Family Disputes Facts surrounding son's Taser death

By: HOWARD CASTAY JR.

The May 31 death of his 27-year-old son Robert has left Raceland's Larry Ingram with many questions.

During a dispute that morning near Market Street, a Lafourche Parish Sheriff's deputy reportedly used a Taser to subdue Robert Ingram. According to sheriff's office reports, Robert Ingram was wanted for an outstanding warrant for a domestic disturbance. His father, however, argues the fine had been paid.

No weapon was found in Robert Ingram's possession, leaving the man's family wondering why a Taser was used. Authorities reported that the Taser was drawn after the Raceland man attempted to flee.

Robert Ingram died later that afternoon at Oschner's St. Anne Hospital in Raceland.

Ingram said on a radio broadcast last week that he believes his son died immediately after being struck by the normally non-lethal weapon. It's a point authorities dispute, however, because of pending litigation, are not offering comment about.

During the "Jerome Boykin Show" on KBZE 105.9FM, Ingram said his wife and daughter arrived on the scene first. She told Ingram deputies on the scene kicked their son and were heard repeating, "Get up, there ain't nothing wrong with you."

The two witnesses told Ingram deputies briefly attempted to perform CPR on Robert Ingram, but stopped after getting no response, he said.

When Acadian Ambulance arrived at the scene, Ingram said his wife and daughter noted that the sirens and lights were not activated. "They came in, picked Robert up and they didn't even try again with the CPR because the paramedics were advised my son was dead," Ingram told Boykin. "And when the paramedics put him on the stretcher, they folded his arms across his chest. When they turned loose of his arms, they both fell on the sides of the stretcher. He was dead there."

Ingram recounted his wife telling him the ambulance drove away, again, without its emergency lights operating.

Around 1:30 a.m., Ingram's daughter notified him that his son had been injured. "My daughter called me screaming at the top of her voice," Ingram told Boykin, "telling me that, 'Officers had Tasered Robert and there was no response from him. Come as soon as you can.'"

According to Ingram, the family was prevented from seeing their son by hospital staff.

"What do you mean I can't come in?" Ingram recalled asking. "That's my own flesh and blood!"

Nearly two hours later, Ingram said a nurse appeared, "almost with tears in her eyes," and confirmed that Robert Ingram was alive, but that the medical team was continuing to work on him. "All I wanted to do was to peep at the door to see my child, but she wouldn't let me," he said.

Later that morning, Robert Ingram was pronounced dead.

However, his father continues to contend, based on reports from his wife and daughter, that his son died on Market Street before the ambulance ever arrived.

The family is also at odds with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's office over the diligence of the investigation following Robert Ingram's death.

"As far as the sheriff's office is concerned, it's a done deal," Ingram said. "The sheriff said everything the officers did was justifiable."

"To be honest... the officer who used the Taser was never taken off of duty," Ingram told Boykin. "I see him daily around the Raceland area. He is still going on the force like nothing ever happened. Like it was no more than killing a dog - that was it."

Ingram said his family is seeking an investigation into their son's death by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Robert was the most kind and caring person," he said. "I'm not buying this... We as a family want some answers. We are not going to back down."

(Robert Ingram is pictured above right, as he appeared on the Jerome Boykin Show on KBZE).

ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL WANTS ANSWERS FROM JINDAL

With some councilmen calling Gov Bobby Jindal’s rejection of nominees to the St. Mary Parish Levee District “ridiculous” and “a slap in the face”, the St. Mary Parish Council wants to meet with the governor to get some answers.

The story began when State lawmakers approved the St. Mary Parish Levee District in 2007, to work with the federal government to obtain funds for hurricane storm surge protection.
The Parish Council submitted a list of 8 names to then Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who gave her interim approval to the group, until they could be confirmed by the Senate in the next scheduled legislative session.

Since Gov. Jindal’s first session dealt with ethics only, the next session which ended this Monday, June 23, should have tackled the task. However, the Senate only confirmed two of the eight nominees and one legislative appointment at the request of Gov. Bobby Jindal, who refused to send the remaining six nominees to the Senate for final approval, St. Mary Parish Attorney Jim McClelland said.

That news came to the Parish Council this past Wednesday, June 25, in the form of a letter dated June 24, from James Quinn, the governor’s director of State Boards and Commissions. It simply stated, “The Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions would like for the parish council to submit names for the St. Mary Parish Levee District.”

