St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy: Week 4

Dep. Darlene Ricks, left, and Capt. Dennis Morgan, right, show Junior Deputy Academy participants what prisoners being held at the jail are required to wear.	Dep. Darlene Ricks shows Junior Deputy Academy participants what the exercise yard looks like at St. Bernard Parish Prison during a field trip to the jail.
Col. Kevin Sensebe, St. Bernard Parish Prison warden, right, and Capt. Justin Meyers, left, speak with Junior Deputy Academy participants inside the prison’s chapel during a recent field trip to the facility.	Junior Deputy Academy participant Jacob Lystra learns how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation from Dep. Darlene Ricks.
Dep. Darlene Ricks shows Seth Ruiz the correct way to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a Junior Deputy Academy class.	Nicco Tommaseo receives instruction on cardiopulmonary resuscitation from Dep. Darlene Ricks during week four of this year’s Junior Deputy Academy.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy’s fourth week included a visit to the Parish Prison and lessons in basic first aid and CPR.

The program, which began June 5 and runs through July 12, is patterned after the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy for adults. The purpose of the program is to teach youngsters ages 10-13 about the various aspects of law enforcement.

During the program, participants visit St. Bernard Parish Prison, are given firearms safety instruction at a local shooting range and basic first aid and CPR instruction, and they witness demonstrations with some of the department’s state-of-the-art equipment. The program will wrap up with a graduation ceremony July 18.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies undergo continued training

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. David Culpepper and Cpl. Tommy Duplessis traveled to Lowell, Massachusetts June 5 through 8 to obtain various training certifications offered by Safariland Training Group, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

During the 4-day course of study, Sgt. Culpepper received recertification as an instructor in chemical munitions, less lethal impact munitions, distraction devices and pepper spray.

Cpl. Duplessis received recertification as a senior instructor in defensive tactic systems, and certification as an instructor in expandable baton. He also received certification as a less lethal weapon armorer.

As a senior instructor in defensive tactics, Cpl. Duplessis is able to certify other deputies in this area of instruction, and also certify them as fellow instructors.

The training Sgt. Culpepper and Cpl. Duplessis receive, as well as that of all other deputies, is under the direction of Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, director of training, and Lt. Raymond Theriot, deputy director of training.

“Our deputies receiving these types of certifications shows our commitment to training and the importance of keeping our community safe,” Lt. Ingargiola said.

Sheriff Pohlmann said continued training for deputies is vital in today’s environment.

“It’s a question of being prepared in advance for what could happen, while hoping it doesn’t happen,’’ the Sheriff said. “It’s the preparation that’s the key.’’

Sgt. Culpepper, who has worked as a patrol officer in the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Bureau since 2011, also is a certified firearms instructor, taser instructor, and armed intruder instructor.

Cpl. Duplessis, who has been in law enforcement for 17 years, works in the Special Investigations Division Street Crimes Unit. He also is certified as an instructor in firearms training, hobble restraint and ballistics.

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St. Bernard Parish fireworks ordinance When can they be used legally for Fourth of July?

According to St. Bernard Parish ordinance, here are the times when fireworks can legally be used in the parish surrounding the 4th of July celebration:

From June 25 through July 2, fireworks can legally be used from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

On July 3 and 4, fireworks can be used from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

On July 5, they can be used from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., when all use of fireworks must end for the 4th of July period.

Any use outside these hours would be considered illegal disturbing of the peace.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office searching for Chalmette woman reported missing

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a 34-year-old Chalmette woman who was last seen earlier this month.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said the last time Mia Mitchell was seen by family members was on May 25 in Metairie when she said she was going to Mississippi to have repairs done to her car, a green 1999 Honda Accord with Louisiana plate ZRK437.

The last time family members spoke to Mitchell was by phone on June 3 when she said she was in Mississippi and her car had broken down. Mitchell has not been heard from or seen since.

Mitchell is a white female who is 5’5” tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has blonde hair and green eyes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mitchell is asked to contact the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office (504) 271-2501.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office searching for Chalmette woman reported missing

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a 34-year-old Chalmette woman who was last seen earlier this month.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said the last time Mia Mitchell was seen by family members was on May 25 in Metairie when she said she was going to Mississippi to have repairs done to her car, a green 1999 Honda Accord with Louisiana plate ZRK437.

The last time family members spoke to Mitchell was by phone on June 3 when she said she was in Mississippi and her car had broken down. Mitchell has not been heard from or seen since.

Mitchell is a white female who is 5’5” tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has blonde hair and green eyes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mitchell is asked to contact the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office (504) 271-2501.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest three Mississippi residents, including a juvenile, for distribution of marijuana, recover stolen handgun

Three Mississippi residents, including a male juvenile, were arrested June 18 in Arabi and marijuana and a stolen handgun were recovered after a deputy conducted a traffic violation stop, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Cleophus Walker, 18, of the 5300 block of Christina Lane in Jackson, Mississippi, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, no driver’s license, and failure to use a turn signal.

Corinesha Farinas, 17, of the 5300 block of Christina Lane in Jackson, Mississippi, was booked with possession of drug paraphernalia.

A 15-year-old male juvenile was booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, juvenile in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

On June 18 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after it turned without signaling from St. Bernard Highway onto Center Street in Arabi.

