols was seen leaving the residence where Brown was found. A warrant was issued and Nichols was arrested and charged with the death of the victim.
SHCM Students graduate DARE Program:
Shi’mya Bell,Warren Brumfield, Damon Bridges, James Etheridge,
Ja’Queilon Floyd, Jan Forbes, Aciento Jackson, Maraquis Jackson,
Ce’Deric Kent, La’Kia Lee, Tysheria Melvin, Jo Miracle,
Charmaine Seals, Donnie Self, Cory Travis,Hunter Wascom, Daniel
Zeno, Emily Ard, Shmar Barnes, Diamond Burton, Kemar Cross,
Lymorris Franklin, Ke’Irrian Hawkins, Timothy Hill, Ry”Shai Hill,
Terry Holmes, Jalen King, Romero Lancaster, Zakrien Mikel, Journie Mims,
Charlie Morris, Tyrese Muse, Chameya Price, Scott Self, Takera Topps,
Kevelyn Brown, Matther Claiborne, Joshua Crier, Ikedron Franklin,
Raynesia Jackson, Hebert Jyles, Jerliesha McClendon, Damon Moore,
Kerry Overton, Key’Vario Roberts, Shamar Scott, Senterrel Selders,
Karson Trask, Azziana Weste, Jeremiah West, Jer’Kayla Williams,
Mon’Terras Williams, Rachel Zeno, Destiniy Williams, Markeza Barker,
Marcus Brown, Gary Denham, Cornelius Lee, Alberta Patterson,
Daisah Robertson, Steven Rudison, Dominic Schultz, Lamonica Seals,
Kewiundra Spears, Dayja Topps, Derius Williams, Tyler Wilson, and
Bryshana Nennery.
Couple Locked in Bar
May 2013, a woman called SHPSO screaming that she and her boyfriend were locked inside the Good Ole Boys Bar in DS and the security men were letting people beat her boyfriend and they would not let her out.When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the doors locked and once they got the door open, they searched the bar and found the two victims in the back. They were transported to the hospital were they gave statements as to what had happened. Warrants were issued for the arrest of the people accused of the beating. The two men eventally turned themselves in. One of the men was an owner of the bar, Joshua Tharpe, who wass charged with false imprisonment and resisting an officer. Brandon Lorenzo was charged with false imprisonment and resisting an officer. Another man also turned himself in, Eric Lasoyne, who was charged with false imprisonment and resisting an officer.
SHPSO Arrests A/C Thief
Fatal Crash investigated by Troopers
Shortly after 9 a.m. onf Marach 14, State Troopers investigates a single vehicle fatal crash on LA 10 at the St. Helena/Tangipahoa Parish line. The crash took the life of the unrestrained driver, 26 yr old James Ponder of Mount Olive, MS. .
On-Going Investigation of Stolen A.C Units Results in Arrest
After an on-going investigation of a/cs being stolen from a chain of Wal-Mart stores in Hammond, Amite and Watson, the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office made an arrest on July 10, 2012. Surveillance tapes revealed a vehicle description and the SHPSO began their search. Sheriff Williams received tips of the vehicle being spotted in the parish and sent detectives to search for it. Sgt. Kenny Miller located it and called for backup before stopping the vehicle. The two persons in the vehicle were given an explanation as to why they were being stopped. The subjects were patted down and a small handgun was found on the driver. Sgt Miller was given consent to search the vehicle and an a/c was discovered in the trunk. The subjects were identified as a male Kwouski Cornish and a female Danielle Bullock (both 24 years of age). The subjects were asked as to who the owned of the
Three Burglary Suspects Arrested
DARE Graduation on May 15, 2013
Cary Bilodeaux, Jr., Monica Jones and Walter Brown, all from Denham Springs, were arrested when they were identified as suspects in burglaries in St. Helena Parish. All three are facing charges of 3 counts of simple burglary and 3 counts of criminal damage. An arrest warrant has been issued for a fourth suspect.
Body Found in Greensburg
On Monday, June 19, 2012, a call was placed to the SHSO, reporting a body of a deceased male was found in a camper on Hall & Lindsey Rd. Cause of death unknown and autopsy will be performed.
Prayer Reigns
Observerance of the National Day of Prayer on May 3, 2012 included local officials, residents, employees and members from various churches who joined in praying for Sheriff Williams and other officials.
