Sheriff’s Office demonstrates equipment at Michoud Assembly Safety Fair

Several officers who took part are shown in front of the command center, including from left, Sgt. Chris Scheeler, Maj. Mark Poche, Sgt. Stephen Ingargiola, Det. Michael Schiro, Capt. Brett Bowen, Lt. Richard Mendel and Lt. Mike Ingargiola.	A crowd watches the State Police seatbelt roll-over car which spins until a dummy inside is ejected from inside, demonstrating what can happen in a wreck if an occupant isn’t buckled into a seatbelt.
Sgt. Stephen Ingargiola, third from the left, shows the bomb robot to two fair participants, while Lt. Mike Ingargiola controls the device, seated at far right.	A participant sees his reflection while looking at the SWAT truck.

The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office took part in the Nov. 13 Michoud Assembly Facility Safety and Health Fair at the NASA site in eastern New Orleans, joining State Police and dozens of companies. SBSO officers demonstrated equipment including its bomb robot – used numerous times to check out suspicious items found in public places – the department’s new mobile emergency command center obtained through a grant and its SWAT truck.

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St. Bernard residents can register at (504) 278-7628 for the free Refuse to be a Victim lecture on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sheriff’s Training Center at 2118 Jackson Blvd. in building behind the Courthouse

Here’s two easy suggestions to help persuade burglars to stay away from your house: Keep large dog’s water bowls near your front and back doors with water in them and leave a pair of men’s old, dirty work boots at the back door.

And you don’t even have to own a dog or have a man around the house.

That’s the kind of common sense advice St. Bernard Parish residents will get if they register and attend the free Refuse to be a Victim lecture by the Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sheriff’s Training Center at 2118 Jackson Blvd. in Chalmette. The center is on the second-floor in the building that also houses the Assessor’s Office and is directly behind the east side of the Courthouse.

But Sheriff James Pohlmann said there will also be solid, expert advice on all manners of crime prevention for your home, business and when you are out of parish on vacation or for business.

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of Community Relations and long-time crime prevention director for the Sheriff’s Office, will conduct the class which runs about two hours.

Call Borchers to register at (504) 278-7628.

“You will hear safety tips for avoiding becoming crime victims at home or away,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Capt. Borchers is an expert on what type locks, lighting timers and alarm systems residents and business owners should use and he will demonstrate them, as well as going over numerous tips for various situations.’’

Dozens of residents have taken the Refuse to be a Victim class since Sheriff Pohlmann began offering it to the public in 2011.

Sheriff Pohlmann said “much of this is common sense ideas’’ that some people may already carry out but they are important to be emphasized.

Borchers stresses in the course that, “You have to have a mental plan of action’’ at home or when traveling to be on alert for potential criminals. Seminar topics include home, automobile, phone, technology, travel and personal security.

Use strong locks and peep holes on home doors, Borchers said. Light-timers, alarm systems, video surveillance systems and motion lights are all good anti-crime strategies at home, he said.

He recommends double cylinder deadbolt locks with large screws put an inch into a large, solid frame so a door can’t be easily kicked open.

Borchers goes over various situations with participants, such as asking what they would do if they are home and someone came to the door saying they had a package for them to sign for – but there wasn’t a delivery truck visible outside?

Or what if a stranger comes to your door and asks to use a phone? Or what’s the best ways to stay safe in other locations while visiting?

For the answer to these and many other questions, Borchers said he invites residents to come hear what he has to say.

Refuse To Be A Victim is nationally recognized. It was developed in 1993 in response to requests from women nationwide for crime prevention seminars and became co ed in 1997. Thousands of men and women have benefited from the program’ message, which has been endorsed by members of the law enforcement community nationwide.

Borchers is also available at (504) 278-7628 for anyone interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch group in their area or to ask about other free programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office.

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Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division on the upswing and applications are being accepted for membership; St. Bernard residents should call (504) 278-7628 to apply

Bowles and Reserve Division Dep. Chris Palazzalo on patrol at a recent festival in St. Bernard Parish.

Reserve Division Dep. Corey Gonzales working security at a Chalmette High football game.

Capt. Charles Borchers, who coordinates the Reserve Division as part of his duties as head of Community Relations.

Reserve Division Dep. Scott Bowles, a former St. Bernard full-time sheriff’s deputy who left for a job in private business but has returned as a volunteer reserve.

Scott Bowles worked nearly 10 years as a deputy with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office before leaving for a job with a private business in 1999.

But about two years ago he requested to return as a Reserve Division Deputy, volunteering his time without pay to supplement manpower at events like festivals, parades, high school football games and other public gatherings.

Sometimes, he also patrols at night with the department’s regular forces.

Bowles said he enjoyed police work and decided he wanted to help the Sheriff’s Office again.

“I saw a need and I had the experience (in law enforcement,)’’ he said. “I figured I wanted to do it to help keep the parish safe,’’ Bowles said.

“I have a daughter here who just got married, I have a son here and other family members. It was something I wanted to do.’’

