St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office holds Drug Take-Back Day

Lt. Chip Englande checks to see if anyone has dropped off unwanted or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications at the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Bureau at 4700 Paris Road in Chalmette. Residents can drop off unwanted medications at this substation year-round as part of an initiative by state Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators.

Marta Vincent, left, hands over some unwanted prescription medication to Lt. Chip Englande Saturday, April 28 during the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Drug Take Back Day.

Residents properly disposed of nearly 40 pounds of unwanted or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications on Saturday, April 28 as the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participated in the annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Narcotics officers with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office accepted the unwanted medications over a four-hour period at the Special Investigations Division substation, 7001 W. Judge Perez Drive in Arabi.

“We are glad so many residents took advantage of this opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets and get rid of unused drugs so they don’t fall into the hands of youngsters who might misuse them or thieves who could sell them on our streets,” Sheriff Pohlmann said.

The Drug Take Back initiative, part of a national effort spearheaded by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, has seen more than 4.8 million pounds of prescription drugs collected nationwide since its inception in 2010.

Sheriff Pohlmann said residents who could not make the recent Drug Take Back Day can properly dispose of unwanted medications year-round at the Sheriff’s Office substation located at 4700 Paris Road in Chalmette.

“We have been participating in the Drug Take-Back for a number of years by inviting the public to properly dispose of unwanted medications on specific days throughout the year,” Sheriff Pohlmann said, “And now, having a drop box at one of our substations year-round will create better, more convenient opportunities for people to do so.”

The drop box located at the Paris Road substation was installed as part of an initiative by state Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators.

The goal of the initiative is to have a location in every Louisiana parish where residents can drop off unwanted medications at any time in an effort to fight the opioid epidemic.

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2018 St. Bernard Parish Annual State of the Parish Luncheon

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann, center, was among the elected officials in attendance at the annual State of the Parish luncheon held April 26 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards also was in attendance.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards speaks at the annual State of the Parish luncheon held April 26 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette.

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann was among the elected officials in attendance at the annual State of the Parish luncheon held April 26 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette.

The luncheon, held by the St. Bernard Chamber, in partnership with St. Bernard Parish Government, featured remarks from Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, along with a presentation by St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis.

This year’s theme was “Building a Better Tomorrow Together.” The event showcased some of our communities’ accomplishments from this past year and the prospective goals of St. Bernard Parish Government for 2018.

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St. Bernard deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. police academy

Retired Maj. Jimmy Bartholomae congratulates his daughter, Dep. Jamie Bartholomae, on her P.O.S.T. police academy graduation, as well as for placing second in shooting and being named the first female graduate from the Slidell Academy to place in the top three.	Retired Maj. Jimmy Bartholomae, left, congratulates Dep. Brock Cadman on his graduation from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy.
Col. A. Kreger, left, congratulates Dep. Vincent Scandariato on his graduation from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy.	Dep. Scott Saigeon, left, congratulates Dep. Robert Smith on his graduation from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy.

Six St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies graduated April 27 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy.

Graduates are: Dep. Brock Cadman, Dep. Jamie Bartholomae, Dep. Nikolaos Stafford, Dep. Cody Bienvenu, Dep. Robert Smith, and Dep. Vincent Scandariato.

The academy included 569 hours of training in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms use, criminal investigation, patrol procedures, writing reports, driving training and physical fitness.

Dep. Jamie Bartholomae also was honored for placing second in shooting and being named the first female graduate from the Slidell Academy to place in the top three.

Representing the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at the ceremony were: Deputy Chief John Doran, Col. A. Kreger, Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, Sgt. Eric Eilers, and Retired Maj. Jimmy Bartholomae.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office issues arrest warrant for Chalmette man wanted for second degree murder

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for a Chalmette man who intentionally struck and killed with his vehicle another Chalmette man while he was riding his bicycle, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Robert Benbow, 26, of the 100 block of 4th Street, is wanted for the second degree murder of 46-year-old Michael Schulz, also of the 100 block of 4th Street.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on April 25, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about a man on a bicycle being struck by a vehicle in the 600 block of Chalmette Avenue in Chalmette.