Missing/Reward
Crime Stoppers if offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of two family pets< Moe and Bo, two rat terrier puppies. As reported in the May 9, 2012 Echo, they have been missing since around April 18. Report any information to 1-800-554-5245 or to Chief Pritchett of the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-222-4413 X 237.
Citations Issued and ArrestsMade
In an ongoing investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and a state agency into activities of liquor outlets and state and local compliance laws, Sheriff Williams announded that on March 7, 2012, Tyrone Butler, mgr of the Mansion Lounge on Hwy 16, was cited for nine closing law violations under Ordinance 14-45 and for one liquor sales violation that was witnessed by deputies. He was served with 10 citations at his lounge but was hostile and refused them so a custodial arrest was made and he was transported to jail where he later made bone with a court date of April 13, 2012. Sheriff Williams along with deputies assisted agents of the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of LA under Commissioner, Troy Hebert, in an inspection of the Oak Ridge Lounge at Pine Grove. An employee was arrested on several drug charges and the alcohol violations were handlged by Commissioner Hebert’s officers. Deputies brought in a drug dog and swepet the property and no other drugs were found. Sheriff Williams stated that The Mansion filed legal action to block attempts to obtain business records to determine if the Mansion has enough food business to be considered a restaurant under state law with a court date several months off. Since we have started enforcing this closing law, only two barrooms are challenging us, The Mansion and The Triage (a new club near the end of the line that has a restaurant license). According to a text message we received, the Triage has something planned. We will be monitoring all the clubs’ activities this weekend.
DARE Graduation on May 15, 2013
SHCM Students graduate DARE Program:
Shi’mya Bell,Warren Brumfield, Damon Bridges, James Etheridge,
Ja’Queilon Floyd, Jan Forbes, Aciento Jackson, Maraquis Jackson,
Ce’Deric Kent, La’Kia Lee, Tysheria Melvin, Jo Miracle,
Charmaine Seals, Donnie Self, Cory Travis,Hunter Wascom, Daniel
Zeno, Emily Ard, Shmar Barnes, Diamond Burton, Kemar Cross,
Lymorris Franklin, Ke’Irrian Hawkins, Timothy Hill, Ry”Shai Hill,
Terry Holmes, Jalen King, Romero Lancaster, Zakrien Mikel, Journie Mims,
Charlie Morris, Tyrese Muse, Chameya Price, Scott Self, Takera Topps,
Kevelyn Brown, Matther Claiborne, Joshua Crier, Ikedron Franklin,
Raynesia Jackson, Hebert Jyles, Jerliesha McClendon, Damon Moore,
Kerry Overton, Key’Vario Roberts, Shamar Scott, Senterrel Selders,
Karson Trask, Azziana Weste, Jeremiah West, Jer’Kayla Williams,
Mon’Terras Williams, Rachel Zeno, Destiniy Williams, Markeza Barker,
Marcus Brown, Gary Denham, Cornelius Lee, Alberta Patterson,
Daisah Robertson, Steven Rudison, Dominic Schultz, Lamonica Seals,
Kewiundra Spears, Dayja Topps, Derius Williams, Tyler Wilson, and
Bryshana Nennery.
Ox-tail Chili
LSP Investigations Result in Drug Related Arrestt
Troopers assigned to the LA State Police Bureau of Investigations brought numerous criminal cases to conclusion this past week resulting in 9 separate arrest across several parishes. On March 2nd, investigators arrested 62-yr old Jerome McNabb of Pine Grove, following a joint investigation between LSP Narcotics Detectives and the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed that McNabb used his business, the Snack Zone, to sell priscription pain medication and crack cocaine on numerous occasions. Upon conducting a search of McNabb’s business, narcotics agents discovered multiple dosage units of Clonazepam, Diazepam, Xanex, Lortab, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone in addition to 2 grams of crack cocaine and two shotguns. McNabb was biijed ubti tge St. Helena Parish Jail charged with the Distribution of a Schedule III controlled dangerous substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule III CDS, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a CDS. Anyone wishing to report criminal or suspicious activity to the LA State Police Bureau of Investigatioins is urged to contact detectives at 225-925-3682. The LA State Police on-line reporting system is also available to the public through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting www.lsp.org and clicking the Suspicious Activity link.
