LPSO: 33 arrests made in Narcotics Operation ‘Bad BOI’

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre reported the arrest of 33 people as a result of an investigation into narcotics distribution in the South Lafourche area. The investigation was dubbed Operation Bad BOI based on the street name for heroin (“BOI”).  It began in late 2020 and culminated in several searches and arrests, most of which occurred over the last two months.

During the operation, agents obtained eight search warrants for residences, including one on 64th Street in Cut Off which was searched twice in 12 days. More than $20,000 was seized as part of the operation.

“We believe this operation will have significant impact on the availability of heroin, methamphetamine, and especially fentanyl in the southern area of the parish,” said Sheriff Webre who hopes this operation sends a clear message to other drug violators. “Just because you don’t see an arrest every week doesn’t mean you’ll be able to continue to operate in this community. Our agents will continue to work to build cases and bring these violators to justice.”

The following individuals were arrested as a result of the operation:

1. Laura Alexander, 29, of Golden Meadow: Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of Heroin, Fentanyl, and Drug Paraphernalia (two counts), Contempt of Court (two counts);
2. Reed Anderton, 25, of Golden Meadow: Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia;
3. Taylor Anderton, 28, of Cut Off: Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia;
4. Bryce Arabie, 33, of Cut Off: Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
5. Robert Bourgeois, 53, of Cut Off: Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
6. Michelle Breaux, 42, of Larose: Possession of Heroin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Suboxone, and Drug Paraphernalia;
7. Trent Bruce, 39, of Galliano: Distribution of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
8. Thomas Cedotal Jr., 46, of Galliano: Distribution of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin;
9. Jermie Charles, 32, of Galliano: Principal to Distribution of Fentanyl, Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Fentanyl, Marijuana, Clonazepam, and Drug Paraphernalia;
10. Chris Cheramie, 26, of Galliano: Possession of Marijuana, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance;
11. Paul Collins, 58, of Golden Meadow: Distribution of Heroin;
12. Brinkley Dantin, 20, of Galliano: Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia;
13. John Dufrene, 56, of Galliano: Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia;
14. Jeromy Ferriss, 24, of Grand Isle: Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth and Violation of Probation/Parole;
15. April Garcia, 35, of Galliano: Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Fentanyl, Marijuana, Clonazepam, and Drug Paraphernalia;
16. Trudy Gremillion, 41, of Galliano: Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia;
17. Chelsey Griffin, 31, of Golden Meadow: Possession of Heroin, Meth, and Drug Paraphernalia;
18. Paul Heseltine, 52, of Galliano: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
19. Tyeine Jones, 43, of Houma: Possession of Heroin;
20. Holly Lee, 52, of Cut Off: Possession of Klonopin, Xanax, and Drug Paraphernalia;
21. Shelby Lefebvre, 27, of Galliano: Possession of Heroin (two counts), Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia;
22. Lynzi Lombas, 27, of Cut Off: Contempt of Court (six counts) *arrested during one of the searches*
23. Brian Martin, 54, of Cut Off: Distribution of Heroin (two counts), Distribution of Meth, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia;
24. Shrena Martin, 36, of Golden Meadow: Possession of Heroin;
25. Nikki Melancon, 32, of Cut Off: Possession of Xanax and Marijuana;
26. Dodie Morris, 30, of Galliano: Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Vicodin, Xanax, and Meth;
27. Josh Plaisance, 35, of Larose: Distribution of Heroin, Distribution of Fentanyl;
28. Meghan Plaisance, 33, of Larose: Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Meth, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia;
29. Haley Rogers, 30, of Larose: Possession of Heroin, Suboxone, and Drug Paraphernalia;
30. Chantelle Smith, 40, of Galliano: Principal to Distribution of Heroin;
31. Kaleb Smith, 23, of Galliano: Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia;
32. Alexander Williams, 28, of Houma: Distribution of Heroin;
33. Jill Williford, 48, of Cut Off: Possession of Meth (three counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (two counts), Possession of Xanax;

Additionally, Ann Williford, 74, of Cut Off was issued a criminal summons for Maintaining a Structure for Narcotics Use on three separate occasions.

Sheriff Webre encourages anyone who is suffering from addiction or knows someone addicted to seek help. “All to often, the call for help doesn’t come until there is an overdose, and by then, it is too late for some,” said Sheriff Webre. There are numerous options for help around the area. Anyone needing assistance is welcome to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Police Social Services section at (985) 449-4476, and the staff can assist you in seeking proper treatment. Alternately, the South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority has a crisis assistance hotline available 24 hours a day at (877) 500-9997.

In 2020, 11 people died as a result of heroin and opioid overdoses in Lafourche Parish. Since 2017, deputies began carrying naloxone, sold under brand names such as Narcan and Evzio, to use in emergencies to block or reverse the effects of opioids. In 2020, deputies used naloxone 66 times in responding to calls for heroin and opioid overdoses. In 2020, 52 of the 93 overdose calls to which deputies responded were in the South Lafourche area – nearly 56% of the parish-wide total.

This operation began under the leadership of Captain John Champagne, who supervised the Narcotics section for many years until his recent promotion to Support Services commander in January 2021. His diligence and effectiveness as a leader of the narcotics section resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars of illegal drugs, cash and assets seized over the years, combined with a multitude of arrests of dealers at every level.

Lieutenant Derek Champagne continued work on this operation following his promotion to commander of Narcotics section on February 1, 2021. Sheriff Webre describes Lieutenant Champagne as a “dedicated and proactive leader” and trusts that narcotics agents will continue to vigorously pursue drug offenders under Lieutenant Champagne’s leadership.

Citizens are encouraged to report any drug-related or suspicious activity. Information can be reported directly to Lieutenant Derek Champagne at (985) 532-4365 or derek-champagne@lpso.net. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the P3 Tips mobile app.