Archives: December2013

Sheriff’s Office holds Reserve Division Appreciation Dinner Minimize

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office held an Appreciation Dinner for its Reserve Division on Dec. 11. Shown that night are: from left in front, Chief Deputy Sheriff Richard Baumy, Reserve Division Capt. Joe Ricca, Capt. Charles Borchers, Reserve Dep. Albert Loar, Reserve Dep. Sal D’Antoni lll, Maj. Mark Poche and Sheriff James Pohlmann; back row, Reserve Deputies Tony Jeansonne, Laurence Amberson, Aaron Johnson, Chris Palazzalo, Sgt. Mitch Perkins, Scott Bowles and Christopher Dupont.

Never show would-be burglars what you received as Christmas gifts

This photo shows a St. Bernard resident doing exactly what shouldn’t be done after Christmas: leaving empty boxes at the curb as trash and showing burglars what is new in your home, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“Please don’t advertise what you received for Christmas,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “That’s what you do if you leave empty boxes outside at the curb as trash.”

Instead, the sheriff said, take the time to tear up boxes and put them in a trash bag, then stuff them in your curbside mini-dumpster so no one sees what is new in your home, Sheriff Pohlman said.

“It is a small thing you can do to lessen the chance of being burglarized,” the sheriff said.

Sheriff Pohlmann and Maj. Clark tell D.A.R.E. program graduates in schools they must make the right choices in life and use the tools they have been given

At Joseph Davies Elementary, essay winners are, from left, Kaleb Larousse, Michele Wilson and Da’ Shyrah Sims. The fourth winner, Emily Brand, wasn’t present. On the right is Principal Donna Schultz. In back are Sgt. Darrin Miller, Lt. Lisa Jackson, Sheriff James Pohlmann and Maj. Chad Clark.

At J.F. Gauthier Elementary School, essay winners are, from left, Zoe’ Latapie, Isabella Bazile and Camille Thomassie; in back are Sgt. Darrin Miller, Sheriff James Pohlmann. Maj. Chad Clark, Principal Lisa Young and Lt. Lisa Jackson.

At Lynn Oaks School, in the front, from left, are essay runner-up Barry Alexis and winner Tori Mire; behind them students Cayden Lepine, Kobie Tremblay, Tori Baudot, Tatum Miller, Robyn Polk, Nanon Dean, Christian Moore and Principal Kim Duplantier. In back are Lt, Robert Broadhead, Capt. Ronnie Martin, Maj. Chad Clark, Sheriff James Pohlmann, Lt. Lisa Jackson, sgt. Darrin Miller and teacher Chris Wilder Jr.

At Arabi Elementary School. in the front row are D.A.R.E. essay winners, from left, Darrell Williams Jr., Olivia Chaupette. Jaila Day and Livia Deane; in back are Sgt. Darrin Miller, Capt. Ronnie Martin, Chief Deputy Sheriff Richard Baumy, Maj. chad Clark, Lt. Richard Jackson and Lt. Lisa Jackson.

Some of the parents at Gauthier are shown taking videos and photos of their children as they perform the D.A.R.E. theme song.

Children must concentrate on making the right choices to have productive lives, including listening to their parents and teachers and deciding who they should and shouldn’t associate with, Sheriff James Pohlmann said at several D.A.R.E. program graduation ceremonies in recently St. Bernard Parish schools.

And he said parents must “stay engaged with their children,’’ including talking often with them and looking for warning signs to help prevent drug use.

If necessary, drug test kits are available at pharmacies to test young people, the sheriff told parents. “If your child isn’t on drugs, hug them and tell them you love them. If they are on drugs, you still hug them and tell them you love them,’’ but look for treatment options to get to the problem, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Maj. Chad Clark, commander of the Special Investigations Division including the Narcotics Unit, said it takes the kind of education effort given by Sheriff’s Office drug resistance instructors at parish schools to affect the drug problem in America.

“We can’t arrest ourselves out of this problem,’’ Clark said, noting there still are overdoses and fatalities from drug use in St. Bernard Parish. But he said overdose deaths have been going down in the parish because of a combination of factors including law enforcement diligence.

Several hundred 5th-grade students recently graduated the D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, program given by St. Bernard sheriff’s officers Lt. Lisa Jackson, commander of the program, and Sgt. Darrin Miller.