SHPSO Making Progress on Burglary Cases
St. Helena Parish along with several neighboring parishes have been faced with many burglaries to solve and to apprehend in the past months. Things are looking up for victims, some of whom returned home to find their doors kicked in. The major items bing taken were flat screen TVs. Lee Burton and Roy Abron were arrested by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and Hammond Police Dept. which were the results of a multi-agency investigation of burglaries occurring as far as the Mississipi state border. As the investigation continued, one of the suspects was taken through parishwide wards of St. Helena as he pointed out homes that he and his accomplice had broken into. As a result, 32 burglaries have been solved.. Eleven flat screen TVs, firearms. laptops and jewelry were recovered. According to Chief of Detectives Joe Chaney of the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office who was working with the Tangipahoa Parish Burglary Task Force, they focused predominantly within the two parishes.
Sheriff Williams Discusses Past and Upcoming Terms
Sheriff Nat Williams talked about his history as Sheriff and expectations of his current term in an interview on January 13, 2012. He explained that his experience of the past four years were successful and that many things were accompllished within the department as well as the surrounding communities. Williams told how the Narcotics Task Force has been revamped by issuing new computer software technology. By accomplishing this, the force will be better able to battle crime. He also spoke of how the criminal patrolling department has been strengthened throughout the parish. Because of the effort put forth, less narcotic cases were reported in 2011 which proves that a dent is being made in the fight against crime. Sheriff Williams’ goals for the future are to contiue to move the department further and to bring infrastructure by adding more hardware and software for the computers. He stated the importance of working with the public and surrounding parishes. More burglary cases could be solved by strngthening a relationship with the Tri-Parish. He also feels that the departament could also continue to better educate children at an early age of the wrongful things in every day life of drugs, burglaries, and things that are potentially harmful. It is also important to keep the senior community safe by keeping them abreast of scams and how to help prevent crimes against them. Sheriff Williams feels that the upcoming term will be more successful because it is all about putting God first and continuing to keep the faith.
St Helena Teacher Charged
St. Helena deputies arrested a St. Helena Middle School Teacher for alleging injuring a fifth grade student at the school. Lesley Lowman was booked on charges of 2nd degree battery and later released on a $10,000 bond. Lowman injured the student by slamming the student’s foot with a door, the child’s mother, Jessica Travis , stated as reported by the media. According to Travis, her daughter was diagnosed with a minor fracture and severe bruising and was scheduled to see a foot specialist. Lowman is the third teacher in the Florida Parish area to be arrested in recent weeks.
Greensburg Man Arrested in Amite
Amite Chief of Police stated a another arrest was made in a stolen credit card case that his detectives have been investigating. The card was reported stolen on October 9 when an employee of Mike’s Catfish Inn discovered the window of car had been broken and a credit card was missing. Eddie ‘Curly’ Cutrer, 35, of Greensburg was charged with forgery, identy theft, felony theft, and principal to forgery. Another suspect was also arrested, Ricky Smith, 54, of Greensburg and charged with simiple burglary, and illegal possession of stolen things. More arrests in the case should be forth coming.
REWARD
A reward is being offered for the return of the St. Helena Parish Historical banner to the Welcome Center. The banner was attached to the front fence during the Forest Festival and was removed. It has the West Florida Lone Star flags on it and has the wording of Celebrating 200 years of History. A reward is being offered. For more information please call 225-222-7000.
Greensburg Man Arrested in
Independence
The Independence Police were dispatched on October 21, 2011 to where it had been reported that a black male had approached a female with a gun adn threatened her with bodily harm. When the officers arrived on the scene, they witnessed a blue Jaguar leaving the parking lot. They made a traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspect, Terrell Harrell, 34, of Greensburg gave officers consent to search at which time they found a 9mm semi automatic Ruger on the front passenger seat with three fully loaded clips. The altercation between the subject and the female steamed from an ongoing dispute. Harrell was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a fire arm.