Once more, the letter gave the Parish Council a deadline of three days and it asks that the Council submit names of persons who have backgrounds in engineering, accounting, legal, agriculture or business. It also indicates that while there are six nominees left for approval, the governor is apparently considering three more of the eight original nominees, while tossing out nominees from West St. Mary, Berwick and Patterson.

St. Mary Parish Councilman Charles “Chuck” Walters was the first to react to the news. He nominated former Berwick Mayor Charles Savoie, who was also former director of the Morgan City Port Commission, and former Chief Administrative Officer of St. Mary Parish.

“This is ridiculous,” Walters said. I take offense to this. I am very satisfied with the eight nominees we have chosen, particularly my nominee, Charles Savoie. If he isn’t qualified to serve on this board, well then there is not an individual in this parish who is.”

Council Chairman Steve Bierhorst was the second to speak. “This is a slap in the face to the St. Mary Parish Council. We don’t have a half-million people in this parish to choose a lot of candidates. We’ve been working two and a half years on this project to get slapped in the face. A lot of good people worked hard to do this right.”

The Senate approved the nominations of Luther “Clyde” Smith, who resides in Irish Bend, and Junius Patrick Hebert Jr., of Franklin, a retired contractor and farmer. They also approved Jindal’s nomination of engineer William H Hidalgo Sr., of Morgan City.

According to the letter from Quinn, apparently under consideration by Gov. Bobby Jindal, are the appointments of: Robert Judice, a farmer from Verdunville, Brad Matte, a salesman from Morgan City and brother of Morgan City Mayor Tim Matte, and St. Mary Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy, Stephen Clarke Sr. of Morgan City.

But “considered out” by the letter, are these appointments: Charles Savoie of Berwick, Jeff LaGrange who is chairman of the Wax Lake East Drainage District, and farmer Cleveland Provost Sr. of Sorrell.

To close the discussion during the Wednesday’s council meeting, Councilman At-large Gary Duhon of Morgan City made a motion to send Jindal a letter requesting a meeting with Parish President Paul Naquin, as well as Bierhorst and maybe one other member of the Council, to discuss the matter further.

The letter also requests that Jindal hold off making any further decisions on the board, until he meets with the St. Mary group.

Walters second the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Hearing the news, Senator Butch Gautreaux, who said he pleaded with the Governor’s office to accept the nominations, said this is a “big set-back” because the board cannot meet, as they do not have a quorum.

“There is just no communication from the governor’s office, as to what is expected, what he wants,” Gautreaux said.

“Obviously the governor feels our nominees lack professional qualifications. Well, there isn’t a plethora of engineers that exists right now who could serve on this board, and not have a conflict of interest,” Gautreaux said.

State Rep. Sam Jones said the situation “really stings, right at the onslaught of hurricane season.”

“First of all, I have to say that it’s quite obvious the governor’s staff is very inexperienced, as they certainly do not realize all of the qualities these folks bring to the levee district. I mean, Mr. Charles Savoie, who I respect tremendously, is a driving force for the Republican Party in Louisiana – infact, I think he was one of former Gov. Dave Treen’s right hand men,” Jones said.

“Then, here we are beginning Hurricane Season 2008, with some levees in this parish that have subsided over the years, and then the lack of levee protection from the Charenton Canal to Iberia Parish!” he said.

“And then, there’s the lack of flood gates on the Franklin and Hanson Canal, which caused Hurricane Rita wrath to flood 300 homes in South Franklin,” he said.

Jones also explained the lack of levee protection from the Charenton Canal to Iberia parish is what caused so much devastation during Hurricane Rita, where five to 6 feet of water flooded more than 30,000 homes from Four Corners to Delcambre.

“Now is the time for this board to be planning a strategy on how they can garner our share of more than $400 million this legislature just placed into coastal restoration, money from the state’s surplus – but they can’t meet, because they have no quorum, because the governor doesn’t like our qualified list of nominees,” Jones said.

Quarter of a Million Dollar Bathroom - With our money?

The St. Mary Parish Council will build a quarter of a million dollar pavilion and bathroom on the fifth hole of the Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild in Patterson.

The council quietly approved the project with no discussion during its regular meeting Wednesday night, June 25. Neither their meeting agenda nor the resolution presented in the media packets, included the dollar amount of the project or where it was to be built.

However, after the meeting Parish Parish President Paul Naquin told KBZE/KFRA news, the amount would be $250,000 and it would be built at the fifth hole.

Acadiane Renovations LTD, 15224 Louisiana 182 West in Franklin, will do the work.The golf course cost taxpayers $4.5 million in 2007 to build, some of which included matching grants.