Graduations were held at Arabi Elementary, Lynn Oaks School, Joseph Davies Elementary and J.F. Gauthier Elementary.

The D.A.R.E. program, held in both public and private schools, was re-established in 2009, four years after Hurricane Katrina.

“Parents must engage their children’’ on many levels and especially so when it comes to helping them avoid the peer pressure to get involved with drugs, alcohol or violence, Sheriff Pohlmann told a number of large audiences of parents and students.

“Learn the warning signs of drug use,’’ in young people, he said, including:

– Loss of interest in things they used to do such as sports or reading.
– Hanging around with new groups of friends unknown to parents.
– Sudden attitude or mood swings.
– Sudden problems connected with school and academics.

Talk regularly with your children and be familiar with their friends, the sheriff said.

If parents see signs of possible problems, don’t be hesitant to ask what is happening and, if necessary, use home drug-test kits to make sure they aren’t on drugs, he said. “Don’t wait until it is too late,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Maj. Clark told children they have received the tools they need to begin making right choices. He also said parents can call the SID Division at 271-DOPE (3673) to make an appointment if they want to discuss any particular problem involving their children and drugs.

Taking part in D.A.R.E. graduations from the Sheriff’s Office besides Sheriff Pohlmann, Maj. Clark, Lt. Jackson, Sgt. Miller and Capt. Ronnie Martin were Chief Deputy Richard Baumy and Lt. Richard Jackson at the Arabi Elementary graduation and Lt. Robert Broadhead at the Lynn Oaks graduation.

Reserve Division of Sheriff’s Office receives two donations: a cash gift from the Meraux Foundation and Associated Terminals donates four body vests

Rita and Floyd Gue of the Meraux Foundation donated a check to the Reserve Division at an Appreciation Dinner for the Reserves. Shown, in front are Rita and Floyd Gue, and behind them Capt. Joe Ricca of the Reserves, Chief Deputy Sheriff Richard Baumy, Sheriff James Pohlmann, Maj. Mark Poche and Capt. Charles Borchers,

Jason Perez, an operations manager at Associated Terminals, holds a protective body armor vest with Reserve Division Dep. Sheriff Albert Loar, one of four vests the company is donating to the Sheriff’s Office for the Reserve Division. Shown behind them are Maj. Mark Poche, at left, Sheriff James Pohlmann and Capt. Charles Borchers.

The Reserve Division of the Sheriff’s Office, a volunteer officer group the sheriff is trying to build back up, was the beneficiary of two recent gifts that will help – a cash donation from the Meraux Foundation and a donation of four protective body armor vests from Associated Terminals, exclusive operator of the Port of St. Bernard’s marine facilities, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“We appreciate it when others want to help us protect St. Bernard Parish and our men and women deputies who do the job each day,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said, adding the Reserve Division is special because the officers volunteer without pay and help supplement department manpower.

At a recent Appreciation Dinner for Reserve Division members, Floyd and Rita Gue of the Meraux Foundation were guests and announced they were making a cash donation to the Reserves to help with expenses involved.

Mrs. Gue told Reserve Division officers, as well as Sheriff Pohlmann and Chief Deputy Sheriff Richard Baumy, that, “I am proud to be a part’’ of helping the Reserves re-build.

Reserve Division officers have worked many public events held on their property, she said, including the Sugar Festival in Arabi, the Jambalya Festival and the Blues in the Parish Festival, both held at Docville in Violet. “I think of all the hours they have worked,’’ Mrs. Gue said of the volunteer officers.

Sheriff Pohlmann, Baumy, Capt. Charles Borchers who coordinates the Reserves as part of his duties, and Capt. Joe Ricca, a ranking officer with the Reserve Division, all thanked the Gues for their donation.

Centurion Arms and Vinson Uniforms donated gift certificates given to Reserve Officers at the Appreciation Diknner.

Also recently, Jason Perez, an operations manager at Associated Terminals in Chalmette, presented a vest at the Sheriff’s Office to the sheriff, Capt. Borchers and Reserve Division Dep. Sheriff Albert Loar.

Associated Terminals operates a fleet of high-capacity floating cranes at 11 facilities including at Chalmette Slip in St. Bernard Parish, in Plaquemines Parish and in Reserve. David Fennelly is director of the company.

Employees at Associated Terminals and the company donated the money to fund the donation of protective body armor, Perez said.