Police Juror Arrested
Chief Deputy Pritchett on October 13, 2011 stated that Police Juror Frank Johnson was arrested for illegal possession of stolen property with a value of over $500. With technical support from the LA State Police and an agent from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, St. Helena detectives recovered a stolen 2004 pickup truck body and chasis at a Coleman Town location. The property was reported stolen out of Baton Rouge and was found at the residence of Mr. Johnson. No one was home when the officiers arrived and after securing the scene, they confirmed that the engine in a Mustang (registered to Frank Johnson, Jr.) was in fact stolen. A few feet away from the Mustang was a four wheeler which was confirmed as stolen out of Tennessee. As investigators worked the scene, Mr. Johnson, Sr arrived and after being advised of his rights, eventually invoked his 5th Admendent right to talk to his attorney. The lead investigator, Capt. Jack Spring, faced with stolen property stolen from two different states and unsatisfactory answers from the property owner made a command decision to arrest Mr. Johnson and transported him to the St. Helena Parish Jail and booked him with illegal possession of stolen property with a value over $500. Mr. Johnson was then processed in and released on a $7,500 bond with a February 12, 2012 court date. The stolen truck, a Mustang with a stolen engine and the stolen four wheeler had a value of $2,500 and was one of the twenty 4 wheelers stolen from a Memphis dealership. Mr. Johnson was never a focus of the investigation or deputies would have been armed with search warrants for his property and the sheriff’s office would have made a different approach. Mr. Johnson made himself a part of the investigation when he arrived on the scene and talked his wah into it. Chiel Pritchett said that finding the stolen four wheeler was a complete surprise. This has been a three month investigation and some additional agencies will become involved and additional arrests possible. At the conclusion of the investigation all the evidence will be turned over to the district attorney’s office to handle as th4ey see it.
Sheriff Office Gets Much Needed New Rides
Six new vehicles were received just in time. They were obtained under a special lease arrangement as part of the Sheriff’s Office Fleet Program. The lease targets law enforcement and first responder agencies and is designed to allow agencies to replace high mileage vehicles. Many of the of them replaced patrol units approaching and exceeding 200,000 miles. They were purchased from the state fully outfitted. The vehicles will be used to patrol the 409 sq mmiles of St. Helena Parish.
Greensburg Woman Charged With 2nd DWI After Hitting an Officer
According to reports from the LA State Troopers office, Vera Womack, 45, was identified as the driver of that 2003 Taurus that hit a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe head-on which was driven by a state trooper on Highway 38. The accident occurred on 9/19/11. Ms. Womack was transported to Lallie Kemp with moderate injuries and was charged with operating a vehicle whle intoxicated – 2nd offense; open container and careless operation. The state trooper wwas transported to St. Tammany Hospital with minor injuries.
Body Found by SHPSO
According to a report from the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office on 9/18/11, a body was discovered by authorities near Silver Fox Casino on Hwy 16. Sam Lathers, Jr, 48, was found dead after a search by the SHPSO deputies. Clothing believed to be worn by Mr. Lathers was found near an oxidation pond which prompted the investigation. Deputies search the area on foot and by helicopter and later drained the sewer where Lathers’ body was found. He was reported missing by his mother, Mable Davis, on 9/17/11. Pathology reports indicate that he died of drowning by asphyxiation. The investigation is ongoing.
Michael Varnado Convicted of Manslaughter and 2 Counts of 2nd Degree Murder
According to DA Perrilloux, on September 22, a jury of 12 convicted Michael Varnado, 34, of manslaughter and 2 counts of 2nd degree murder. He was charged with murdering Juana Roberts, 20 and her children, 2 mo old Demetrius Collier, Jr and one year old Mykell Roberts. The defendent suffocated Roberts before setting her residence on fire. The 2 children died of smoke inhalation. The state was seeking the death penalty for Varnado who was originally charged with 3 counts of 1st degree murder. After a 5-day trial, the jury deliberated for over 3 hours, concluding with a guilty verdict. Although he was not convicted of 1st degree murder, he will still spend the rest of his life in prison. Second degree murder requirs a mandatory life sentence without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
SHPSO Seizes Huge Amounts of Illegal Incense
Tiffany Stewart’s article in the Echo on August 24, 2011 shows pictures of Sheriff Williams and Chief of Detectives Joe Chaney alongside a mountain of illegal icense before it was destroyed on August 19.
The article goes on to say that over the past weeks, the St. Helena Sheriff’s Office and their Drug Interdiction team, along with the help of the LA State Police, seized extreme amounts of incense from a residence on Hwy 43 north of Hwy 38. There were over 20,000 packages, sealing machines, labels and a sack of ground up tea leaves, all worth well over a million dollars.