In another matter, the council awarded a $289,940 contract to M. Matt Durand LLC of St. Martinville, for road improvements to the main driveways at the West End pickup station in Franklin.St. Mary Parish Chief Administrative Officer Henry “Bo” LaGrange said the company will pour new asphalt over existing roadways, which are worn due to heavy use from large garbage trucks and other vehicles.

In other fiscal business, an audit report on the parish library system, conducted by the firm of Kolder, Champagne, Slaven and Co. LLC of Lafayette, indicates there is a “failure to design and implement policies and procedures necessary to achieve adequate internal control” when it comes to accounting for the library system’s money.

The audit said the “Significant Deficiencies in internal control” that were disclosed by the audit of the financial statements are “… considered a material weakness.”

It said that a “Failure to adequately segregate accounting and financial functions increases the risk that errors and or irregularities including fraud and or defalcations may occur and not be prevented and or detected.”

Also, the audit says that the “Management and staff lack the training and expertise in the selection and application of generally accepted accounting principles, in the financial statement preparation process.”

The audit recommends the parish contract out its accounting practices and controls, saying the job “may not be economically feasible,” at this time, for the parish library system.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Press Release

Date: June 27, 2008

According to Sheriff David Naquin during the last 24 hours the Sheriff’s Office responded to 44 complaints and reports the following arrests:

Terrance C. Mobley 24 yoa of 521 Aucoin St., Morgan City was arrested on 6-26-2008 at 8:15 am for Improper Parking and Possession of Loritab. Deputy was called to Ciro and Joseph St. in Siracusa in reference to vehicle parked in front of residence with subject selling narcotics. Upon Deputy’s arrival suspect vehicle was located parked on roadway. Deputy located suspect and conducted an investigative stop. During investigation a search of vehicle was conducted with Deputy locating a prescription bottle containing Loritab. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $25,000.00 bond and was later released.

Adrian K. Bertrand 33 yoa of 1526 Fairview St., Bayou Vista was arrested on 6-26-2008 at 10:54 am on a warrant for Violation of a Protective Order. Suspect was located at his residence, placed under arrest on warrant and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Leroy A. Dover 53 yoa of 809 Saturn Road, Bayou vista was arrested on 6-26-2008 at 7:52 pm for Extortion and Obscenity. Deputy was called to 183 Mercury St. in Bayou Vista in reference to suspect stalking her. Upon Deputy’s arrival it was learned from complainant that above suspect watches her every time she works in her yard and today she found a letter at her back door making threats to her. Deputy located above suspect and conducted investigation. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Toney B. Wade Jr. 39 yoa of 4610 Hwy 182, Patterson was arrested on 6-26-2008 at 11:15 pm on warrants for Probation Violation, 23 counts of Issuing Worthless Checks and a warrant for St. Martin Parish for Issuing Worthless Checks. Suspect was located by Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office at a disturbance complaint when it was learned of warrants for his arrest. Assumption Parish arrested suspect and turned over to the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office. Suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

David C. Picou 59 yoa of 1536 Hwy 90, Patterson was arrested on 6-27-2008 at 12:37 am on a warrant for Probation Violation. Deputy was patrolling Hwy 90 in the Bayou vista area, when he conducted a traffic stop. During investigation it was learned that suspect had a warrant for his arrest. Suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Joseph Brown 38 yoa of 1711 Seyburn St., Patterson was arrested on 6-27-2008 at 2:06 am for Simple Battery on a Police Officer and Resisting an Officer. Deputy was called to Friendship Alley in Amelia in reference to a fight. Upon Deputy’s arrival to the area above suspect was observed walking down the street. Deputy exited his unit and was attempting to conduct an investigative stop. Upon Deputy coming into contact with suspect he was shoved by suspect with suspect fleeing on foot. Deputy gave chase and after a short foot pursuit suspect was apprehended and placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

The St. Mary Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, consisting of St. Mary Sheriff Dept., Morgan City Police Dept., Patterson Police Department Franklin Police Dept., Baldwin Police Dept., Berwick Police Dept., and Chitimacha Police Dept., report the following arrests:

Tray Mitchell 21 yoa of 210 Issac St., Franklin was arrested on 6-26-2008 at 10:30 pm for Possession of Marijuana. Agents of the Narcotics Task Force were patrolling the Franklin Area, when they conducted a traffic stop on West Adams St. During investigation a search of suspect vehicle was conducted with a small amount of marijuana being located. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and issued a summons to appear in court on 9-5-2008.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Report

