Sheriff Reports 4-25-2006

Arrests

• Sheriff Greg Champagne reports that members of the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that the subjects below were planning a drug transaction involving the sale of 1000 tabs of Ecstacy, which would take place in St. Charles Parish. On April 14, St. Charles Parish Agents along with DEA Agents arrested Cavalier and Wrens after witnessing this drug transaction take place. At the time of the arrest, Wrens and Cavalier were found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, two bundles of cocaine, and over $8,000 in US currency. This incident was an ongoing investigation involving DEA, St. Charles Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Kenner Police Department. Other individuals were arrested in conjunction with this investigation.

• Kevin Cavalier, 19, of 100 Dixie Dr., Bayou Gauche, was arrested and charged with conspire to att. to poss. with intent to dist. 1000 DU’s of MDMA(ecstacy), poss. with intent to dist. cocaine and poss. of a firearm during the sale of a CDS at 13146 US Hwy. 90, Boutte, on April 14.

• Michael Wrens, 36, of 6757 Willie Lou Ave., Houma, was arrested and charged with conspire to att. to poss. with intent to dist. 1000 DU’s of MDMA (ecstacy), poss. with intent to dist. cocaine HCL and poss. of a firearm during the sale of a CDS at 13146 US Hwy. 90, Boutte, on April 14.

• Bruno Simoneaux, 31, of 188 St. Marks St., Ama, was arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery on April 17. Sheriff Champagne reports that the above subject was arrested on a warrant that was issued on April 16, 2006 for the above charges. On April 14, 2006 the above subject allegedly attempted to rob a 25 year old man at knife point. Simoneaux held a knife to the victim’s throat and demanded money. The victim pushed Simoneaux away, at which time the two men fell to the ground wrestling. During the altercation, the victim was stabbed in his right side. A 20 year old female victim was also stabbed in the back of her left thigh while attempting to break up the men. Both victims were treated at St. Charles Hospital for their injuries.

• Courtney Sims, 23, of 2524 Idaho Ave., Kenner, was arrested and charged with hit and run, aggravated flight from an officer and poss. of a SCH II CDS (crack cocaine) in the 100 Blk. of East Club Dr., St. Rose, on April 19. Sheriff Champagne reports that the above subject was arrested after being involved in a hit and run. Further investigation revealed the subjects to be in poss. of crack cocaine.

• Sherman McGee, 20, of 2618 Helena Dr., Kenner, was arrested and charged with poss. of SCH II CDS (crack cocaine) and a fugitive from JPSO in the 100 Blk. of East Club Dr., St. Rose, on April 19. Sheriff Champagne reports that the above subject was arrested following a hit and run. Further investigation revealed the subject to be in poss. of crack cocaine.

• Dale Landry, 43, of 229 Mimosa, Luling, was arrested and charged with poss. of a SCH II CDS to wit Methadone at the above address on April 14. Sheriff Champagne reports that while responding to a separate incident at the above address, the above subject was allegedly found in poss. of Methadone.

• Mary Pucheu, 39, of 204 W. Hoover St., New Sarpy, was arrested and charged with poss. of a CDS to wit crack cocaine, poss. of drug paraphernalia and headlight out at LA 48/Ormond Blvd.,Destrehan, on April 13. Sheriff Champagne reports that the above subject was stopped for a traffic violation. Further investigation revealed the subject to be in poss. of crack cocaine.

Theft

• A digital camera, a video camera, an air conditioner unit, a watch, a vacuum cleaner and a tape recorder, valued at $1,225, was reported stolen from 154 Hollywood Pk., Montz, on April 17.

• A 2005 Honda 4-wheeler, valued at $5,000, was reported stolen from 10669 Hwy. 18, Ama, on April 20.

• A cook top stove, an oven, a dishwasher and a garbage disposal, valued at $4300, was reported stolen from 3 Riverbriar Dr., Destrehan, on April 22.

• A wedding ring, tennis bracelet, gold watch, an undetermined value, was reported stolen from 301 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan, on April 21.

• An air compressor and a generator, valued at $1250, was reported stolen from 13889 LA 18, Luling, on April 23.

• A 4 wheeler, valued at $2800, was reported stolen from 113 Villere Dr, Destrehan, on April 23.

DWI

• Don Matherne, 50, of 2109 Maryland Ave., Metairie, was arrested and charged with DWI and careless operation at US 61 @ Riverbend Dr., St. Rose, on April 18.

• Roel Velasquez, 27, of 333 Valencia Dr., Luling, was arrested and charged with DWI, improper lane use, poss. of marijuana and open container at US 90 & I-310, Boutte, on April 23.

• Craig Smith, 29, of 57 Brandon Hall Dr., Destrehan, was arrested and charged with DWI and improper lane use at I-310 northbound on April 22.

• Benny Whitis, 53, of 4601 West Why. 50 Lot 14, Emporia, Kan., was arrested and charged with DWI and careless operation at LA 18 @ Keller on April 22.

• Victor Taranto, 48, of 508 Gradenia Dr. LaPlace, was arrested and charged with DWI and reckless operation at US Hwy. 61 and the St. John Parish line on April 21.