Playoff matchups – Week 1
November 7, 2017
Nicholls wins on Hail Mary
November 8, 2017
Terrebonne deputies made multiple arrests and seized heroin and methamphetamine in one of the parish’s most prestigious neighborhoods last week, following investigation and surveillance sparked by complaints from people living nearby.
Complaints had begun in February, but authorities said it is sometimes difficult to make a case strong enough to bring to court, and that it can take time. A few twists of fate resulted in action being taken, however.
Sheriff Jerry Larpenter said the Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force had been watching a 3,800 sq. ft. home at 101 Ellendale Boulevard, trying to gather enough information for warrants.
Three arrests were made in October, when people believed associated with the house were stopped in a car containing drugs and paraphernalia. They were Ryan Thibodaux, 32; Dinah Smith, 27 and Barbara Bollhalter, 37, Larpenter said.
Opportunity for a closer look came last Wednesday, when police were called to the location due to a disturbance.
Uniformed officers initially responded, as did narcotics agents. They found 30-year-old Shane Cedotal and 26-year-old Dodie Morris on the property along with Jazmine Babin, 19-years-old.
A warrant for the house was obtained, and a search conducted.
Multiple bags of crystal meth, a bag of marijuana, assorted prescription pills, digital scales, used syringes and other paraphernalia were found inside the house when the warrant was executed.
Cedotal was arrested for possession with the intent distribute crystal methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Morris was arrested for possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of a legend drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Babin was arrested for possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The resident of the house, Stephen Gonzales, had fled on foot into a nearby cane field and a search was conducted throughout the La. 311 corridor during which canines were deployed. A canine officer received information that Gonzalez was in the area of Lake Crescent Circle and officers responded there, learning that Gonzalez allegedly forced his way into a home there through a window. While there, Larpenter said, Gonzalez had eaten food from the house.
As a result of the investigation at his father’s house, Gonzalez was arrested on charges of legend drug possession, paraphernalia and possession of stolen things.
As a result of his presence at the Lake Crescent home Gonzalez was additionally charged with burglary of an inhabited dwelling.
Booked into the Terrebonne Parish jail along with his alleged acquaintances, Gonzalez did not stay long. Medical staff at the jail recommended hospitalization for what was regarded as a “pre-existing condition” and he was taken to Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center.
Stephen Gonzales was treated at the hospital and discharged but while exiting — in handcuffs — he ran from an officer.
Police pursued Gonzalez through woods and swamp, finally apprehending him on Acadian Drive.
He racked up additional charges of simple escape, theft under $1,000, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
The next day additional arrest were made. Cedotal was allegedly in a car with 33-year-old Mindy Orgeron. A search of the car resulted in seizure of multiple Klonzepam and Alprazolam pills. Cedotal and Orgeron were then arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Interviewed Monday, Larpenter said the Ellendale case is a reminder that the current heroin and opioid crisis is reaching into every neighborhood of every city and town, and not just Terrebonne Parish.
So far this year, Larpenter said, there have been 48 fatalities due to overdose. Last year, officers said, one of them was the younger brother of Stephen Gonzalez, David. He was 22-years-old.