Date: June 20, 2008

According to Sheriff David Naquin during the last 24 hours the Sheriff’s Office responded to 41 complaints and reports the following arrests:

Chad F. Jones 32 yoa of 3125 Dianne St., Morgan City was arrested on 6-19-2008 at 7:56 am for Simple Obstruction of a Highway, Littering, Resisting an Officer by Flight and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Deputy was patrolling the Siracusa area, when he came to the intersection of Ciro and James St.; suspect was sitting at the intersection with the door to his vehicle open. Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on suspect vehicle at which time suspect closed the door on his vehicle and took off. Suspect then pulled into the parking lot of apartment complex and exited his vehicle and through an item under his truck. While Deputy was conducting investigation suspect reached in his vehicle to grab something off the seat when advised to get out of the vehicle suspect rushed quickly pushing Deputy and began to flee on foot. Deputy gave chase of suspect with additionally units being called to assist. Suspect was apprehended a short time later with the assist of Morgan City Police Department. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $1500.00 bond and was later released.

Quindell L. Mitchell 27 yoa of 1506 ½ Ellzey St., Morgan City was arrested on 6-19-2008 at 1:54 pm for No Drivers License and a warrant for Morgan City Police Department for Failure to Appear on the charge of Simple Battery. Deputy was patrolling the Amelia area, when he located suspect vehicle from a previous complaint and conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 182. During investigation it was learned that suspect had no drivers License and a warrant for his arrest through Morgan City Police Department. Suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $728.50 bond at this time.

Williams B. Montiel Gomez 27 yoa of Odile Lane Amelia was arrested on 6-19-2008 at 4:51 pm for No Motor Vehicle Inspection Sticker, No License Plate, No Drivers License and Operating a Vehicle without Lawful Presence in the United States. Deputy was patrolling the Amelia area, when he observed suspect vehicle pass with an expired inspection sticker. A traffic stop was conducted on Lake Palourde road and Deputy conducted an investigation. During investigation it was learned that suspect had no driver’s license and was illegally in the United States. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Paul W. Smith 46yoa of Luke’s Bait Shop Hwy 318, Jeanerette was arrested on 6-20-2008 at 12:45 am on a warrant for Iberia Parish for Violation of a Protective Order. Deputy was patrolling the Four Corners area, when he observed suspect riding a bike in the area and conducted an investigative stop. During investigation a warrants checks was conducted with suspect being placed under and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Shanette B. Marcotte 29 yoa of 807 Iberia St. Lot # 13, Franklin was arrested on 6-20-2008 at 5:07 am for DWI 1st. Deputy was called to a single vehicle accident on Hwy 87 between Franklin and Centerville. Upon deputy’s arrival driver was located and upon making contact observed an odor of alcoholic beverage upon her Breathe and person. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and transported to Franklin Police Department to run on the Intoxilyzer 5000. Suspect had a test result of .201g%. Suspect was booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Report

Date: June 19, 2008

According to Sheriff David Naquin during the last 24 hours the Sheriff’s Office responded to 33 complaints and reports the following arrests:

Rene D. Blanchard 28 yoa of 118 Sunset St., Baldwin was arrested on 6-18-2008 at 7:03 am on warrants for Failure to Appear on the charge of Speeding and a Golden Meadow Warrant for Failure to Appear on the charge of Speeding. Deputy was called to Alice B Road in Franklin in reference to a traffic accident. Upon Deputy’s arrival suspect vehicle had driven into the canal. During investigation it was learned that suspect had warrants for his arrest. Suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $696.00 cash bond and was later released.

David W. Hawkins 49 yoa of 1305 James St., Morgan City was arrested on 6-18-2008 at 9:56 am on a warrant for Failure to Appear on the charge of Littering. Deputy was patrolling the Siracusa area, when suspect was located and a warrants check was conducted. Suspect was placed under arrest and issued a summons to appear in court on 9-5-2008.

