374 stories in our archive · page 8 of 16.
Crime & Public SafetyJennings police are clarifying confusion among some residents who received grand jury summons, assuring the public that these are legitimate civic notices and not scams or arrest warrants. The department issued the statement to address concerns and prevent residents from ignoring their jury duty obligations based on misinformation about the notices being fraudulent.
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Crime & Public SafetyA 22-year-old New Iberia man, Jatavist Reedom, has been convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Officers discovered the gun in his hotel room, and Reedom admitted that the weapon belonged to him. The conviction carries serious legal consequences for individuals with prior felony convictions found in possession of firearms.
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Crime & Public SafetyA 20-year-old Honduran man, Kevin Renan Vargas Aguilera, has been indicted and charged with transporting a 13-year-old girl from Amelia across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The case involves serious federal charges related to the exploitation of a minor. Authorities are actively investigating the incident and prosecuting the case.
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Crime & Public SafetyChad Boudreaux, a 47-year-old Youngsville resident, has been charged with two counts each of first degree rape, molestation of a juvenile, and possession of a gun by a convicted felon. The charges stem from serious criminal allegations involving a minor. Boudreaux remains in custody facing these felony charges.
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Crime & Public SafetyA preliminary hearing continued for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, with attorneys debating which evidence should be made public. Kirk's family is pushing for transparency in the case during the third day of the evidence hearing.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Patterson police officer with a troubled employment history across multiple Acadiana law enforcement agencies has been placed on paid administrative leave following a traffic stop that raised public concerns. The decision was made after residents voiced their worries at a packed Patterson City Council meeting about the officer's past conduct and suitability for duty.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyA Patterson police officer with a troubled employment history across multiple Acadiana agencies has been placed on paid administrative leave following a traffic stop that raised public concerns. The decision came after residents voiced complaints at a Patterson City Council meeting about the officer's past conduct and actions during the recent stop.
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Crime & Public SafetyAuthorities have issued a scam alert warning residents about fraudulent vendor applications and payment schemes targeting the Scott Farmers Market. The City of Scott clarifies that it only accepts vendor payments in person at City Hall via cash, check, or money order, and does not accept payment apps like Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo. Residents should be cautious of anyone requesting payments through alternative methods.
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Crime & Public SafetyA West Monroe man, Kenneth Shane Harris, has been re-arrested on 200 additional counts of possession of child sexual abuse material following a forensic examination of electronic devices. The re-arrest was announced by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and resulted from a multi-agency undercover operation conducted by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation.
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Crime & Public SafetyFacebook scams are costing residents more money than scams on any other social media platform, according to recent FTC data. Brielle Blanchard, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, warns that scammers are able to hack into Facebook accounts and impersonate users to defraud others. Social media scams affect people of all ages and represent a significant financial threat to Acadiana residents.
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Crime & Public SafetyA grease fire broke out in the kitchen of a Lafayette home Monday night, causing significant fire and smoke damage to the kitchen and living room areas. Fortunately, the residents were able to evacuate safely with no injuries reported. The incident highlights the dangers of unattended cooking and the importance of kitchen fire safety.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office deputy named Elliott Phillips has been arrested in connection with a domestic disturbance incident. Phillips was transported to a local hospital for mental health evaluation and placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The incident raises concerns about law enforcement conduct in the region.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Eunice woman has been cited for allegedly selling native turtles online, a violation of wildlife regulations. Authorities seized six red-eared slider turtles from the operation and released them back into the water. The case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts to protect Louisiana's native wildlife from illegal trafficking.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyLouisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a woman on June 12 for allegedly selling turtles illegally in St. Landry Parish. The citation addresses violations related to the unlicensed sale of protected wildlife in the Acadiana region.
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Crime & Public SafetyLouisiana rapper Mystikal has been transferred to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola to serve a 20-year sentence. The New Orleans recording artist's transfer marks a significant development in his criminal case. This news is relevant to the local Louisiana community given Mystikal's prominence as a state-based artist.
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Crime & Public SafetyAn Avoyelles Parish mother discovered her 5-year-old son's photos were stolen and used by a woman in Atlantic City, New Jersey in a catfishing scheme that included faking the child's death and creating a fraudulent GoFundMe page. Denika Sampson is warning other parents about the dangers of sharing children's photos online and the risks of identity theft.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyA driver suffered moderate injuries after crashing into a building in the 2100 block of Pinhook in Lafayette. The crash was caused by a medical emergency the driver was experiencing at the time of the accident.
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Crime & Public SafetyA vehicle crashed into Andre G's Barbershop in Lafayette, causing damage to the business. No injuries were reported from the incident. The Lafayette Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Lafayette man, Javon Robertson, 40, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison on June 30 for methamphetamine trafficking after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentencing was handed down by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana.
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Crime & Public SafetyA New Orleans woman has been arrested following a carjacking incident on I-110 on Sunday, July 5, where she allegedly blocked traffic and fired shots. The incident resulted in a crash and drew a response from Governor Landry. She is facing multiple charges related to the carjacking and discharge of a firearm on the interstate.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Hammond Rural Area District fire chief was arrested early Tuesday by Livingston Parish deputies after allegedly entering a neighbor's home. The incident occurred in Livingston Parish and resulted in charges against the fire department official. Details about the specific allegations are still emerging from the arrest.
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Crime & Public SafetyThe Crowley Police Department has solved a cold case from 2020 involving a first-degree rape that occurred on July 7, 2020. The victim initially reported the incident in September 2020, alleging the suspect forced her at gunpoint to inject herself. The case has been reopened and solved according to police officials.
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Crime & Public SafetyA man was arrested following a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 140 mph across multiple jurisdictions in Jefferson Davis Parish on Monday. The incident involved police pursuit across the local area. The man now faces charges related to the dangerous chase and fleeing from law enforcement.
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Crime & Public SafetyThe Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited over a dozen boaters for driving while intoxicated during increased waterway patrols over the Fourth of July weekend. The enforcement action was part of a holiday safety initiative to reduce boating accidents and unsafe behavior on Louisiana's waterways. Local boaters are reminded to practice responsible behavior while operating vessels during holiday celebrations.
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