Operation Crack Down targets Thibodaux dealers

Lafourche authorities arrested seven people – six of whom are suspected street-level crack cocaine dealers – last week in Operation Crack Down, the sheriff’s office said.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Sgt. Lesley Hill said the undercover sting came to a head Thursday, but that agents had purchased crack cocaine from dealers using a Paula Drive residence in Thibodaux’s Abby Subdivision as their base of operations. The house is approximately a half-block away from the neighborhood’s only playground, Hill said.

The Lafourche Parish Crisis Management Unit executed a warrant at the house last week. Lafourche narcotics agents, detectives, patrol deputies, K-9 officers and Thibodaux Police narcotics agents and Probation and Parole agents secured the perimeter.

The following were arrested:

• Vincent “Boom” Mitchell, 21, of 519 Paula Drive, Thibodaux, was arrested on warrants for distribution of crack cocaine (two counts), possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of marijuana.

• James Francis, 51, of 121 Freetown Lane, Labadieville, was arrested on a warrant for distribution of crack cocaine.

• Ebony Ellis, 37, of 1324 St. Charles St., Thibodaux, was arrested on warrants for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

• Germaine “Gates” Fletcher, 22, of 459 Paula Drive, Thibodaux, was arrested on warrants for distribution of crack cocaine (two counts).

• Marshall Cooks Sr., 22, of 111 Ridgeway, Thibodaux, was arrested on warrants for attempted distribution and theft under $300.

• Tryone “T-Cleeze” Wright, 19, of 459 Frederick Drive, Thibodaux, was arrested on a warrant for distribution of crack cocaine.

• Kevin Jones, 21, of 447 Frederick Drive, Thibodaux, was arrested on a warrant for distribution of crack cocaine. Jones was already in jail for violating his probation in August.

Narcotics agents guard the perimeter Thursday during Operation Crack Down, an effort to rid Thibodaux’s Abby Subdivision of drug trafficking. Authorities arrested seven people, including six suspected street-level crack cocaine dealers. COURTESY PHOTO