“We are a part of the community,’’ Perez said, “and you are protecting us. Why not help you?”

Sheriff Pohlmann said any company which would like to donate money specifically for a protective vest can contact Maj. David DiMaggio, Training Director for the Sheriff’s Office, at (504) 278-7632.

Sheriff Pohlmann also said he is grateful to the Reserve Division members who donate their time, saying their standard for qualifying is the same for full-time deputies and noted several members recently were hired to be regular deputies.

“I would like to get the Reserve Division up to about 40 or even 50 members,’’ the sheriff said. “We could use that many.’’

Capt. Borchers said he is accepting applications for the Reserve Division from St. Bernard Parish residents who have a clean police record and would like to serve their community.

Borchers can be reached at (504) 278-7628 to apply.

Several dozen residents hear advice on locks, alarm systems and other anti-crime strategies in Refuse to be a Victim lecture by the Sheriff’s Office

Capt, Charles Borchers addresses about 25 parish residents who attended the lecture called Refuse to be a Victim, which discussed crime prevention strategies,

Iris Sherlock of Chalmette, who attended the lecture, looks at a variety of a peephole which Borchers passed around, saying it was good for residential doors to see who is outside.

Capt, Charles Borchers demonstrates a lock to the audience, which he said was good for residences.

Ever think about what to do if someone comes to your door saying they have a package to be signed for – but there isn’t a delivery truck outside?

Or if a stranger at your door asks to use a phone?

Those were the things Capt. Charles Borchers discussed with 25 parish residents Wednesday night, Dec. 10, in a lecture called Refuse to be a Victim. He also gave advice on locks, alarm systems and all manner of crime prevention strategies for your home, business and when you are out of parish on vacation or for business.

First, if there is no delivery truck in sight, it is a good idea to tell a person asking for a signature for a package delivery to put their clip board down outside your door and go across the street, Borchers said. Then you take the clip board inside to sign it and put it back outside for them to pick up, he said.

It would be the only cautious thing to do, he said, because opening your door to a stranger is taking a risk.

Also, Borchers said, if a stranger wants to use the phone, “Tell them you will call someone for them from inside your home,’’ rather than letting them inside if there is no obvious accident that has just taken place outside.

Borchers, head of Community Relations and long-time crime prevention director for the Sheriff’s Office, can be reached at (504) 278-7628 if you want to start a Neighborhood Watch group in your area.

Borchers, assisted by Dep. Sheriff Eric Eilers, demonstrated what type locks, lighting timers and discussed alarm systems residents and business owners should use as well as going over various situations.’’

Sheriff James Pohlmann has made the Refuse to be a Victim course available for parish residents since early 2011, with the lecture given one of more times per year. Thousands of people have taken the course by law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

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.

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

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

Bushes and plants in front of windows are good, Borchers said, as well as cheap alarm peel and stick devices for back and side windows, such as in the kitchen and laundry rooms, which statistics show are likely places burglars try to break in.

Motion detectors, especially ones that all give off a noise, lights outside and dogs are all things that help scare away someone who might considering burglarizing a home, he said.

“What are the things burglars don’t like,’’ he asked. “They don’t like noise, lights or to be slowed down.’’ It is a good idea to stand outside your house and look closely at things burglars may think about when sizing up a place to strike.

Sheriff’s deputies train in firing at targets in the dark and dim light to simulate a night-time attack

Reserve Division Deputy Sheriff Chris Dupont fires at a target in the dark, with Lt. Raymond Theriot behind him.

The flash of the firing of a gun by Deputy Sheriff James Norsworthy can be seen as he takes cover during a simulated nighttime attack. Behind him is Assistant Training Director Lt. Raymond Theriot.	Capt. Brian Clark advances on targets in the dark, with Lt. Raymond Theriot behind him.
Lt. Raymond Theriot, left, and Training Director Maj. David DiMaggio. in a blue light cast by a patrol car during low light target training.	Deputy Lance Kramer, fires at a target in a blue light cast by a patrol car during low light shooting, with Lt. Raymond Theriot behind him

More than likely, if police officers are going to have a gun drawn on them it will happen at night, especially if they surprise someone in the act of committing a crime, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“Eighty percent of all shootings involving police, either being shot or having to exchange fire with a suspect, occur at night,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

For that reason, one of the training regimes for sheriff’s deputies involves shooting in “low light,’’ situations, basically firing at targets in the dark or dim light and from different stances or positions to simulate a night attack.

