28th Judicial District Court Busy Oct./Nov. Dockets

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Staff Report on

December 13, 2023

The months of October and November were busy in 28th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of LaSalle, with arraignments held, prison terms being meted out, others fined, numerous pleas taken, and other proceedings taking place.

The Honorable J. Christopher Peters, District Judge, presided at the sessions. Also at their regular duties were District Attorney J. Reed Walters and assistants, Deputy Sheriff/Bailiff Tommy Barton, Deputy Clerk of Court Reba McClure and Court Reporter/Administrator Amy Stapleton. October 23 & 24

Keneric Oneal Curry was present in court for trial by jury on charges of false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon, domestic abuse aggravated assault and domestic abuse battery by strangulation. After two days of trial and hearing testimonies from various witnesses and law enforcement officers, the 12-member jury found him guilty of all charges. He was remanded into the custody of the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered to be prepared and submitted to the Court by November 17. Sentencing was set for December 5, 2023.

October 25

Kyra Deville Boyd was present for a final pre-trial hearing on charges of possession of CDS II methamphetamine and use of CDS in presence of minor. She withdrew her previous plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to amended charges of possessession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of CDS in presence of minor. On the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, the Court ordered her to pay a fine of $500.00, plus all costs of court. On the charge of illegal use of CDS in presence of minor, the Court ordered her to pay a fine of $500.00, plus all costs of court. All fines and costs were to be paid by 3 p.m. that same day and she was released from her bond obligation.

October 30

Jarrod Preston Bellard failed to appear for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

John Ryan Bergeron pled not guilty to a charge of resisting officer by providing false information. Trial was set for March 6, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Lori L. Brewer pled not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II hydrocodone. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024.

Cameron D. Brown pled not guilty to felony charges of two counts of resisting an officer with force or violence and a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing on the felony charges was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Adriana Leshea Butler pled not guilty to a charge of criminal damage to property by defacing with graffiti. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

James Bradley Butts pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of protective order. Trial was set for March 6, 2024.

Henry K. Bynog failed to appear for arraignment on a charge of distribution of CDS II hydrocodone. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $100,000.00.

Trigger Isaiah Byrnes pled not guilty to driving while intoxicated first offense. Trial was set for March 6, 2024. He stated he would obtain his own counsel.

Shanna D. Carrico failed to appear on a felony charge of possession of CDS II buprenorphine. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $65,000.00.

Stephen Doughty pled not guilty to a charge of possession of methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024.

Luther Lewis Fisher pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of telephone harassment and a felony charge of menacing. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024 for the felony charge.

Wesley Ford pled not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024.

Justin Lee Gordon pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of constrictors and poisonous snakes. The Court ordered him to pay a fine of $250.00 plus all costs of court.

Jeffery Lee Hale pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault and a felony charge of resisting an officer with force. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024 on the felony charge. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Kasey L. Hatten pled not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024.

Ryan Hohorst pled not guilty to a felony charge of simple burglary. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024 and he stated he would obtain his own counsel. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Charles Cage Humphries pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of open container. The Court ordered him to pay a fine of $100.00, plus all cots of court, in default to serve 10 days it the parish jail.

Chad Jeffrey Legrande pled not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Mallorie Lee Marceaux withdrew her former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated first offense. The Court sentenced her to serve 10 days in the parish jail and pay a fine of $500.00, plus all costs of court. Further, she was ordered to attend and complete a driver improvement/ substance abuse program. All fines and fees were to be paid in full by 3 p.m. of that day. She pled guilty under the auspices of Article 894.

Ricky Glen Meeks pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of disturbing the peace by intoxication and contempt of court failure to appear at arraignment and a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing on the felony charge was set for April 19, 2024.

Nathan Lee Nobles pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer and a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing on the felony charge was set for April 19, 2024.

Christopher C. Nolan pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contempt of court failure to appear at trial and not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of remaining after being forbidden. On the contempt of court charge, the Court ordered him to pay a fine of $150.00 plus costs of court. The charge of remaining after being forbidden was reset for March 6, 2024.

