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Agents recovered more than $60,000 of suspected of drug proceeds.

Joint operation utilizing shared intel, networking nets large seizure of suspected narcotics proceed

Mon, 02/20/2023 - 10:11am

According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, within the last several months Officers with the Lake Arthur Police Department were conducting a Narcotics investigation inside of their Jurisdiction.
As a result of their efforts and hard work officers were able to arrest Claude McDowell, 41, of Jennings, and charged him with Distribution of Heroin as well as Transactions involving Drug Proceeds.
Upon being arrested McDowell was found to be in a large amount of U.S. Currency. Officers continued working the investigation into McDowell’s narcotics enterprise and after several hours of investigative work, Officers were able to identify a “stash” location that McDowell is alleged to utilize inside of Vermilion Parish inside the city limits of Abbeville.
With this information, Officers utilized networking and reached out to the Vermilion Parish Municipal and Sheriff’s Office Task Force. After speaking with Agents and relaying their intel, Agents were able to apply for and were granted a search warrant for 611 Alphonse St. in Abbeville. Upon execution of the search warrant $60,760 of suspected drug proceeds were located and seized pending forfeiture.
Arrest warrants were applied for, granted and McDowell will be charged in the 15th Judicial Court upon his release from Jefferson Davis Parish.
Sheriff Couvillon stated this seizure would not have been possible without the networking between agencies and them working together to combat the narcotics trade.

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Deputy Anthony Frederick and his K-9 partner, SAAR, recovered
numerous items during the arrest.

Franklin man booked in Vermilion multiple charges

Mon, 02/20/2023 - 10:10am

With an assist from his K-9 partner, a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy arrested a Franklin man on multiple charges.
According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the arrest occurred on Feb. 14.
While working Criminal Interdiction, Deputy Anthony Frederick, along with his K-9 partner, SAAR, made a traffic stop on Bryson Gaspard of Franklin. After speaking with Gaspard, and utilizing K-9 SAAR, Deputy Frederick was able to apply for, and obtain a search warrant for Gaspard’s vehicle.
Upon searching the vehicle Deputy Frederick seized the following items. 12 vials of suspected THC wax, approximately 64.3 grams of suspected marijuana, 15 suspected THC vape cartridges, 2 bags of suspected THC gummies, 4 suspected THC vape pens, 2 pipes , 1 Digital scale, Xanax, Buspirone bars, Klonopin and Trazadone pills, methamphetamine, suspected prescription cough syrup, and 1 loaded 9mm handgun with a high capacity magazine.
Gaspard was arrested and charged with: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of Xanax, possession with the intent to distribute schedule I THC, possession of Clonazepam, possession of a firearm in the presence of a CDS, two counts of possession of a legend drug, and possession of Promethazine.
Sheriff Couvillon stated that his Criminal Interdiction Team will continue to be out in the parish making our Highways and Streets safe.

Vermilion Municipal, Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force

Mon, 02/20/2023 - 10:09am

According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force recently made multiple arrests for narcotics related offenses within the parish.
• Robert Broussard Jr., 44, of Abbeville, was arrested and charged with Possession of Schedule IV, (Alprazolam), Possession of Schedule IV, (Clonazepam), Possession of Schedule II, (Methamphetamine), Possession of Schedule I, (Heroin), and Possession of Schedule I, (Marijuana).
• David Anderson Jr., 31, of Kaplan, was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II, (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule I, (Synthetic), Possession of Schedule I, (Marijuana)
• Leslie Shaffer, 22, of Kaplan, was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II, (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Legend Drug, Possession of Schedule IV, Possession of Sch I, (Synthetic Marijuana), Possession of Schedule I, (Synthetic Marijuana).
• Eric Levine Jr., 19, of Abbeville, was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Maurice, Kaplan and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He  encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information. 

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Abbeville High's Cherry named Vermilion Boys & Girls Club's Youth of the Year

Mon, 02/20/2023 - 10:05am

The Vermilion Boys & Girls Club recently announced Tyler Cherry (red jacket) as its
Vermilion Youth of the Year. Pictured (L-R) is Abbeville High Coach Roderick Moy, Tyler Cherry, Sharika Laws (Tyler’s mother) and 2022 youth of the year McKinsey Nicholas. Tyler will move on to the next round for the title of Acadiana Youth of the year. Cherry is a senior at Abbeville High School.