Ron Bell 24 yoa of 417 Ninth St., Franklin was arrested on 6-18-2008 at 8:24 pm for Resisting an Officer and a warrant for Failure to Appear for Criminal Neglect of Family. Agents were patrolling Ninth St. in the Franklin area, when they conducted an investigative stop on several subjects walking. Upon Agents exiting Vehicle above suspect fled on foot with Agents apprehending suspect after a short foot pursuit. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Elvis J. Derise 42 yoa of 6506 Fremin Road, New Iberia and Troy A. Primeaux 43 yoa of 1603 Iberia St., New Iberia were arrested on 6-18-2008 at 10:08 pm with Derise being arrested on a warrant for Iberia Sheriff’s Office for Failure to Appear on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Primeaux being arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd. Deputy was patrolling the Four Corners area, when he conducted a traffic stop on Cypremort Road and Big Four Corners Road. During investigation it was learned of a warrant for driver Derise and he was placed under arrest. While conducting investigation a search of passenger was also conducted with drug paraphernalia and a bag of marijuana being located on his person. After investigation suspects were placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with Dersie having no bond at this time and Primeaux having a $4500.00 at this time.

Angela T. Doucet 43 yoa of 585 Ehrlich St., Berwick was arrested on 6-18-2008 at 11:08 pm for DWI, Open Alcohol Container, Speeding 55 Mph in a 45 MPH zone, Driving Under Suspension and a warrant for Failure to Appear on the charge of Speeding. Deputy was patrolling Hwy 182 in the Bayou Vista area when he conducted a traffic stop. Upon deputy coming into contact with suspect an odor of alcoholic beverage was observed upon her breath and person. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and transported to Patterson Police Department to run on the Intoxilyzer 5000. Suspect had a test result of .103g%. Suspect was booked into the parish jail with No Bond at this time.

Gabriel Keys III 36 yoa of 20141 Hwy 182, Jeanerette was arrested on 6-18-2008 at 11:27 pm for Domestic Abuse Battery. Deputy was called to above location in reference to a disturbance. Upon deputy’s arrival it was learned from victim that she and suspect were arguing with suspect committing a battery upon her. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Press Release

Date: June 18, 2008

According to Sheriff David Naquin during the last 24 hours the Sheriff’s Office responded to 49 complaints and reports the following arrests:

Vincent Smith 27 yoa of 2600 Huntsville Ave., Kenner, La. was arrested on 6-17-2008 at 11:00 am for Disturbing the Peace, Remaining Where Forbidden and Simple Assault. Deputy was called to Fairview Treatment Center in Bayou Vista in reference to a disturbance. Upon Deputy’s arrival personnel at the location advised that the above suspect was causing a disturbance and making threats toward personnel and refusing to leave. Deputy approached suspect to conduct investigation when suspect stood up and advised to take him to jail. Suspect was detained while investigation was conducted. After speaking with witnesses suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $1000.00 bond at this time.

Brian Jolivette 42 yoa of 816 Hwy 318, Jeanerette was arrested on 6-17-2008 at 3:27 pm on two warrants for Failure to Appear for Criminal Neglect of Family. An Investigation was being conducted at 338 Sorrel Rail Road Row, when suspect was located and a warrants check was conducted. Suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $28,472.65 bond at this time.

Kahi Van Phu 18 yoa of 241 Vivian St., Morgan City was arrested on 6-17-2008 at 4:39 pm for Theft by Shoplifting. Deputy was called to Wal-mart in Bayou vista in reference to a shoplifter. Upon Deputy’s arrival store security advised that above suspect was observed taking CD’s from shelf and placing them in his pockets. Value of Items taken valued at $114.52. Suspect was placed under arrest and issued a summons to appear in court on 9-5-2008.

Jerry J. Hall 47 yoa of 105 Hogan Lane, Franklin was arrested on 6-17-2008 at 5:30 pm on warrants for Iberia Parish for Violation of a Protective Order and Failure to Appear on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery. Suspect was located on Tenth St. in the Franklin area, placed under arrest on warrants and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

David B. Valentine 38 yoa of 1403 James St., Morgan City was arrested on 6-18-2008 at 12:27 am for Disturbing the Peace Intoxicated, Resisting an Officer by Giving False Information, Possession of Marijuana and a warrant for Failure to Appear for Criminal Neglect of Family. Deputy was patrolling the Siracusa area when he conducted an investigative stop on James and Joseph St. on suspect. Upon coming into contact with suspect he was observed to be intoxicated. During investigation suspect gave Deputy another name that was later learned to be false. Suspect was placed under arrest at which time Deputy conducted a search of suspect and located a small amount of marijuana on his person. Suspect was booked into the parish jail on above charges with no bond at this time.

Bogan gets "What Manner of Man" Award

Wendell C. Bogan accepted the 13th Annual "What Manner of Man" Award, Friday, June 13, from the City of Franklin Martin Luther King Committee.