When deputies arrived on the scene they found Schulz lying in the driveway of a home, suffering from fatal wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to witness accounts, Schulz and Benbow, who were acquaintances, were involved in an altercation. The two men parted ways after the initial argument, but witnesses say Benbow returned shortly after, made verbal threats to Schulz and then intentionally struck him with his vehicle.

Benbow fled the scene in a silver Jeep Commander with Michigan plates. The vehicle has been recovered, but deputies are still searching for Benbow.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Benbow, or other information about the case, is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters who call Crimestoppers can remain anonymous, do not have to testify and could be eligible for a cash reward.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests three teens in connection with rash of car burglaries in Chalmette

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrested several Chalmette teenagers in connection with a rash of car burglaries that occurred recently in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Three subjects were arrested in connection with the case involving six car burglaries which took place on April 18 at approximately 7 p.m.

A 14 year old and a 16 year old were both booked with six counts of vehicle burglary, and a 15 year old was booked with six counts of simple burglary.

The burglaries took place in the 3300 block of Veronica Drive, the 3300 block of Lyndell Drive, the 3200 block of Decomine Street, the 3300 block of Marietta Drive and the 3300 block of Plaza Drive.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau obtained video surveillance footage of the three suspects burglarizing the vehicles, and worked along with local school resource officers to identify the three suspects.

Once in custody, Sheriff Pohlmann said, all three teens admitted their involvement in the burglaries. Stolen items, including several wallets containing debit and identification cards, were recovered at the home of one of the teens, and a victim’s purse was recovered from where one of the teens reported hiding it.

A criminal history check on the teens revealed the 15 year old was arrested in July 2017 for vehicle burglary.

All three teens were transported to the St. Bernard Parish Juvenile Detention Center to be booked.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents who have had their vehicles burglarized to report any suspicious activity by calling (504) 271-2501.

In all of the cases, Sheriff Pohlmann said, the victims’ vehicles were unlocked.

Sheriff Pohlmann urges residents to keep their vehicles locked at all times in an effort to deter criminals from committing a “crime of opportunity.”

“This is why it’s very important to make sure your vehicles are locked at all times,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Locking your vehicle and not leaving items of value, especially guns, in plain sight can greatly reduce your chances of being the victim of theft.”

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office holds ‘Refuse To Be A Victim’ lecture at Nunez

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of community relations and longtime Crime-Prevention and Neighborhood Watch director for the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, shows participants at the “Refuse To Be A Victim” lecture held April 24 at Nunez Community College what types of deadbolt locks are best for homeowners.

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of community relations and longtime Crime-Prevention and Neighborhood Watch director for the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, talked to participants of the ‘Refuse To Be A Victim” lecture at Nunez about how to avoid becoming a crime victim.

More than 20 residents, including faculty and staff members from Nunez Community College, recently took advantage of free crime prevention advice by attending a “Refuse To Be A Victim” lecture given by members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The presentation, held April 24 by Capt. Charles Borchers, head of community relations and longtime Crime-Prevention and Neighborhood Watch director for the Sheriff’s Office, included safety tips on how to avoid becoming a crime victim.

Capt. Borchers, who was assisted by Sgt. Eric Eilers and Chaplain Aaron Johnson, offered advice on everything from the best kind of deadbolt locks for homeowners, to tips on how people who live alone can deter criminals, to suggestions about what to do and what not to do when you are going to be away from home for extended periods of time.

“You have to put yourself in the mindset that you are going to ‘refuse to be a victim’,” Capt. Borchers told lecture participants.

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Hit-and-Run Driver Strikes and Kills Pedestrian in St. Bernard Parish

Violet – Shortly before 10:30 pm on April 22, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop B began investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian that resulted in a fatality. The crash occurred on LA Hwy 39 (East Judge Perez Dr.) near the intersection of Caluda Lane in St. Bernard Parish. 53-year-old Stacy M. Billiot of Chalmette was killed as a result.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that Billiot was either standing or walking in the left lane of the westbound side of LA Hwy 39. As he was standing or walking in the lane of travel, an unknown westbound vehicle struck Billiot. After striking Billiot, the unknown driver of the vehicle fled the scene. Billiot was transported from the scene by ambulance to University Medical Center in New Orleans where he ultimately succumbed to injuries received as a result of the crash.