He said he has loved being a Reserve Division member and would encourage others who have the time and inclination to look into applying for the division.
“I can tell you the people in the Reserve Division are there because they want to do it for the parish.’’

St. Bernard Parish residents can apply for the Reserve Division by calling Capt. Charles Borchers, who is head of Community Relations for the Sheriff’s Office and coordinates the reserves.

Borchers can be reached at (504) 278-7628 and applicants will be directed to fill out further paper work.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Reserve Division saw its numbers nearly decimated by Hurricane Katrina.

Many of its members moved from St. Bernard Parish in the aftermath of the storm and weren’t able to continue on the force.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said the group is further on the upswing under Capt. Charles Borchers. The division was up to 20 members but the sheriff said he wants to build it to 40 residents committed to helping the parish. “We could use that many,’’ the sheriff said.

He said some reserve members have gone on to be hired as full-time regular force and are currently on the department.

Capt. Borchers said St. Bernard Parish residents who have a clean police record and would like to serve their community can apply.

All Reserve Division an applicants:
– Must live in St. Bernard Parish.
– Be able to pass a background check and drug screen, which would be done on all applicants.
– Be at least 21 years old.
– Have earned a high school diploma or GED.

“Applicants don’t need a background in law enforcement’’ to be a reserve officer, Borchers said. “ We will give you the training but wanting do it to help your parish is the big thing.’’

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Angela Street to close from Judge Perez to Mustang Drive in Arabi to facilitate needed road repairs

St. Bernard Parish Government has announces a road closure on Angela Street on Monday, Nov. 11, from Judge Perez Drive to Mustang Drive in Arabi to facilitate needed road repairs.

The road repair scope includes the combination of asphalt patching and asphaltic concrete mill and overlay. Mehle Street will serve as the detour route.

Hard Rock Construction plans to be completed with the roadway portion of the repairs by January 1, 2014. The roadway will be repaired block by block, working from Mustang towards Judge Perez, installing the necessary sand subbase and stone base followed by the asphalt binder course.

Once all base and asphalt binder work is completed the final asphalt wearing course will be installed for the entire stretch. Hard Rock will provide limited access when feasible and ensure everyone has pedestrian access to their homes.

All planned construction activities are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Parish officials appreciate the public’s continued patience and remind motorists to please drive with caution through the construction zone and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

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Chalmette cigarette store owner arrested for selling synthetic marijuana out of his store; He had 1.4 pounds worth $6,300 and also had $4,300 in cash

Kevin Kumar Shah, Chalmette cigarette stor owner arrested for selling synthetic marijuana from his store and had 1.4 pounds there.

Packages of 1.4 pounds of synthetic marijuana, $4,300 cash and other items seized at Shah’s store – Chalmette Discount Cigarettes.

A Chalmette cigarette store owner has been arrested for selling synthetic marijuana out of his store and he had 1.4 pounds worth $6,300 in a back room with $4,300 cash next to it when he was taken into custody, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Kevin Kumar Shah, 25, owner of Chalmette Discount Cigarettes at 1800 E. Judge Perez Drive, was arrested Monday, Nov. 4, and was later released from St. Bernard Parish Prison on a $50,000 bond. He listed his address as 867 St, Charles Ave., New Orleans. The store has reopened since he was released on bond.

In a twist, Shah’s own store surveillance system will be used as evidence against him, the sheriff said, because he is shown on the store system going into a blue bag where the cache of synthetic marijuana was found in a search of the store. The bag was in a back room when found but the owner was also shown on video bringing it to the front register area.

Also, the surveillance system shows Shah selling cigarettes to young people dressed in school uniforms who appear to be below the minimum age for legally buying tobacco products, which will be investigated and could lead to further charges.

Sheriff Pohlmann said, “These types of synthetic marijuana, whether known as Spice, MoJo or other names given them, have been illegal in this state for some time now. Some people wrongly believe are legal.

“But if you are selling or using synthetic marijuana we are coming after you.’’

Shah was booked with possession with intent to distribute 630 grams, or about 1.4 pounds, of synthetic marijuana, worth about $6,300 when sold at $10 a gram, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Shah was also booked with distribution of synthetic marijuana and possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia including pipes, scales and grinders.

The arrest, made at Shah’s store by the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Division led by Maj. Chad Clark, came after a month-long investigation. Based on evidence gathered, a search warrant was signed by a judge and it was executed at the business, the sheriff said.

Both Sheriff Pohlmann and Clark said they were angered that a business owner was selling an illegal drug out of his store under the guise of operating a legitimate business.

Clark said, “Are we going to have to re-focus attention on what are supposed to be legitimate business people?”

Shah admitted he was selling synthetic marijuana but said he didn’t know it was now illegal, a claim which whether true or not is irrelevant, the sheriff said. “Anyone distributing any product has the responsibility to know if it is illegal.”

