Archives: June2019

Violet man arrested for possession with intent to distribute narcotics & illegal possession of a stolen firearm

A Violet man was arrested June 6 on various charges, including possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and illegal possession of a stolen firearm, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Kordell Moore, 25, of the 2400 block of Colonial Boulevard in Violet, was booked with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of Ecstasy, possession of Tramadol, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, resisting an officer, speeding, illegal tint, turn signal required, and suspended driver’s license.

On June 6, around 3:30 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after it was spotted traveling at a high rate of speed and turning without signalling by hand or lamp on East Judge Perez Drive in Violet.

During the traffic stop, agents noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. As agents were questioning the driver, later identified as Moore, he tried to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended.

Following a search of Moore and his vehicle, agents recovered several clear plastic bags containing a total of more than 22 grams of heroin, 1.3 grams of cocaine, Ecstasy, Tramadol and a digital scale.

A fully-loaded Glock 26 .9mm handgun, which was reported as stolen, also was recovered, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

A criminal history check was conducted on Moore which revealed he is currently on parole for a 2018 conviction for felon in possession of a firearm.

Moore was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where he was booked on the above charges. He is being held on a $134,000 bond.

Sheriff Pohlmann reminds residents to call the Sheriff’s Office narcotics hotline at (504) 271-DOPE or 3673 to report suspected illegal drug activity in St. Bernard Parish. Callers can remain anonymous, and all calls will be acted upon.

Two St. Bernard men arrested for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, seize rifle and cash

Two St. Bernard Parish men were arrested June 18 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and a rifle and cash were seized, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Paul Johannessen, 23, of the 1900 block of Heights Drive in St. Bernard community, was booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute THC wax, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  

Brandon Traylor, 23, of the 1900 block of Jeanfreau Drive in Poydras, was booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and on a probation violation.

On June 18, around 1 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division were conducting patrols along Heights Drive in Violet in response to tips they received from anonymous sources about some suspected illegal activity in the neighborhood.

While patrolling the area, agents witnessed a male, later identified as Traylor, quickly retreat to the backyard of a residence upon noticing deputies.

When agents approached the residence, Sheriff Pohlmann said, another male, later identified as Johannessen, began to step outside of the house, but then quickly tried to retreat back inside once he noticed deputies.

As Johannessen opened the door, agents detected a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the residence, and a search warrant was obtained.

During the investigation, agents recovered two large, clear plastic, vacuum-sealed bags containing approximately 1.1 pounds of marijuana, several packages containing approximately 2.5 ounces of THC wax, a large glass smoking device, scales, and plastic baggies.

Sheriff Pohlmann said agents also recovered $2,394 in cash and a .9mm Palmetto Armory Rifle with two extended, high-capacity magazines.

Johannessen and Traylor were both transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where they were booked on the above charges. Traylor is being held on a $15,000 bond; Johannessen was released June 19 on a $56,500 bond.  

Sheriff Pohlmann reminds residents to call the Sheriff’s Office narcotics hotline at (504) 271-DOPE or 3673 to report suspected illegal drug activity in St. Bernard Parish. Callers can remain anonymous, and all calls will be acted upon.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division receives donation

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division recently received a donation from the Downtown Irish Club for the purchase of a lifesaving vest to be worn by a Reserve deputy while on duty.

Reserve Division deputies – unpaid, volunteer officers who supplement the department’s police force in specific situations – work during large scale events such as festivals, parades and athletic events throughout the parish, as well as performing extra patrols at local businesses during the busy holiday shopping season.

Sgt. Eric Eilers, left, accepted the donation from Steve Brandt with the Downtown Irish Club.

Lt. Brent Bourgeois graduates from FBI National Academy in Virginia

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Brent Bourgeois was among more than 250 law enforcement officers from across the globe who graduated June 7 from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The 10-week professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers provides instruction in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science.

According to Lt. Bourgeois, the course is broken down into several blocks of instruction taught by University of Virginia instructors and FBI agents. There’s a physical aspect of the course that includes weekly challenges that need to be met, and forums are held with fellow law enforcement officers who have participated in various national tragic events, including the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting.