Kayla Cloud Patten pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contempt of court failure to appear at arraignment and felony charges of issuing worthless checks $300 or more and issuing worthless checks over $500. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing on the felony charge was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Melinda D. Rainey pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of entry or remaining after forbidden. Trial was set for March 6, 2024. She stated she would obtain her own counsel.

Brian Stacy Rush, Jr. pled not guilty to two felony counts of sexual battery. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

James Lee Sharp pled not guilty to a felony charge of aggravated battery. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Tiffany J. Stephens failed to appear for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

Darrell W. Thompson pled not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of simple battery and a felony charge of domestic abuse battery of a pregnant woman. Trial on the misdemeanor charge was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing on the felony charge was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Kevin E. Trisler failed to appear for arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $10,000.00.

Landon Valure pled not guilty to felony charges of possession of CDS II methamphetamine and obstruction of justice. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Michael Allen Varnell, Jr. pled not guilty to a felony charge of criminal damage to property by defacing with graffiti. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Ricky W. Westbrook pled not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024.

The following individuals failed to appear on the following charges and the Court ordered the Department of Safety in each respective state be notified of their non-appearance: Michael Warren Alston, speeding 75/55; Seth Henry Myers, speeding 83/55; William Levell Phipps, III, speeding 75/55; D’Marcus D. Smith, fail to stop at stop sign and operate vehicle without a driver’s license; Matthew Christian Smith, speeding 75/55; and Keri Bullock Toth, speeding 70/55. Thomas E. Kelley pled not guilty to a charge of speeding 118/55. Trial was set for March 6, 2024. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Jaycie Dixon Skeldon pled not guilty to charges of improper stopping, standing or parking, fail to register vehicle and operating vehicle in unsafe condition. Trial was set for March 6, 2024.

Russell Howard Williams failed to appear for arraignment on a charge of speeding 76/55. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $500.00.

October 31

Seth A. Wiggins was present in court on a motion to quash on a felony charge of theft having value greater than $1,000.00 but less than $5,000.00. A hearing was held with exhibits filed as evidence. The Court ruled the motion to quash was denied. A status hearing was set for January 19, 2024.

James Bradley Butts had the victim of his charge, violation of protective order, appear before the court requesting the charge be dropped. On a motion by the State, the case was dismissed.

Raymond Terel Gardner was present in court for trial on charges of simple battery, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling and domestic abuse battery. He entered a plea of guilty to the charge of domestic abuse battery. The Court sentenced him to serve 90 days in the parish jail, plus pay all costs of court. He was given credit for time served on this charge. The other two charges were dismissed by the State.

Brant M. Hinton was present in court for a bond reduction hearing on his misdemeanor charges of simple battery of the infirm and resisting an officer and a felony charge of cruelty to juveniles. A stipulation was made between the State and the Defense, and his bond was reduced to $20,000.00.

Austin Lee Holton failed to appear for trial on a charge of disturbing the peace by intoxication. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $1,000.00. Bond on the underlying charge was set at $1,000.00.

Taylor R. Thompson was present in court for arraignment on felony charges of possession of CDS IV alprazolam, possession of CDS II oxycodone, possession of CDS II methamphetamine, introduction of contraband and a misdemeanor charge of contempt of court failure to appear at pre-trial hearing. She entered a plea of guilty to the charge of contempt of court failure to appear at pre-trial hearing and the Court ordered her to serve 15 days in the parish jail. She was given credit for time served on this charge. A final pre-trial hearing was reset on the felony charges for April 19, 2024.

November 9

Eddie N. Walker pled not guilty to a felony charge of criminal damage to property greater than $1,000.00 but less than $50,000.00 and misdemeanor charges of criminal damage to property less than $1,000.00 and driving under suspension. Trial on the misdemeanor charges was set for March 6, 2024 and a final pre-trial hearing was set for April 19, 2024 on the felony charge. The defendant was referred to the Indigent Defender’s Board for evaluation for appointment of counsel.

Kandon James Blewer withdrew his former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated first offense. The Court ordered him to serve 10 days in the parish jail and pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court. Further, he was ordered to attend and complete a driver improvement/substance abuse program. All fines were to be paid by 3 p.m. of that day. He pled guilty under the auspices of Article 894.