“There is a reason this synthetic stuff was made illegal,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “It is made from chemicals sprayed on material and smoked, often by young people who have no idea what is in the chemicals. We have seen instances of people seriously affected by these synthetics.”

The Sheriff’s Office has made numerous arrests of people selling or using synthetic marijuana.

“We will continue aggressively going after anyone selling synthetic marijuana,” Clark said.

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Two St. Bernard Parish men arrested separately after receiving packages of about 1.5 pounds each of high-grade marijuana at their residences

Manny Gallardo, left, and Louis Menesses, both 32, arrested separately in St. Bernard Parish after each received a package of 1.5 pounds of high quality marijuana worth a total of $20,000 sent to their residences.

The three pounds of marijuana worth $20,000 seized by St. Bernard narcotics agents, along with a gun found in Gallardo’s home.

Two St. Bernard Parish men were arrested separately after receiving packages of about 1.5 pounds each of high-grade marijuana at their residences, both sent from California, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Manny Gallardo, 32, 3113 Fable Drive, Meraux, and Louis Menesses, 32, 1908 Kelly Road in eastern St. Bernard, have both been booked with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Authorities are trying to determine if the two men know each other.

The sheriff said the total of the nearly three pounds of expensive marijuana would have been worth just under $20,000 on the streets.

The arrests were made by the sheriff’s Special Investigations Division, led by Maj. Chad Clark, after receiving information about the marijuana having been sent.

An investigation is continuing into who sent the marijuana, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Gallardo was arrested on Oct. 31 after the marijuana was sent to his residence. A handgun was also found in Gallardo’s home. Gallardo was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison on bond of $10,000.

Menesses was arrested on Nov. 4 after the marijuana was sent to his residence. He is being held in St. Bernard Parish Prison in lieu of bond set at $25,000.

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N.O. man booked with burglary of two St. Bernard Parish businesses was identified by DNA found at the scenes, which the state crime lab matched to him

A New Orleans man booked with the burglaries of two St. Bernard Parish businesses was identified by DNA found at the scenes, which the state crime lab matched to him, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Richard Williams, 27, 6243 N. Rampart St., was booked into St. Bernard Parish Prison on Tuesday after he was arrested on warrants issued by a judge based on the DNA matches made on two burglaries committed in Arabi during the summer, the sheriff said.

A U.S. Marshal’s Service task force, of which a St. Bernard sheriff’s deputy is assigned, recently found Williams in New Orleans and returned him Tuesday to St. Bernard Parish.

Williams, who has a previous criminal history, is a suspect in several other unsolved burglaries in Arabi, all committed about the same time. He is being held in lieu of bond set at $25,000.

DNA which was matched to Williams by the state crime lab was found at both Arabi burglaries he was booked with, the sheriff said.

In one burglary, blood found at the scene after the burglar apparently cut himself on a window that had been broken was matched to Williams’ DNA, said Col. John Doran, chief of operations for the Sheriff’s Office. There was also DNA at another burglary scene which was matched to the suspect.

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Sheriff’s Office asking for public’s help to identify who ever spray-painted on the front of two houses in Arabi and one van; Call (504) 271-2501

The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying who ever spray-painted on the front of two houses in Arabi and one van on the night of Halloween or the early hours of Nov. 1, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

All three incidents were reported on Nov. 1 and apparently happened overnight late Halloween or early the next morning. Anyone with information should call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501.

The initials KMG were spray-painted in one area on the front of a residence on Carolyn Court and the same initials were spray-painted twice on a van in the 300 block of Sable Drive.

Also there was spray-painting found on the glass of a front door in the 600 block of Norton Drive.

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Claiborne Avenue Judge Seeber Bridge scheduled to reopen in less than two weeks, barring weather problems, state DODT says

Barring weather problems, the Claiborne Avenue Judge Seeber Bridge should reopen in less than two weeks, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said Tuesday.

The Claiborne bridge, the main way to downtown New Orleans for many St. Bernard Parish motorisits, has been closed since Aug. 2 and has been held up by constant delays since it was iriginally announced it would only be closed for several weeks.

A $4.8 million project to paint and perform other maintenance, has been the reason for the closure.

Currently, work on the west tower is complete, the state said, while the east tower is awaiting a final coat of paint. Blasting operations on the lift span are scheduled for the remainder of the week, with painting to start over the weekend or early next week.

Barring weather problems, the bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic by the end of next week, less than two weeks from now, the state said.

Prior to opening, the structure must be inspected to ensure the safety of the motoring public. The contractor will still have work to perform and a permanent lane closure in each direction will be required for six to eight weeks thereafter.

Last Wednesday, high winds blew down the containment tarp installed on the lift span. Contractor work crews required nearly a week to reinstall the tarp in order to contain the lead-based paint being removed.

DOTD continues to meet twice a week with the contractor, the design consultant, and the inspection consultants to assure project progress.

The bridge is currently in the “up” position and closed to vehicular traffic, with marine traffic passing through. Detours are the St. Claude and Florida Avenue bridges or the I-10 to Paris Road.

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