“You have to be prepared for a nighttime confrontation,’’ Sheriff’s Office Training Director Maj. David DiMaggio said. In the past, St. Bernard deputies have been involved in shootings at night.

Deputies and the sheriff’s SWAT team recently worked in different situations involving using weapons in low light situations, led by DiMaggio, Assistant Training Director Lt. Raymond Theriot, and firearms instructors Deputies Tommy Duplessis and David Culpepper.

“You need to be tested in different environments,’’ DiMaggio said. “As officers you have to work in darkness, rain, cold and heat.”

“Lethal weapons are harder to see’’ at night, Theriot said. “Distances are harder to gauge and colors are harder to distinguish.’’

Officers, using a range at Camp Villere in St. Tammany Parish, practiced such things as trying to get a flashlight on an area to provide light with one hand while simultaneously firing.

“They have to position themselves and not give their positions away,’’ Theriot said.

Training includes shooting from different positions, including walking, standing and kneeling.

To prepare for an attack on them while in their vehicle, officers practice getting out and taking cover and moving toward the suspect’s position. “Take the fight to them,’’ Theriot told deputies at one training session.

Santa on the Bayou toy distribution for kids a big hit at St. Bernard Catholic Church

Visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa on the Bayou toy distribution are, at left, Daylen McNeill being held by Mrs. Claus, portrayed by Jessica Naquin, and Alden McNeill, being held by Santa, portrayed by Darrall Monk.	With Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa on the Bayou Celebration are Jaquanna Sylve, standing; Mrs. Claus, portrayed by Philomene Serigne, who is holding Jayden Sylve and Jaqua Sylve; and Santa, portrayed by Frank Gioe; holding Jaylon Sylve and Jayni Sylve.
A large crowd waits in line outside to enter the building to meet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves.	Sheriff James Pohlmann, with daughter Victoria, who danced on the stage with a group from Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the Santa on the Bayou event, talks with Anthony Fernandez Jr., at right, director of the annual festival.

Summer-Rain Hills, 2, carries the present she received from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

It was cold and at times misting rain, but it hardly affected the turnout for the 14th annual Santa on the Bayou toy distribution to children on Saturday Dec. 7 on the grounds of St. Bernard Catholic Church on Bayou Road in the eastern part of the parish.

The giveaway, which includes Christmas-themed entertainment by young people, drew its usual large crowd of about 1,000. Hot chocolate was a favorite because of the chill.

Anthony Fernandez Jr., director of the annual celebration which originated years ago with a Christmas boat parade in eastern St. Bernard, said the event draws about the same each year.

“People who come out get stuck on (the event) and they come back to help,’’ Fernandez said.

“I thought turnout was excellent considering the weather,’’ Fernandez said.

Toys, food, drinks and other items given out are provided through individuals and companies in St. Bernard, he said. “We are thankful for our sponsors.” Santa on the Bayou is a non-profit group and contributions are deductible, he said.

Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division deputies provided security and Sheriff James Pohlmann attended, as well as other public officials including Parish President David Peralta, Council member Monty Montelongo, who represents the area, Council member Casey Hunnicutt and Constable Tony Guerra, who represents the area.

Sheriff gives safety tips for holiday season; Also reminds parents to be cautious about children’s activities during school break

With a child in one hand and bags in the other, people shopping during the heightened excitement and stress of Christmas and New Year’s activities can be targets for criminals, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said, and they should remember to pay attention to their surroundings in and outside of stores.

He also reminded parents to be cautious about their children’s activities during holiday school breaks.

Sheriff Pohlmann said whether St. Bernard residents are in the parish or elsewhere during the holidays as they shop for gifts or visit others, they should take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of theft or robbery as they go about their activities.

“It’s possible someone may be watching to take advantage of people distracted while busily rushing from place to place,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

“Holidays are a time when people often are on the go and could let their guard down. Just remember to follow some common sense safety tips to reduce the chances of anything going wrong.’’

Here is some advice for having a safe holiday time, Sheriff Pohlmann said:

Pay attention to where you park while shopping and, at night park only in areas that are well-lit, and then lock all doors. Once in a store, men should protect their wallets from pickpockets and women should remember not to leave their purses unattended in shopping carts and don’t put them down on counters or floors where they can be taken.