Bogan works in the St. Mary Parish Planning and Zoning Office. He was formerly Director of the Morgan City Housing Authority.

Bogan received the award during the organization's annual banquet, which they use as a fundraiser to build a statue in honor of Dr. King.

This year's event, held at the Forest Restaurant in Franklin, was the organization's largest.

St. Mary Parish Council Appoints Charter Committee

by: Howard J. Castay, Jr.

By: Howard J. Castay, Jr.

A St Mary Parish Charter Review Committee will meet in two weeks to discuss possible changes to the parish’s charter, any of which would have to be presented before voters in parish wide election in order to gain approval.

All 11 members of the parish council appointed the committee, which is comprised of one representative from each of their respective districts.

The move comes in the wake of Parish Councilman Glen Hidalgo suggesting in May the council appoint the group to discuss amending the parish’s charter, in order to propose an amendment that would require parish government hold public hearings before making fiscal decisions over $10,000.

Currently, the St. Mary Parish Council can spend money on anything, without gaining public approval.

Hidalgo previously cited a past decision by the council to hire former State Rep. Jack Smith as their new capitol liaison with an initial salary of $50,000, (which Smith later resigned).
“It’s OK to give a recreation department $2,000 or $3,000 here and there, but to offer this job position at $50,000, to be paid for with public money, without the public input, is wrong. Taxpayers include the elderly, and many others who are on fixed incomes.”

“It’s time to look at bringing the charter up from 1983 to 2008 standards,” Hidalgo said.

The parish councilmen and their picks to comprise the committee are:

*Rev. Craig Matthews (District 1) – appointee - Jessie Boudreaux, owner of Cajun Mosquito Contractors

*Charles Middleton – (District 2) – appointee - Jeff Beverly – Housing Director of St Mary Community Action.

*David Hanagriff – (District 3) – appointee – Jim Supple, Franklin Attorney ( who lost a bid to become State Representative against Jack Smith roughly 20 years ago)

*Glen Hidalgo – (District 4) - appointee – Stan Robinson, owner of L & H Printing in Morgan City

*Ken Singleton – (District 5) – appointee – James Vidos, a member of the St. Mary Parish School Board and retired employee of Teche Federal Savings Bank.

*Logan Fromethal – (District 6) – appointee - Stan Beaubouef –director of Teacher Certification and Higher Education for the Louisiana State Department of Education, and a retired member of the St. Mary Parish School System. Former Principal of Berwick Jr. High School.

*Kevin Voisin – (District 7) – appointee – Sostenes Ruiz III, City of Morgan City Prosecutor

*Charles “Chuck” Walters – (District 8) – appointee – Lou Tamporello, Morgan City Councilman

*Albert Foulcard – (District 9) – appointee – Willie Rack – retired law enforcement officer, and Interim Clerk of Court, City of Franklin

*Steve Bierhorst – (District 10) – appointee – Phelo Joe Keller – physical therapist

*Gary Duhon – (District 11) – appointee – Bill Cefalu, Director of Utilities for the City of Morgan City and former St. Mary Parish President.

The committee will meet Tuesday, June 24, at 6 p.m., in the Bayou Vista Community Center. They will have a six-month time limit that begins at the first meeting date on June 24 and ends on Dec. 31.

Council Chairman Bierhorst said other assignments for the committee, although nothing is off limits for discussion, will be to: discuss the council’s executive authority; compensation for the parish resident; powers and duties of the parish president; compensation for the parish council; and term limits, along with compensation and qualifications for someone to be a member of the parish council.

The St. Mary Parish Council ratified their appointments during their meeting June 11.

Afterwards, Councilman Kevin Voisin said that although he is “curious” to see what the committee “comes up with” he would like them to complete their assignment soon, so that any decisions could be placed before voters on a November 4 ballot, due to election costs.

“Frankly, I would like to see the federal government bear the brunt of the costs of the election, rather than the parish,” he said.

St. Mary Parish has roughly 57 voting precincts. “Any time this council calls a special election, it costs us roughly $65,000. If the committee can get their business done soon, any of their ideas can be considered as we all consider a presidential nominee this fall,” Voisin said.

In other business, the Council:

*Will call an election on July 19 to continue the collection of the three-tenths percent sales and use tax in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 10 in western St. Mary. Proceeds of the tax, estimated in the resolution at $600,000 a year, would be split on a pro-rata basis between the parish, Baldwin and Franklin.