During the traffic stop, agents noticed a strong aroma of marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. Following a search of the vehicle and the three individuals, agents recovered a clear plastic bag containing approximately 13 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and several clear plastic baggies.

A Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun listed by the National Crime Information Center as stolen also was recovered, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Walker and Farinas were both transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked. Walker is being held on a $40,850 bond; Farinas was released June 20 on a $500 bond.

The male juvenile was transported to the St. Bernard Parish Juvenile Detention Center. His bond has been set at $50,000.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy: Week 3

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy participants were visited by members of the St. Bernard Fire Department who brought along their smoke house that simulates what it might be like to be in a fire.	Members of the St. Bernard Fire Department visited with St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy participants during week three of the summer program.
Sgt. Jeff Vega shows Junior Deputy participants, Jacob Lystra and Mark Loustalot, how to obtain fingerprints.	Sgt. Jeff Vega shows Junior Deputy participants, Selena Shaneyfelt and Valerie Perez, how to obtain fingerprints.
Sgt. Ryan Melerine, left, and Lt. Richard Mendel, show Junior Deputy Academy participant Thomas Gagliano how to retrieve fingerprints.	Sgt. Eric Eilers hands Marcuss Campbell his official Junior Deputy Academy t-shirt.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy’s third week included visits from the Detective Division and members of the St. Bernard Fire Department.

The program, which began June 5 and runs through July 12, is patterned after the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy for adults. The purpose of the program is to teach youngsters ages 10-13 about the various aspects of law enforcement.

During the program, participants visit St. Bernard Parish Prison, are given firearms safety instruction at a local shooting range and basic first aid and CPR instruction, and they witness demonstrations with some of the department’s state-of-the-art equipment. The program will wrap up with a graduation ceremony July 18.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest two cousins for distribution of marijuana, recover stolen handgun following traffic stop

Two cousins were arrested June 14 in Arabi and marijuana and a stolen handgun were recovered after a deputy conducted a traffic violation stop, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Herbert Cooper, 22, of the 1300 block of Westlawn Drive in Slidell, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to use a turn signal.

Harold Cooper, 22, of the 1500 block of Paula Street in New Orleans, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On June 14 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after it switched lanes without signaling and hit the median while traveling on Judge Perez Drive in Arabi.

During the traffic stop, agents noticed a strong aroma of marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. Following a search of the vehicle, agents recovered approximately 1.4 grams of marijuana, several clear plastic bags containing cannabis-infused edible foods, a digital scale, clear plastic baggies and clear plastic wrap.

A Glock 19 .9mm handgun listed by the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office as stolen also was recovered, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

A criminal history check was conducted on both subjects which revealed Harold Cooper was wanted on outstanding warrant out of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and another warrant out of New Orleans Police Department for domestic assault and battery.

The check also revealed both subjects have prior convictions for narcotics and firearms violations with guilty pleas.

Both subjects were transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked. Herbert Cooper is being held on $90,600 bond, and Harold Cooper’s bond has been set at $90,500.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests three Arabi men on various charges including narcotics and firearms violations

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrested three Arabi men June 12 on various charges, including possession with intent to distribute narcotics, firearms violations, and outstanding warrants, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Brandon Nodier, 41, of the 1600 block of Aycock Street, was booked on an outstanding warrant out of St. Bernard for carrying of a firearm by a convicted felon, and with possession of methamphetamine.

Michael Trahan, 29, of the 1600 block of Aycock Street, was booked with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methadone, and possession of Adderall without a prescription. He also was booked on outstanding warrants out of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for a traffic attachment, and out of St. Bernard for domestic battery.

Travis Shepherd, 26, of the 1600 block of Aycock Street, was booked on a warrant out of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for a traffic attachment.

On June 12 shortly before 11 a.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division executed arrest warrants for all three subjects at a residence on Aycock Street.

During the course of the investigation, agents found Nodier to be in possession of 3.6 grams of methamphetamine, and Trahan was in possession of 5 grams of methamphetamine, 6 tablets of Adderall, and 1.5 tablets of methadone.

A Taurus revolver also was recovered from Nodier, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

All three subjects were transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked. Nodier is being held on a $40,000 bond, and Trahan’s bond has been set at $33,000. Shepherd was released to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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“A day of observance” held by arabi church to honor local first responders

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann, right, meets with Pastor Robert Collins of Timothy Trumpet of Truth Ministry, left, during ‘A Day of Observance’ held June 21 on the church grounds in Arabi. Each year, the church prepares meals for local first responders to show appreciation for their hard work, dedication and willingness to put their lives on the line to protect their community.

Members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office enjoy a free lunch at “A Day of Observance” held June 21 by Timothy Trumpet of Truth Ministry in Arabi. Each year, the church prepares meals for local first responders to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Pastor Robert Collins of Timothy Trumpet of Truth Ministry and his congregation hosted “A Day of Observance” for local first responders on June 21 to show appreciation for their hard work, dedication and willingness to put their lives on the line to protect their community. Church members honored St. Bernard Parish police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians by serving them meals throughout the day on the church grounds, 7451 W. St. Bernard Highway in Arabi.

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