Escort children to a restroom because minors could be photographed, molested or, worst of all, abducted if left alone in public restrooms. If shopping in a large store or mall establish a meeting place in case parents and children become separated.

If possible, all parties should have cell phones to contact one another. Tell children in advance that if they become separated from you they should go only to a store clerk or security officer for help, and not to a stranger who doesn’t work in the store.

When leaving a store for a vehicle, scan the parking lot for any suspicious activities, people standing in a group in one area or sitting in a vehicle watching patrons leave. At night, you may want to ask a store officer to escort you. If walking alone, leave from a door nearest your parked vehicle, have your vehicle keys in hand and, once inside, lock the doors before leaving your parking space.

Also, when children are out of school for holiday breaks, parents need to be proactive and ask where they will be and establish times for checking in,just as they would in summer. Cell phones are the best method of directly staying in touch with teen-age minors who are away from their parents, but if they are going to another teen-ager’s home parents should insist on knowing the telephone number of an adult who will be there.

2013 Property Tax Notices mailed out; Due by 2 p.m. this Dec. 31 to avoid penalties and interest

The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, in accordance with Louisiana law, has mailed the 2013 property tax notices via U.S. mail to parish property owners and the taxes must be paid by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, to avoid any additional penalties and interest.

These notices were mailed to the address on file as provided to the St. Bernard Parish Tax Assessor’s Office. Property owners should have received these notices by now.

If anyone receives a tax notice for property they no longer own, please notify the sheriff’s Civil Tax Office at 504-271-2504 during regular business hours – Monday through Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.

If a property owner has moved and hasn’t received their 2013 tax bill, they need to call both the Sheriff’s Office to give their new mailing address so the tax bill can be sent to them and must call or visit the St. Bernard Tax Assessor’s office to give their permanent address change.

The Tax Assessor’s office is in a building at 2118 Jackson Blvd., directly behind the Parish Courthouse which is on West St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette. The Tax Assessor’s number is 504-279-6379.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office only maintains the address change for the current mailing. The Assessor’s Office keeps the permanent address.

Property taxes for 2013 become delinquent after 2 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2013. Interest will be charged at the rate of 1% per month or any portion thereof, under Louisiana R.S. 47:2101.

Tax bills can be paid at the Sheriff’s Civil Tax office located on the 2nd-floor of the Sheriff’s Annex, at No. 2 Courthouse Square. The Annex – which is raised above ground – faces Pakenham Drive and is the second of two buildings directly behind the Courthouse.

The Civil Tax office will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday and will re-open at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 27. It will close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 – at which time any property taxes not paid will be delinquent – then will be closed New Year’s Day and re-open at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 2.

Two St. Bernard Parish sex offenders wanted for failure to register new addresses; Anyone with information should call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501

Lawrence Winstead Jr., wanted for failure to register a new address as a convicted sex offender

John Zoller lll, wanted in St. Bernard for failure to register address as a convicted sexy offender. Goes with press release about him and Lawrence Winstead Jr.

Two convicted sex offenders in St. Bernard Parish are wanted for failure to register new addresses with the Sheriff’s Office after leaving residences, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The two are Lawrence Winstead Jr., 26, who had been living in Chalmette, and John Zoller III, 35, of Violet. Anyone with information about either’s whereabouts should call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501.

“By law, such registered sex offenders are required to notify law enforcement when they have a change of address so we can keep track of them,’’ and these two have not done so, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Winstead, who in 2009 pleaded guilty to attempted forcible rape, separated from his wife in November and said he would be living with his mother and step-father in Meraux, but didn’t go there, the sheriff said.

Winstead last contacted the Sex Offender registry in St. Bernard on Nov. 26 and spoke with Lt. Jeff Roderfeld, who heads that division at the Sheriff’s Office. During a conversation, Winstead stated he was staying with a friend in Chalmette but wouldn’t give the location, the sheriff said.

He is suspected of prescription medication abuse but isn’t considered armed and dangerous.

Zoller, convicted in 2008 of indecent behavior with juveniles, has been missing since Oct. 7 when a compliance check was made at his given address and the home owner stated he had left approximately two weeks earlier, the sheriff said.

His whereabouts remain unknown.

A warrant of arrest has been issued by a judge for Zoller’s arrest. He also isn’t considered armed and dangerous.