At one time the incense was legal to purchase and smoke and a person could pass a drug test after smoking it; therefore, individuals were smoking this product in place of marijuana. Recently the product was banned because it contained illegal ingredients.
The St Helena Sheriff’s Office along withe the Drug Interdiction Team will remain on the lookout for individuals who are illegally using and manufacturing these type of substances in the parish.
Also, in that edition of the paper, appeared an article regarding Janice Jones, wf 47, who plead no contest to driving while intoxicated (first offense). She was sentenced to six months in jail which was suspended and Jones was placed on probation with a $665 fine. She also must complete four eight-hour days of community service, attend the driver’s improvement program and victim’s impact panel, as well as undergo a substance abuse evaluation.
St. Helena Parish Jail and Courthouse Goes Solar
St. Helena Parish Police Jury Grant Administrator Virginia Bell obtained grant funds to install water and electrical solar panels in the St. Helena Parish Courthouse and the St. Helena Parish jail. The grants were issued by the Dept. of Natural Resources and are called EECBGs (Energy Efficient Conservation Block Grants. An allocation grant was issued for $72,000 and also a competitive grant for $141,000. Bell stated that the jail is a very old structure and the winter and summer months are very uncomfortable becuase of the temps. Many complaints were made from people in the confinements of the buildings. In order to fix these problems without building new structures, grant money became available to have solar panels installed. The jail houses a capacity of 75 inmates. Each inmate uses approximately 15 gallons of water per day.This system is designed to cut back on electrical usage. When the water in the tank is 9 deg. cooler than the water in the solar pumps, a pump is designed to kick on and circulate through pipes inside of the tank. The hot water from the solar panels never mixes with the drinking water. The addition to the front of the Sheriff’s Office is where the panels have been installed. This will provide an extensive amount of energy efficient electricity for the jail and courthouse, as well.
Crime Stoppers and Neighborhood Watch Programs Already Big Success
In the August 10, 2011 edition of the St. Helena Echo, Chief Deputy Pritchett was quoted as saying the the residents of neighborhoods have been putting up their Neighborhood Watch signs and have been alert to things going on which has been a huge help. There were 16 arrests made in June, due to burglaries in the 6th Ward area. Residents have been and will continue to keep their guards up .
The burglaries have narrowed down parish wide due to the Neighborhood Watch Program. Sheriff Williams and residents have truly enforced the actions of the watch activity,
The Crime Stoppers Program aided in the arrest of Sedrick Smith who had been charged with car-jacking in this parish. Smith surrended to U.S. Marshalls, feeling he was under intense pressure. Sheriff Williams and other officials were negotiating him in, and Crime Stoppers was also featuring his face on digital billboards in Livingston, Tangipahoa and Baton Rouge Parishes. Smith was brought to Livingston Parish and transported from there to Tangipahoa and then to the Catahoula Correctional Institution where he is currently being held.
Crime Stoppers and law enforcement officials will continue to work together to fight crime in this parish.
Escaped from a Catahoula Transport Officer
On July 22, 2011, a St. Helena inmate Sedrick Smith was being transported to the Catahoula Parish jail by a Catahoula Transport Officer when he escaped from the officer in Hammond.
Two Greensburg Men Arrested in Narcotic Bust
On July 20, 2011,Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Narcotic Agents with the assistance of DEA and Hammond Police Department, conducted a narcotics investigation in Kentwood which resulted in the arrest of two Greensburg and one Greenwell Springs men. Cristien Scott, James Self and Tullie Whitten were booked with the possession with intent to distribute 15 pounds of marijuana and approximately 115 grams of cocaine based ‘crack’. They also found a .38 calliber pistol inside the vehicle in which the arrestees were driving. They were arrested and booked in the the Hammond Police Dept jail to await being transpoted to the U.S. Marshall Service where the men will face federal charges in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Multiple Arrests Made
Sheriff Williams announced on June 21, 2011 that during the past three weeks 15 people were arrested for a widespread series of home burglaries, thefts, criminal mischief and damage to cemeteries that have been occurring in St. Helena Parish. Thirteen of those arrests were tied to the north end of the parish where the sudden rash of property crimes has prompted organization of a Community Watch Program. The latest home burglary occurred over the weekend. Detectives and Community Policing Officers were called as additional support to a house burglary on Parnell Lane in the 6th ward. Sgt. Jerome Hookfin and Dep. Lee Carmona found a broken window, a glove on the window ledge and a shoe outside. The complainant was missing her purse which containied cash and credit cards. Also, reported missing were a rifle and shotgun.