Vermilion’s Narcotics Task Force five for narcotics

Fri, 02/17/2023 - 8:58am

According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics related offenses within the parish.
•Kendric Baudoin Jr., 20, of Abbeville), was arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm in the presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Transactions involving Drug Proceeds.
• Robert Gallaspy Jr., 52, of Abbeville, was arrested for Possession of Schedule II, (Methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• John “Bubba” Walter Mire Jr., 36, of Maurice, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Firearm in the presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Sch III, (Suboxone), and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.
• Timothy Johnson, 58, of Abbeville was arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II, (Methamphetamine), Possession of Schedule IV, (Alprazolam), Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm with a Controlled Dangerous Substance.  Johnson was also wanted by Probation and Parole.
• Randall Trahan, 43, of Abbeville, was arrested for several active warrants and was subsequently charged with Possession of Schedule IV, (Alprazolam) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Maurice, Kaplan and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He  encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information. 

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Students can transfer out of ‘D’ schools in Abbeville

Fri, 02/17/2023 - 8:54am
However, parents have to furnish transportation to schools out of city

Students who attend a “D” or “F” school in Vermilion Parish can transfer to another parish school.
Superintendent Tommy Byler explained to the school board members that the state is now updating the Louisiana Public School of Choice rule.
That means that if a parent or legal guardian wants to transfer their child because they attend a school with a letter grade of D or F, the public school choice law lets that transfer happen.
Three Abbeville schools are D schools. They are Herod Elementary, Eaton Park Elementary, and J.H. Williams Middle School.
On Thursday, the school board is expected to approve the new Louisiana Public School Choice rule. After that happens, the central office will mail out letters to parents with students who attend the three Abbeville schools explaining their choices. After that, they have the month of March to decide if they want to transfer their students out of the D schools.
However, there is a catch.
The student transferring can transfer to schools that have the capacity to handle more students. Byler said the transfer is also by classes. He gave the example that one school has 14 spots for third graders. That means only 14 Herod Elementary students can transfer to that school.
Three middle schools have room for new students. A JHW student can attend Rene Rost Middle School in Kaplan, Forked Island/E. Broussard located south of Kaplan, or Gueydan High School.
The Abbeville elementary students have four elementary schools to select. Seventh Ward Elementary is located south of Abbeville, Rene Rost Middle in Kaplan, Indian Bayou Elementary, and Jesse Owens Elementary in Gueydan.
Byler said the letter the parents will receive will have the list of schools for them to select. Byler also said it would be the parent’s responsibility to get their child to their new school, not the school district.
Another catch the parent and student will have to weigh is that the transfer could only be for a year.
Byler said that if the two elementary schools and JHW make a C grade when the schools retake the state tests, the students who transferred will have to return to the Abbeville schools.
Byler said those who want to transfer would have to meet qualifications. For example, if the student has discipline issues at an Abbeville school, then the student will not be allowed to move to another school.

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Police seek information on Gunshots that continued to be fired in Abbeville

Fri, 02/17/2023 - 8:48am

The gunshots continue to be heard on the streets of Abbeville.
For seven days, someone called 911 to report that gunshots had been fired on the streets of Abbeville.
After the Abbeville Police Department went public saying gunshots were heard four days in a row, gunshots were reported on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Police Chief Mike Hardy.
On Tuesday night, gunshots were heard on Fairmont Street and Clover Street. No gun casings were found when the patrol officers arrived on the scene.
However, 30 minutes later, more gunfire was reported on Graceland Avenue. The officers found gun casings on Meyers Street, near Graceland. They located five rifle casings and four 40-caliber pistol casings.
On Wednesday, the police department beefed up patrol in Abbeville, and the Sheriff’s Department joined the patrol.
Hardy said that despite the extra patrol, gunshots occurred at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
With the weekend approaching, Hardy hopes to have a different kind of weekend than last weekend in Abbeville.
The police received calls ranging from a single bullet hole in one house to more than 50 rounds fired in a neighborhood.
The city also received calls that people witnessed two vehicles chasing each other while passengers shot at one another.
Early Monday morning, gunfire damaged seven houses and one business. Plus, two people were shot and sent to the local hospital.
Citizens may send anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Vermilion by calling (337) 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or at the Google Play Store.

