CRIME

Seatbelt stop nets drug arrests in Houma

The Houma Police Department made what it thought was a simple traffic stop on Dec. 2.

Upon investigation, the stop turned into a drug-related arrest.

Authorities said they were patrolling near Barrow and Honduras streets on the above-mentioned dates when they observed the driver of an Isuzu Trooper not wearing his seatbelt.

A traffic stop was conducted and authorities said investigation led to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

HPD Sgt. Jeff Lirette used HPD K9 Gunner to do an exterior search of the vehicle during which the dog showed a positive odor response to the passenger door.

An interior search was conducted and it yielded suspected heroin and several pieces of drug paraphernalia used commonly in the consumption of heroin.

At that time, the driver, Allison K. Long, 29, of Engeron Street, Houma and Shandy J. Hallman, 36, of Clay Street, Houma, were taken into custody.

Both Long and Hallman were charged with possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance I, possession of drug paraphernalia and no driver’s license.

Long was charged with no driver’s license.

Another male passenger was cited with no seatbelt and was released from the scene. Authorities said the illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia were seized as evidence.

HPD makes drug arrests

The Houma Police Department announced this week that it made three drug-related offenses last week after receiving information of suspected narcotics transactions taking place in the parking lot of a convenience store off the 500 block of South Van Avenue in Houma.

Officers arrived at the scene of that location on Dec. 6 and located two vehicles near the side of the building.

HPD authorities said that two suspects, Michael Ledet, 32, and James Williams Jr., 43, occupied one vehicle. The suspect in the second vehicle, William Gautreaux, 37, allegedly tried to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.

HPD K9 Falko was on the scene, and he gave Officer Corey Duplantis a positive odor response on both of the suspect’s vehicles. Ledet was charged with possession of a controlled, dangerous substance I (Methamphetamines) and transactions involving drug proceeds.

Williams was charged with possession of a controlled, dangerous substance I (Methamphetamines) and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled and dangerous substance II (MDMA) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gautreaux was charged with possession of a controlled and dangerous substance I (Heroin) and transactions involving drug proceeds.

All three were taken to the Terrebonne Parish Jail to await trial or bond.