Several witness identified Andrew Gill as the suspect who commited the burglary. While searching the area, Andrew was found hiding in the back of a vehicle. He was arrested and transported to the St. Helena Parish Jail. This investigation led to the arrest of four persons, Andrew Gill, wm 18(charged with 2 counts of desecration, two counts of contributing to the deliquency of minors, one count of aggravated burglary of an inhabited dwelling, two counts of simple escape, battery on a police officer, criminal damage to property, possession of schedule 1 and 2 drugs and two counts of introduction of contraband into a penal institution; Dorothy Parnell wf 37 (charged with principal to aggravated burglary of inhabited dwelling, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, two counts of desecration of graves and possession of a firearm by convicted felon; and two juveniles, wf 16 and wm 15 (charged with principal to aggravated burglary and principal to desecration of graves and placed in Florida Parishes Detention Center in Robert, LA.)
St. Helena Parish officials recovered the two weapons, $1,400 in cash and a number of solar lights stolen from graves. The solar lights were damaged as the lithium batteries were destroyed and some grave ornaments were identified and returned. During the Parish investigation, other arrests were made: Cody Powers, wm 18, Kentwood, (charged with simple trespassing, criminal damage to property , theft over $500, and 3 counts of simple assault.); James Reynolds, wm 20, Kenetwood (charged with simple trespassing, criminal damage to property and theft over $500); Presley Reynolds, wf 20 (charged with simiple trespassing, criminal damage to property and theft over $500); Laura Roberts, wf 18 (charged with simple trespassing, criminal damage to property and theft over $500); Jason Barber, bm 27 (charged with theft over $500 and trespassing); Edward Story, wm 46, (charged with trespassing, theft over $500, criminal damage to property, simple assault, and theft of copper from Demco); Dione Null, wf 38, (charged with theft over $500 and trespassing); Chance Shaw, wm 19,Kentwood, (charged with unauthorized entry and theft under $500.);Patrick Guerin, wm 47, Baton Rouge, (charged with theft over $500, criminal damage to property and theft of copper from Demco); Brian Meachum, wm 18, Kentwood, (charged with trespassing and theft over $500.); Santanio Williams, bm 24, (charged with theft over $500 and domestic abuse.)
Sheriff Williams commented that as the COPS Unit and detectives continue their work, more and more crimes will be solved. The tension in the Parish should be eased. From statements made by these individuals, it appears that they were responsible for most of the theft and damages in the north end of the parish. We are hoping that our developing relationship with the 6th Ward Community Watch Program will further provide additional eyes and ears to prevent criminal activity.
Sheriff Williams met with that group and they have cleraed up some misunderstanding and agree on some policy matters that will guarantee a better working relationship.
More Meth Labs Arrests Made
After receiving a tip from an undercover operative on May 10, 2011, St. Helena Parish Narcotics Interdiction Team removed another meth lab from the streets. The operative stated that while at the residence of Darrell Doyle, he noticed an overwhelming smell of ammonia inside the home, indicating the manufacturing of meth. The operative also noted several items used in the manufacturing process. The team obtained a search warrant for the residence and surrounding premises which netted them 4 meth labs, precursors, meth paraphernalia such as, 6 separate empty gallons of coleman fuel, scissors, 2 flat baking pans, 7 small glass pipes, several small cut rubber hoses or tubing, several razor blades, coffee filters, blenders, 3 different sized metal bowls, 2 fine gallon buckets, a clear gallon sized jub of ammonia, a jar of clear odorous liquid (meth oil), a small mason jar of meth oil as werll as finished meth product, a gallon glass jar containing meth oil, 2 different sized plastic funnels, a small plastic butter container containing fertilizer, several pieces of burnt aluminum foil, a large flex hose with a man made fan attached to the end, suspended out of a window, a security camera monitor, cigar box containing small,. clear baggies w/a yellow substance, several batteries. Also located in the residence were several guns, all loaded. Further searching revealed a 5 galon bucket on the back porch, along with more rubber tubing and a funnel, all of which had residue which tested positive for meth. In the interior of a truch, agents located alum foil and a small clear plastic baggie containing a yellowish substance whch tested for meth, more funnels and rubber tubing. 3 subjects were arrestted, Darrell Doyle, his son, Robert Doyle and Rhonda Hatchell. They were charged with 4 counts creation /operation of a clandestine lab for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance and one count of possession w/intent to distribute schedule II narcotics. An agent stated that they are seeing more and more of these types of operations and will continue to work dilligently, around the clock if need be, to rid the parish and community of these crimes which pose a significant threat to the residents of our parish and particularly, and most importantly our youth.”