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Mike Hardy

Abbeville officials discuss possible raise for Chief of Police Mike Hardy

Fri, 02/17/2023 - 8:42am
Police Chief’s salary could jump from $65,000 to $85,000 a year; Council expected to vote on it in March

Late last year, the Abbeville City Council approved raises for members of the Abbeville Police Department.
Chief of Police Mike Hardy did not receive a raise at that time, nor does the position qualify for the 2% annual raise, as the salary is set by ordinance.
However, a raise could be coming.
During an Ordinance Committee meeting on Tuesday, the council approved a possible amendment to the ordinance, one that would set the chief’s salary at $85,000. That salary is currently set at $65,000.
Councilman Francis Touchet Jr. said such a raise would bring the chief’s salary closer to chiefs in nearby municipalities.
“When you look at some of these areas,” Touchet said, “there are some inequities.”
Touchet presented salaries for other departments:
• Crowley — $75,782.98
• Broussard — $85,639.22
• New Iberia — $85,855
• Youngsville — $86,985
• Scott — $92,663
“I’m not going to say we need to go to the top end of that,” Touchet said.
Touchet suggested $85,000.
“I say that we bring it up to at least that number,” Touchet said. “We would have a competitive salary for that particular position.”
In December of 2019, the council voted to give then Chief of Police William Spearman a raise, increasing his salary from $55,000 to the current $65,000. Hardy, who took office last July, did not make an official request for a raise.
“This is not Mike brining this to me,” Touchet said.
Mayor Roslyn White said that she agreed with a potential raise for the chief, but that $75,000 would be an appropriate figure.
“Chief, you’re well worth it,” White said to Hardy. “This is no reflection of you or any part of that. We took this job knowing what our salary was going to be. I do think there are some iniquities and that it is an underpaid position. We don’t have the revenue and growth that Broussard has, so I have some concerns over moving to that number. I would feel a lot better moving it to $75,000, plus the supplement.”
The chief receives an annual state supplement of $7,200. That is completely separate from the salary.
“That doesn’t even flow through our accounts,” Touchet said of the supplement. “That is what they get from the state.”
Councilman Carlton Campbell, Councilman Brady Broussard Jr. and Touchet voted in favor of $85,000. Councilman Tony Hardy, who is the chief’s brother, abstained from voting. Councilwoman Terry Broussard opposed.
“This is not reflection on you,” she told the chief regarding her vote. “I do agree with the $75,000 for the chief of police.”
The proposal will now go to a vote from the council at a future regular city council meeting. There will not be a meeting on Feb. 21, as that falls on Mardi Gras Day. The next scheduled regular meeting is Tuesday, March 7.
Touchet said the future factors into the raise.
“We need to make sure that we are taking care of the city not just for now,” Touchet said, “but for five, 10 and 15 years down the road. The chief does not get a 2% raise.”
The $13,000 that pushed starting salaries for officers to $40,000 is producing results, Chief Hardy added on Tuesday.
“We are receiving a lot of interest,” he told the council. “We have more than a dozen applications. That’s after zero in my first few months (in office).”
During the regular meeting, the council approved Hardy’s recommendation of three new hires. That puts the department at 27 members, five short of a full staff. Hardy said he is going to be selective in filling out the department.
“I’m looking bring in the best we can,” Hardy said.