William B. Brown was present in court for a final pre-trial hearing on a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine with intent to distribute. On a motion by the State, a final pre-trial hearing was set for January 19, 2024.

Olivia M. Ford failed to appear for a final pre-trial hearing on a felony charge of simple escape. The Court ordered a bench warrant be issued and bond on the warrant was set at $500,000.00.

Earl Hatten pled guilty to an amended charge from felony possession of CDS II methamphetamine to misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The Court sentenced him to serve six months in the parish jail and pay all court costs. He was given credit for time served on this charge. Micheal Jackson withdrew his former plea of not guilty to a felony charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine and entered a plea of guilty to an amended misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. The Court sentenced him to serve six months in the parish jail plus pay all costs of the court. He was given credit for time served on this charge.

William D. Johnson was present in court for a pre-trial hearing on charges of battery of a dating partner and aggravated battery. The victim appeared and requested the charges be dropped. On a motion of the State, the cases were dismissed.

Micheal D. Jordan was present in court for a final pre-trial hearing on charges of home invasion and aggravated battery. Trial was set for November 13, 2023.

Willie C. Purvis, III entered a plea of guilty to charges of second degree battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of resisting an officer. On the charge of possession of a firearm by convicted felon, the Court sentenced him to serve 12 ½ years in the custody of the Department of Correction. He is to pay a fine of $1,000.00 plus costs of court. On an amended charge of attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the Court sentenced him to serve 7 ½ years in the custody of the Department of Corrections. He is to pay a fine of $1,000.00 plus costs of court. This sentence is to run consecutive to the sentence imposed on the other charge. The Court recommended he be housed at a facility where he can participate in a GED program. The remaining charges were dismissed by the State as part of a plea bargain, including charges against Lauren Faletti, who was charged with attempted manslaughter and domestic abuse batter with force or violence.

Jordyn L. Washington pled guilty to an amended charge, from felony aggravated battery to misdemeanor simple battery. The Court sentenced the defendant to pay a fine of $500.00 plus all costs of court.

November 13

Bruce L. Fletcher was present in court for trial on a charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine. He withdrew his former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to an amended charge of attempted possession of CDS II methamphetamine. A pre-sentence report was ordered to be performed and due back December 15, 2023. Sentencing was set for January 9, 2024.

Michael Jordan was present in court for trial on charges of home invasion and aggravated battery. He withdrew his former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty to an amended charge of simple burglary. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered to be performed due back December 15, 2023. Sentencing was set for January 9, 2024. The charge of aggravated battery was dismissed by the State.

Jeffery W. Thornton, Sr. was present in court for trial on charges of possession of CDS II methamphetamine and cruelty to juveniles. He entered a plea of guilty to an amended charge of possession of CDS II methamphetamine less than two grams. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered to be performed and due back by December 15, 2023. Sentencing was set for January 9, 2024. The State dismissed the charge of cruelty to juvenile and a post-conviction bond was set for $50,000.00.

The following individuals pled guilty to the following charges and their fines are indicated: Sheldon Bottley, speeding 70/55, $210.00; Ashley R. Butler, speeding 85/55, $250.00; Charles Carter, no seat belt, $27.00; Robin Rowe Christian, speeding 88/55, $250.00; Rufus Dixie Davis, speeding 81/55, $250.00; Darryl Bernard Dunn, expired MVI, $205.00; Samuel Alan Kotts, speeding 70/55, $210.00; Staci Lynnim Lirette, improper child restraint, $52.00; Walter D. Littleton, careless operation, $250.00 and no seat belt, $27.00; Wuanda F. McDonald, speeding 71/55, $210.00; Steven Ross Murrell, expired MVI, $205.00; Elizabeth Anne Pharis, speeding 73/55, $210.00; Donald D. Price, speeding 77/55, $220.00; John Colter Pyron, expired license plate, $195.00; Loni Peppers Smith, fail to apply for certificate of title, $195.00, no MVI sticker, $235.00, and no seat belt, $27.00; Allison J. Vercher, expired MVI, $205.00 and special restrictions on lamps, $210.00; and Lloyd Weatherspoon, careless operation, $250.00.