SOAP SUDS takes on sex offenders

Failure to comply with the Lafourche Parish Sex Offender’s Accountability Program (SOAP) cost six people their freedom last Tuesday.

Eleven remained at-large as of press time Monday.

“The state statue requires that every convicted sex offender register annually with the sheriff’s office. And, if the sex offenders are in violation of the law my office has a no-tolerance violation policy and they will be arrested,” Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said in a press conference last Tuesday morning.

Still wanted are: Beatrice Lirette, of Lafourche Parish; Michelle Alonzo, of Thibodaux; Brad Daggs, of Thibodaux; Chad Ordoyne, of Thibodaux; Jerrel Brunet, of Galliano; Edward Caldwell, of Raceland; Donald Young, of Raceland; Chase Poindexter, of Raceland; Lindel Williams, of Thibodaux; Allen Mobley, of Galliano; and Arthur Viguerie of Thibodaux.

Webre said the offenders will be pursued until they are all apprehended. He believes many will turn themselves in once they are made aware of the arrest warrants.

“Officers have gone to their last known residence. Most of the time, family members will warn the offenders and they eventually turn themselves in. However, those offenders fleeing arrest will be listed as fugitives on the national fugitive database until apprehension,” Webre said.

As a consequence to committing a sex crime, offenders’ register for either a lifetime or a 10-year period as mandated by the court. However, failing to re-register or register results in jail time and a lifetime membership with the sex offender registry.

Sgt. Trent Duplantis said the roundup brings the parish’s total to 154 registered sex offenders.

Last Monday, Operation Stopping Unregistered Delinquent Sex-offenders (SUDS) saw 11 warrants issued to the sheriff’s office. Louisiana State Police Troop C officers came along for the ride with eight warrants of their own.

Arrested were: Shawn Triche, of Raceland; Carl Esponge, of Cut Off; David LeBouef, of Raceland; Honorie Bertinot, of Thibodaux; Robert Guidry, of Houma; and Bernall Harris, of Raceland.

When the arrest warrant was issued Harris was already incarcerated.

“Harris’ warrant will be sent to the Department of Corrections for execution. This means more time can be added to his sentences,” Webre said.

The Lafourche department’s federally-funded sex offender division is under the direction of Sgt. Dennis Gordon.

Operation SUDS was started by the sheriff’s office nearly seven years ago in an effort to ensure compliance with the sex-offender registry laws. Offenders are required to register upon sentencing for sex crimes or release from jail.

“The purpose of the sex offender registry is to aid local law enforcement agencies in protecting the community, conducting investigations and apprehending offenders who commit sex offense crimes against victims and minors,” Webre said.

Residents can register for sex offender notification by logging on to the sheriff’s office Web site at www.lpso.net. Webre said when offenders register, residents within a one-mile radius of the offender’s home will be notified.

For more information about Operation SUDS, contact Gordon at (985) 448-4420.