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Carlin Dale Trahan

Fri, 02/17/2023 - 8:35am

May 26, 1939 – February 16, 2023

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Carlin Dale Trahan, 83, will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, Louisiana. He died on February 16, 2023, at his residence in Erath. Father Clinton Sensat, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, will be the celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services. He will be assisted by Deacon Timothy Marcantel. The Acadian Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Scripture readings will be proclaimed by Ashley T. Langlois.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home in Erath on Saturday, February 18, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. A Rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus at 12:30 p.m. Presentations will be made by the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion after the Rosary.
Inurnment will take place at a later date at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Erath.
Carlin Dale Trahan was born on May 26, 1939, in Kaplan, Louisiana, to Laurest John Trahan and the former Daisy Mae Suire. He graduated from Kaplan High School and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana before joining the Louisiana National Guard. He married Elsie Faye Dugas on June 16, 1962, and became a resident of Erath, Louisiana, where he operated a service station for several years. He then became employed by Superior Oil Company and worked in various capacities in the petroleum industry for many years until his retirement from Exxon Mobil.
Mr. Trahan was a “Jack of all trades” and could frequently be found fixing vehicles, lawn equipment, appliances, or other objects brought to him by family members and friends. He also made small repairs at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. He loved a challenge and was almost always able to figure out how to fix the items brought to him. He enjoyed reading about history and watching historical programs on television. Most of all, he loved his family with all his heart and delighted in visits from relatives and his many friends.
Carlin Trahan was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Council 3872 of the Knights of Columbus and of the A.J. Braquet Assembly 330 of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He also served as adjutant for the American Legion. For several years he was a member of the Twin Parish Port Commission. He was a volunteer for the Acadian Museum of Erath and had served as a board member of the Acadian Memorial History Museum in St. Martinville. He was interested in genealogy and traveled to Canada for Le Congrès Mondial Acadien three times. He was also a member of the Famille Beausoleil Association.
The survivors of Carlin Trahan include his wife, the former Elsie Faye Dugas; their son, John David Trahan and his wife, the former Sandra “Sandy” Comeaux, of Port Barre, their daughter Ashley Megan Trahan Langlois, her husband James Marshall Langlois, and her son Aiden Neal Quinn, of Maurice; their daughter, Anna Maria Trahan Trahan and her husband, Frederick Joseph Trahan, their sons Matthew Philip Trahan, Christopher Ross Trahan, and Jonathan Michael Trahan and his fiancé Rikki Berchild, all of Lafayette; their son, Donald Emile Trahan and his wife, the former Tina Marie Reaux, of Youngsville; their son-in-law, Joshua Korf of Sylvania, Ohio; his sister, Verdine Marie Trahan of Lafayette; his sister, Cheryl Trahan Pierret and her husband Glynn Pierret of Judice; his sister-in-law, Wanda Trahan of Kaplan; his brother-in-law, Rodney Dugas of Lafayette; and numerous Godchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. Trahan was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Elizabeth Nolia Trahan Korf; his brother, Gaylan Trahan; his sister-in-law, Norma White Dugas; his father-in-law, Eluse Dugas; his mother-in-law, Leurline Thibodeaux Dugas; and his grandparents, John D. and Anna Broussard Trahan and Neiger and Olita Richard Suire.
Serving as pallbearers will be Matthew Trahan, Christopher Trahan, Jonathan Trahan, Aiden Quinn, James Langlois, and Paul Poché.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, Louisiana.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

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Savannah Collins

Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Attempting To 15-year-old Locate Runaway

Thu, 02/16/2023 - 11:36am

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is actively attempting to locate the above pictured juvenile, identified as Savannah Collins (15-year-old, Black Female, DOB – 12/16/2007).
Collins ran away from a foster residence in Abbeville, Louisiana. Collins was last seen leaving the residence on February 9, 2023, at approximately 0148 hours, possibly picked up by a dark colored SUV.
Collins, and her 5 siblings, were recently placed in foster care due to medical neglect in the custody of their mother. Collins was in temporary foster care in Abbeville, La for 10 days. It is believed that Collins ran away after learning DCFS was going to be placing her with a relative in Bunkie, Louisiana.
Collins is believed to be in Lafayette, Louisiana or Opelousas, Louisiana. Collins is entered into NCIC as Missing.
If she is located or anyone has any information, please contact Sergeant Josh Hebert at 337-898-4403, your local law enforcement agency or 911.

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