Meth Lab Nets Two Arrests
On May 5, 2011, our drug team received a tip about the manufacturing of meth on Price Hill Loop in St. Helena Parish. Greg Price and his girlfriend, Deborah Cobbs were allegedly buying precursors at several area drug stores and had been identified by store clerks to an undercover operative as having bought materials consistent with the manufacture of meth. Upon arrival at the residence agents interviewed Price and Cobbs and received their consent to search their residence and premises. During the search agents located 4 separate ‘one pot’ labs along with remnants of meth. They also located several precursors and 2 blenders. The most disturbing find was their 9 year old daughter who was present during the manufacture of meth. Child protective services and AAS were brought in anda the child was taken to a local hospital for examination. The scene was cleaned per protocol and the subjects were arrested w/ charges of 3 counts of creation/operation of a clandestine lab for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance and cruelty to a juvenile. Price was also charged with possession with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute schedule II naracotics.
John Daniels of Denham Springs Arrested
On April 25, 2011, John Ray Daniels was arrested by the
Louisiana State Police for a DWI, and while being booked for a DWI, & while being booked, marijuana was discovered in his possession. He was booked with possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I narcotics.
In an ongoing investigation by the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office and several state agencies into the activities of Liquor outlets and state and local compliance laws, Sheriff Williams announced that on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, Tyrone Butler, Mgr of the Mansion Lounge on Hwy 16, was sited for nine closing law violations under St. Helena Parish Ordinance 14-45 dating back to Feb 17, 2012. Butler was sited for one liquor sales violation under the same law that occurred on the morning of Feb 18, and had been witnessed by deputies. Tyrone Butler was served with ten citations or summons around 7 pm Wednesday night. Butler was hostile and refused the summonses so a cusstodial arrest was amade and Butler was transported to the St. Helena Parish Jail where he later made bone with a court date of April 13, 2012. In the prior week, March 1, led by Sheriff Williams, deputies assisted agents of the Office and Alcohol and Tobacco Control of LA under commissioner, Troy Hebert, in an inspection of the Oak Ridge Lounge at Pine Grove. One employee was arrested on several drug charges and the alcohol violations handled by Commissioner Hebert’s officers. Deputies brought in a drug dog and swept the property and no other drugs were found. According to Sheriff Williams The Mansion filed legal action to block attempts to obtain business records to determine if the Mansion has enough food business to be a restaurant under state law with a court date several months off. Also, he said that since we have started enforcing this closing law on Feb 17, only two barroom locations are challenging us. The Mansion and a new club near the end of the line that has a restaurant license. According to a text message we received, the Triage has something planned. We will be monitoring all the clubs’ activities this weekend.
Troopers assigned to the LA State Police Bureau of Investigations brought numerous criminal cases to conclusion this past week resulting in nine separate arrests across several parishes. On March 2, 2012, investigators arrested 62 yr old Jerome McNabb of Pine Grove, following a joint investigation between LSP Narcotics Detectives and the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed tht McNabb used his business, the Snack Zone, to sell prescription pain medication and crack cocaine on numerous occasions. Upon conducting a search of McNabb’s business, narcotics agents discovered multiple dosage units of Clonazepam, Diazepam, Zanex, Lortab, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone in addition to 2 grams of crack cocaine and two shotguns. McNabb was booked in the St. Helena Parish Jail charged with the Distribution of a Schedule III controlled dangerous substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule III CDS, Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a CDS. Ayone wishing to report crimain or suspicious activity to the La State Police Bureau of Investigation is urged to contact detectives at 225-925-3682. The La State Police on-line reporting system is also available to the public through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting www.lsp.org and clicking the Suspicious Activity Link.
SHPSO Employess Receive Christmas Ham from Sheriff
St. Helena Parish Sheriff Williams purchased hams from personal funds for his employees for Christmas.