This crash remains under investigation. Troopers ask that anyone with any information regarding this crash please contact Louisiana State Police Troop B at 504-471-2775.

Pedestrians are urged to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian related crashes.

Troopers would also like to take this opportunity to remind drivers of the consequences of hit-and-run driving. Whoever commits the crime of hit-and-run driving when death or serious bodily injury is a result can be fined up to five thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor up to ten years, or both. More info on the hit-and-run driving law can be found at https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=78226.

Contact Information:

Sgt. Jared L. Sandifer

Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section

Office: (225) 925-6202
[email protected]
www.lsp.org

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to hold Drug Take-Back Day

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann encourages residents to properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications on Saturday, April 28 as the Sheriff’s Office participates in the annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back.

Narcotics officers with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will accept unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Special Investigations Division substation, 7001 W. Judge Perez Drive in Arabi, near the corner of Aycock Street.

“Residents should take this opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets and get rid of unused drugs so they don’t fall into the hands of youngsters who might misuse them or thieves who could sell them on our streets,” Sheriff Pohlmann said.

The initiative, part of a national effort spearheaded by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, has seen more than 4.8 million pounds of prescription drugs collected since its inception in 2010.

Sheriff Pohlmann also is pleased to announce the Sheriff’s Office now has a drop box located year-round at the substation at 4700 Paris Road in Chalmette.

“We have been participating in the Drug Take-Back initiative for a number of years by inviting the public to properly dispose of unwanted medications on specific days throughout the year,” Sheriff Pohlmann said, “And now, having a drop box at one of our substations year-round will create better, more convenient opportunities for people to do so.”

The drop box located at the Paris Road substation was installed as part of an initiative by state Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators. The goal of the initiative is to have a location in every Louisiana parish where residents can drop off unwanted medications at any time in an effort to fight the opioid epidemic.

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**TEEN FOUND Re: SBSO searching for Meraux teen reported missing April 3

*** TEEN FOUND
Keiyira Barton has been located and is in good health.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office on patrol throughout the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann, center, visits with parade-goers along the route of the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15 in Chalmette.	Standing with St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann, center, on Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette during the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade are, from left: Deputy Chief John Doran and Lt. Robert Broadhead.
Det. Donald Shreve directs traffic prior to the start of the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15 in Chalmette.	St. Bernard Parish deputies, Sgt. Jessie Gernados, left, and Sgt. Jeff Vega, worked along the route of the 17th annual St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15 in Chalmette.
Capt. Bret Bowen drives the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Mobile Emergency Operations Center along Judge Perez Drive during the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15 in Chalmette.	Capt. Charles Borchers aboard the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Mobile Emergency Operations Center during the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15.
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Eric Eilers with McGruff the Crime Dog, portrayed by Dep. Debrecca Richard, during this year’s St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15.	St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Drug Abuse Resistance Education Officer Lt. Lisa Jackson hands a throw to a spectator at the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15.
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Mobile Emergency Operations Center, driven by Capt. Bret Bowen, leads local parades by coordinating closures of main cross streets as the parade approaches and making adjustments in the speed of the procession. During the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade, Capt. Charles Borchers and Maj. Angie Huff posted regular location updates on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page from aboard the vehicle throughout the duration of the parade.	Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Det. Paul Sperandeo driving the The Hero One Louisiana Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Car during the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade in Chalmette on April 15. Hero One, a project spearheaded by Det. Sperandeo, travels around the state, serving as a memorial for fallen Louisiana law enforcement officers.
Lt. Raymond Theriot on patrol during the 17th annual St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15 in Chalmette.	St. Bernard Parish Prison inmate trustees clean up Judge Perez Drive following the 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade held April 15.

What a difference a day makes!! The 2018 St. Bernard Irish, Italian, Islenos Community Parade scheduled for April 14 was postponed until April 15 due to inclement weather. The parade rolled on under beautiful blue skies with crisp, cool temperatures as hundreds of riders on nearly 50 floats tossed approximately 500,000 pounds of produce to spectators.

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann and the men and women of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office were on patrol along the parade route throughout the duration of the 17th annual parade.

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