Joint Investigation Leads to Several Narcotics Arrests
New Roads – In December of last year, Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division, Baton Rouge Field Office (LSP CID BRFO) initiated an investigation into allegations that 43-year-old Elie Edwards of New Roads was selling heroin and methamphetamine in Pointe Coupee Parish. Over the course of seven months, LSP led a joint investigation with multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Troopers identified numerous members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) with Edwards as its leader.
Troopers confirmed Edwards was distributing multiple narcotics including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and synthetic marijuana throughout the Pointe Coupee area. Extensive and meticulous investigative efforts culminated on August 4th, with the execution of multiple search warrants, several arrests, and the subsequent dismantling of the DTO. Throughout the course of the collaborative investigation, Troopers were assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana National Guard, Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Roads Police Department.
Cumulative search warrants resulted in the following seizures: 2 semiautomatic handguns (1 stolen out of Pointe Coupee), 1 AR-15 rifle, Heroin – 18.6 pounds approx., Cocaine – 1.2 pounds approx., Methamphetamine – 1.2 pounds approx., Marijuana – 4.4 pounds approx., Pressed Pills – 25 grams approx., Synthetic Marijuana – 1.4 pounds approx. The seized narcotics have an estimated total street value of $600,000.00.
The following individuals were arrested on various narcotics charges:
· 43-year-old Elie Edwards of New Roads Attempt and Conspiracy-Distribution of Heroin, Methamphetamine, Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoids, Cocaine, Schedule IV (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS- Methamphetamine (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids Felony), Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms (Felony), Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted or Certain Felonies (Felony)
· 42-year-old David Hayes of New Roads, LA Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin (Felony), Prohibited Acts-Schedule II (Felony), and Prohibited Acts-Schedule IV (Felony)
· 43-year-old Shannon Labatut of New Roads, LA Attempt and Conspiracy-Distribution of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoids (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin (Felony)
· 31-year-old Jerlanda Foster of New Roads, LA Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony)
· 53-year-old Loretta Dobard of New Roads, LA booked for Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony), Malfeasance in Office (Felony)
· 36-year-old Mary Victorian of New Roads, LA Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony), Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses
· 61-year-old William Tynes of Ethel, LA Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotic Drugs Listed in Schedule 1 (Felony), and Prohibited Acts-Schedule IV, Penalties (Felony)
· 32-year-old Bryan Francois of New Roads, LA Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II CDS (Felony)
· 30-year-old Darrel Harris of New Roads, LA Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/Possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 and Schedule II (CDS)
· 41-year-old Joshua Gustin of Ventress, LA Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/Possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 and Schedule II (CDS) Felony
· 34-year-old Leighann Kirby of Jarreau, LA Attempt and Conspiracy- Prohibited Acts-Schedule II, and Obstruction of Justice-Evidence Tampering
· 40-year-old Michael A Edwards of New Roads, LA Attempt and Conspiracy to Distribution of Schedule II CDS
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
Contact Information:
TPR Christian Reed
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 754-8524
