BAYOU CRIME

Authorities working hard to find suspect(s) in Bayou Blue burglary

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is offering a cash reward for information which leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for a burglary in Bayou Blue last week in which several thousands of dollars worth of property was stolen.

On July 6, deputies and detectives were called to the small community in reference to a complaint of burglary in the 100 block of Bayou Blue Road. While there, a resident told authorities that his mobile home and shed were burglarized and many valuables were stolen.

Investigators said they discovered signs of forced entry into both structures, while also noting that motion-sensor lights on the property had been damaged and security cameras were cut.

Several valuables were taken in the suspected burglary, including an all-terrain vehicle, an outboard motor, a covered trailer, a shotgun, a crossbow, a pressure washer, fishing rods, tools and other items.

The resident reported to authorities that he had last been at the property on June 30, so the break-in occurred sometime between June 30 and July 6 when deputies were notified.

Authorities are asking for public assistance in the case.

Anyone who may have information is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433.

Authorities said the reward may total up to $1,000.

Golden Meadow man accused of sexual battery of child

A Golden Meadow man is wanted by authorities after he allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with a victim under the age of 13.

In June, LPSO juvenile detectives launched an investigation after speaking with the victim in the case.

Through investigation, authorities said they learned that Rusty LeBouef, 36, of Golden Meadow, had allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the victim.

During the investigation, detectives were able to contact LeBouef, but he refused to cooperate in the investigation.

Since then, a warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges of sexual battery, though attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

LPSO is asking for public help in locating LeBouef.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433.

Information which leads to an arrest may net a reward of up to $1,000.

Authorities released a photo of LeBouef. In it, he has dark hair and a short, trimmed goatee.

Man wielding cane knife arrested for threatening citizens and deputies

A 30-year-old Gheens man is in custody of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office after he allegedly chased a woman with a knife, then raised the knife to deputies.

At around 6:45 p.m. on July 6, LPSO responded to a disturbance on North Leon Drive in Gheens in reference to a call of a man chasing a woman around with a knife.

Upon arrival, officers were told by a witness that Urie Ledet, 30, of Gheens, was seen walking along La. Highway 654 with a large cane knife in his hand. Authorities also learned that he was a resident in the 2100 block of the Highway.

Upon arrival to the address, deputies said they heard a disturbance in the back yard. As authorities approached, Ledet allegedly appeared from the rear of the house and began approaching deputies aggressively with the cane knife raised.

Deputies commanded the suspect to drop the knife and he did so after several commands.

He was then taken into custody.

After investigating the case, deputies learned that Ledet was allegedly chasing another man around his yard with the knife prior to LPSO’s arrival.

Authorities also contacted a woman who said Ledet did the same to her, which forced her to climb on top a shed to avoid him.

At that time, authorities said Ledet threw the knife at her, threatening to kill her.

When questioned, authorities said Ledet admitted to his role in the incidents.

He is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer.

He’s held on a $22,000 bond.

TPSO: Suspect committed 164 counts of forgery

A Houma woman is facing 164 counts of forgery after she allegedly stole more than $300,000 from a local business.

Terrebonne sheriff Jerry Larpenter said that in May, TPSO detectives were called to American Advance Technology on 226 Denley Road in Houma in reference to a complaint of theft.

Detectives investigated the case and learned that more than $300,000 was allegedly stolen from the business from 2009-17.

The suspect, Betsy Blanton, was allegedly responsible for paying bills for the company, which gave her access to the company’s finances.

Through investigation, detectives learned that Blanton allegedly used the company’s credit cards for her personal gain, which allegedly included paying bills and insurance an amount which totaled $130,000.

In addition, Blanton allegedly forged multiple checks and cashed them for her own personal gain an amount authorities said totaled $85,000 from one financial institution.

An inventory of the business account through another bank showed that approximately $135,000 was allegedly taken.

After receiving all of the official documents in the case, which supported the allegations against Blanton, authorities questioned the suspect.

During questioning, Blanton allegedly admitted to taking a large sum of money from the company to support a gambling habit, as well as paying personal bills.

The suspect allegedly disputes the amount of money taken, however.

After questioning, TPSO announced that it had arrested Betsy Lea Blanton, 43, of 319 Gouaux Avenue, Houma. She’s charged with theft by fraud over $25,000 and 164 counts of forgery.

Blanton is held on a $350,000 bond.

LeBouef

Ledet