*Will call an election on Oct. 4 for the Wax Lake East Drainage District, to renew its 2-mill maintenance and operating property tax for 10 years

In other matters, the council appointed Glenn Elliott to the Wax Lake East Drainage District; Richard D. Martin and Lloyd Smith Sr. to Recreation District 2; Ray Rentrop to Sewer District 8; Al Kuhlman, Sandra Marshall and Patsy Metz to the Tourist Commission; and Wendell Bogan and Glenn Blood to Waterworks District

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Report

6/11/08

According to Sheriff David Naquin during the last 24 hours the Sheriff’s Office responded to 42 complaints and reports the following arrests:

Bryan Joseph Aucoin 47 yoa of 1059 Stephensville Road, Morgan City was arrested on 6-10-2008 at 11:17 am for Aggravated Rape, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and warrants for Issuing Worthless Checks. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office was called to the Best Western Motel in Morgan City in reference to a Juvenile 15 yoa being raped earlier in the night in the Glencoe area. Suspect was located in the Patterson area and brought in for investigation. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest on above charges and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Liska M. Kemp 50 yoa of 1222 Joseph St., Morgan City and Trina T. Dural 44 yoa were arrested on 6-10-2008 at 5:34 pm for Disturbing the Peace by Fighting with Dural also being charged with a warrant for Disturbing the Peace. Deputy was called to 1102 Joseph St. in Morgan City in reference to a fight. Upon Deputy’s arrival it was learned that the two suspects were involved in a fistic encounter. After investigation both suspects were placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with Kemp having a $250.00 bond and Dural having a $500.00 bond both were later released.

Brice Kemp 22 yoa of 122 Joseph St., Morgan City and Leroy Trimm Sr. 64 yoa of 707 Grace St., Morgan City were arrested on 6-10-2008 at 8:12 pm for Disturbing the Peace by Fighting. Deputy was called to the area of James and Ciro St in reference to a fight. Upon Deputy’s arrival suspects were located and an investigation into the incident was conducted. After investigation both Suspects were placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $250.00 bond with Trimm later being released.

Troung Van Tran 35 yoa of 148 West Syles Lane # 36, Amelia was arrested on 6-10-2008 at 8:19 pm for Domestic Abuse Battery. Deputy was called to above location in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon Deputy’s arrival it was learned from complainant that she and suspect were arguing and the suspect committed a battery upon her. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

Joseph A. Richardson 27 yoa of 606 Ferret St., Morgan City was arrested on 6-11-2008 at 12:17 am on a warrant for Failure to Appear on the charge of Possession of Marijuana 2nd. Agents were patrolling the Morgan City area, when they conducted a traffic stop on Florence St. During investigation it was learned of a warrant for suspect a passenger in the vehicle. Suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $20,000.00 bond at this time.

Brian K. Fontenot 30 yoa of 173 St. Joseph Lane, Franklin was arrested on 6-11-2008 at 4:37 am for Driving Under Suspension and Warrants for Failure to Appear on the charge of Speeding and Switched License Plate and Failure to Appear on the charge of Speeding and No Insurance. Deputy was patrolling the St. Joseph area when he conducted an investigative stop on suspect parked in the middle of roadway on Welch Lane. During investigation it was learned of warrants for suspect’s arrest. Suspect was placed under arrest on above charges and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

St. Mary Sheriff's Office

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office
Police Report
June 9, 2008



According to Sheriff David Naquin during the last 72 hours the Sheriff’s Office responded to 116 complaints and reports the following arrests:



Freda Thomas 27 yoa of 402 Bollard St., Baldwin was arrested on 6-6-2008 at 11:00 am on a warrant for Issuing Worthless Checks. Suspect turned herself into the Sheriff’s Office after learning of warrants for her arrest. Suspect was placed under arrest and issued a summons to appear in court on 9-11-2008.



Feliciano S. Suazo 41 yoa of 2602 Lake Palourde Road, Amelia was arrested on 6-6-2008 at 11:19 am for Speeding, No Drivers License and Operating a Vehicle without Lawful Presence in the United States. Deputy was patrolling the Amelia area, when he conducted a traffic stop on Lake Palourde Road. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $25,000.00 bond at this time.



Verna M Gautreaux 46 yoa of 111 Bernard St., Patterson was arrested on 6-7-2008 at 12:10 am for DWI and Careless Operation. Deputy was patrolling the Bayou Vista area, when he observed suspect vehicle pull out from a parking lot in front of another vehicle almost causing an accident. Deputy conducted a traffic stop on suspect vehicle on Universe St. Upon coming into contact with driver an odor of alcoholic beverage was observed upon her breath and person. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and transported to Berwick Police Department to run on the Intoxilyzer 5000. Suspect had a test result of .187g%. Suspect was booked into the parish jail with a $2750.00 bond and was later released.