Citations Issued and Arrests Made
In an ongoing investigation by the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office and a state agencyvities of liquor outlets and state and local compliance laws. Sheriff Nat Williams announced that on Wed, March 7, 2012, Tyrone Butler, mgr of the Mansion Lounge on Hwy 16 was sited for nine closing law violations under St. Helena Parish Ordinance 14-45 dating back to Feb 17. Butler was cited for one liquor sales violation under the same law that occurred on the morning of Feb 18, and had been witnessed by detectives. Tyrone Butler was served with 10 citations or summons at his lounge sometime around 7 pm Wed. night. Butler was hostile and refused the summonses so a custodial arrest was made and Butler was atransported to the St. Helena Parish Jail where he later made bond with a court date of April 13, 2012. In the prior week, Thursday, March 1, led by Sheriff Williams, deputies assisted agents of the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco control of LA under Commissioner, Troy Hebert, in an inspection of the Oak Ridge Lounge at Pine Grove. One employee was arrested on several drug charges and the alcohol violations handled by Commissioner Hebert’s officers. Deputies brought in a drug dog and swept the property and no other drugs were found. Sheriff Williams stated that The Mansion filed legal action to block attempts to obtain business records to determine if the Mansion has enough food business to be a restaurant under state law with a court date several months off. Since we have started enforcing this closing law, only two barrooms are challenging us, The Mansion and a new club (The Triage) near the end of the line that has a restaurant license. According to a text message we received, The Triage has something planned. We will be monitoring all the clubs’ activities this weekend.
SHPSO Employees Receive Christmas Hams from Sheriff
St. Helena Parish Sheriff Williams purchased hams from his own personal funds to give each and every employee for Christmas.
Citations Issued and Arrests Made
St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotic Interdiction Team, in a joint effort with Livingston Parish deputies, recently cut short the long-term career of a local ‘career criminal’, Dedrick Cardell Evans, AKA, ‘Thug’. On April 24, 2011, following an extensive investigation which involved undercover agents purchasing crack cocaine on two different occasions.
Sheriff Williams stated that he would like to thank Livingston Parish Agents for their efforts and assistance in apprehending this individual. He added, “Our narotics/drug interdiction team does an excellent job in their investigations and apprehension of these types of individuals, and will continue to work these cases to make St. Helena a safer community for our citizens and our youth.’
Drug Interdiction Task Force Cleaning Up Dangerous Labs
The Drug Team has been busy lately, locating, removing and destroying remnants of portable meth labs in our area. Several dump sites are found each week.
We are asking that people ownng rural property that is unihabited to play close attention when cleaning up their property. Any unusal items should be reported to the sheriff’s office, even coke and gatorade bottles, containers that have held flammable liquids such as liquid propane, or stove fuel, any containers with white, powdery residue in them, plastic or rubber tubing or any other unusual items. Do not attempt to dispose of these items yourself.
It is the sheriff’s office’s job to protect the public from these dangerous used items and we will continue to do so’
New Department Complex Coming
Sheriff Williams announces plan to build a new complex which will house department heads, detectives, the Criminal Records Dept. and the Civil (Tax) Dept. Right now these departments are housed in three different locations. Putting them ‘under one roof’ will make for a more efficient environment and more economically feasible. Communications, Dispatch and the Jail will be staying in their present location.
Bill Ray, Project Representative/Manager for John E. Campo Designs Architects is in charge of handling construction of the new complex.
Sheriff Williams states that this complex will also offer long term benefits. If necessary in the future, each division could be expanded by 2 to 3 persons, which would mean more jobs. “I feel that up-grading our facilities with a project such as this will benefit us as a comnmunity in the long-run. Better, updated facilities will improve moral among the employees of our department, and increased, positive moral means more enthusiastic and loyal law enforcement to better protect and serve the citizens of our parish.”
Illegal Prescriiptions and Money Confiscated
April 4, 2011, the St. Helena Narcotics Interdiction Team discovered a large amount of prescription pain relievers (Hydrocodone) during an arrest of Michael M Brock, Jr.
Sheriff Williams said that the department will continue with zero tolerance when it comes to these type of crimes and will continue to work diligently to remove the offenders from our
Marijuana on Board
On March 11, 2011, Ronji Robertson of Denham Springs was arrested and charged with possession of 1.0 grams of a Schedule I narcotic when marijuana was found in the vehicle that he was driving.