Jose Antonio Ortiz-Castillo 23 yoa of 404 Harriet St., New Iberia was arrested on 6-7-2008 at 3:40 am DWI 1st, Operating a Vehicle without Lawful Presence in the United States, Careless Operation with an Accident and No Drivers License. Deputy was advised of a reckless driver on Hwy 90 and had just hit the guardrail at the overpass on Hwy 317 in Centerville. Suspect vehicle was located by Deputy and Franklin Police Department at Hwy 3211 and a traffic stop was conducted. Upon deputy making contact with suspect an odor of alcoholic beverage was observed upon his breath and person. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and transported to Franklin Police Department and run on the Intoxilyzer 5000. Suspect had a test result of .146g%. Suspect was booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.



Charles J. Boudreaux 39 yoa of 11407 Hwy 182, Franklin was arrested on 6-7-2008 at 7:26 pm on a warrant for Failure to Appear on the charges of Stop Sign Violation and Driving Under Suspension. Suspect was located at his residence, placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $500.00 bond and was later released.



Jeremy G. Wood 21 yoa of 821 Susan Dr., Morgan City was arrested on 6-7-2008 at 8:18 pm for Criminal Trespass and Simple Criminal Damage to Property. Deputy was called to Quality Diesel in Amelia in reference to suspect trespassing and damaging the gate to the property. Upon Deputy’s arrival complainant advised that he went to the yard to get parts, when he observed suspect in the yard with his vehicle and when they noticed he was there they left the location. Complainant advised he went to see how suspect got into the yard and learned that lock had been broken on the gate. Deputy went to suspect’s residence and conducted an investigation. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $1500.00 bond and was later released.



Joseph B. Gros III 53 yoa of 729 Shell Beach Road, Pierre Part, La. was arrested on 6-7-2008 at 10:56 pm for Possession of Crack Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Deputy was called to the Plantation Inn in reference to suspect advising that 3 B/M suspects broke into his room and robbed him. During investigation several items of drug paraphernalia and several small rocks of crack cocaine were located in suspect’s room. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.



Joseph Crosby Jr. 42 yoa of 174 Eves St., Jeanerette was arrested on 6-8-2008 at 3:20 am for Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Arson. Suspect came to the Sheriff’s Office advising he wanted to turn himself in, stating he had just shot his wife. When questioned in reference to the incident it was learned that Deputy’s were enroute to his residence in reference a fire at this time. Suspect then advised that he had set the residence on fire also. Upon Deputy’s arrival victim Marla Crosby 40 yoa was located under the carport of the residence with a gunshot wound to the head. The St. Mary Parish Corners Office and the State Fire Marshall’s Office were called to assist in the investigation. Suspect was placed under arrest on above charges and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time. No further information available at this time as investigation is on going. If anyone has any information in regards to this investigation they are asked to call the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Department’s Detective Division at 828-1960.



Brian Leday 31 yoa of 141 N. Loop, Lafayette, La. was arrested on 6-8-2008 at 7:52 am for Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass. Deputy was called to the Railroad Tracks on Penn Road in the Baldwin area in reference to a subject being on the train. Deputy’s located above suspect in a box car, placed him under arrest and booked him into the parish jail with no bond at this time.



Jack R. Warren 45 yoa of Degravelle Road, Amelia was placed under arrest on 6-8-2008 at 12:42 pm for Disturbing the Peace Intoxicated. Deputy was called to the Family Dollar Store in Amelia in reference to a suspicious person. Upon Deputy’s arrival suspect was located on the side of building and upon making contact with suspect was observed to be intoxicated. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with a $250.00 bond at this time.



Carlos Lopez 38 yoa of 105 Martin Lane, Amelia was arrested on 6-8-2008 at 10:33 pm for DWI 1st, Careless Operation, No Drivers License and Operating a Vehicle without Lawful Presence in the Unite States. Deputy was patrolling the Amelia area on Lake Palourde road when he observed suspect vehicle swerving from side to side. Deputy conducted a traffic stop and upon coming into contact observed an odor of alcoholic beverage upon suspect’s person. After investigation suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department to run on the Intoxilyzer 5000. Suspect had a test result of .192g%. Suspect was booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.