During the course, Lt. Bourgeois completed training in classes which included fitness for law enforcement, critical incident leadership, crisis negotiations, contemporary issues in police media relations, law enforcement approaches to counterterrorism, essentials for law enforcement leaders and contemporary issues in law enforcement.

Lt. Bourgeois, who attended the course April 1 through June 7, said he was honored to represent the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at the FBI National Academy.

“Graduating from the FBI Academy is something I’ve always wanted to accomplish,” Lt. Bourgeois said. “I’m excited to take the valuable knowledge I’ve gained through this experience and use it throughout the rest of my law enforcement career.”

A 22-year veteran of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Bourgeois joins the ranks of a dozen top ranking, active officials with the Sheriff’s Office to complete this prestigious training.

Lt. Bourgeois has worked in various divisions, including communications, patrol, K-9, and the Street Crimes unit.

For the past 10 years, Lt. Bourgeois has worked in the Field Operations Bureau’s Traffic and Motorcycle Divisions. He also is an active member of the SWAT team.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies speak at Kiwanis Club meeting

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies speak at Kiwanis Club meeting

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Capt. Stephen Ingargiola and Sgt. Chris Scheeler of the Special Operations Division spoke at the May 21 meeting of the St. Bernard Kiwanis Club. Capt. Ingargiola and Sgt. Scheeler are both Hazardous Device Technicians certified through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They brought along the Sheriff’s Office bomb robot, and they spoke about some of the special projects they’ve worked on and about the history of the Bomb Squad.

Photos courtesy of Michael B. Chutz

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will conduct extra patrols for vacationing resident

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will conduct extra patrols for vacationing residents

St. Bernard Parish residents leaving for an extended period of time or for summer vacation can call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to request that deputies make extra patrols past their home while they are away.

“When thinking about the last-minute things you have to do before leaving, remember to call us for extra patrols,” St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Residents can call (504) 271-2501 to get on the list for the extra patrols.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the information is kept confidential and is revealed only to the officers assigned to patrol the section where the resident lives.

Residents also are advised to leave a contact number with the Sheriff’s Office so a patrol deputy can call them if there is something happens at their home, Sheriff Pohlmann said, including non crime-related matters such as damage from a wind or rain storm.

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of Community Relations for the Sheriff’s Office, including the Neighborhood Watch program, said the extra pass list has been used effectively for years and helps residents be assured their homes will have some extra protection while they are away.

Borchers said residents should consider the following crime prevention tips before leaving their home for trips:

Lock up. While this might seem obvious, some people forget to lock their house completely while rushing to get away. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.

Be careful who you tell that you plan to be away from your home. However, ask someone you trust to watch for anything unusual. Also, never leave a message on a phone voice mail system saying you are out of town because any caller would learn your house may be vulnerable.

The same is true with social media. It is foolish to announce to everyone you will be going on a trip. Wait until you return to post photos instead.

Do whatever possible to create the appearance that someone is home. Keep a vehicle in the driveway or out front of your residence. Maintain your lawn before you leave or have someone you trust mow your lawn while you are gone.

Put outdoor lighting on either timers, light-sensitive photocell mechanisms, or motion detectors. Use timers to activate inside lighting, radios, or TVs. Use LED light bulbs because they burn cooler than the standard light bulbs.

Don’t let deliveries accumulate. If possible, ask someone you know to pick up mail, newspapers, packages and any circulars placed on your front door. Stop delivery of any newspaper if you can so they don’t pile up.

Don’t leave keys under your doormat, flower pots or window ledges – intruders check these first.

Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick shrubbery and trees cover your windows, allowing burglars to work undetected.

If you have a security system, ensure it is armed and provide instructions to the central monitoring station – if you have one – to call your cell phone, the Sheriff’s Office and/or a particular friend, relative or neighbor if there is a problem.

If your area has a Neighborhood Watch program inform its officials about your vacation plans.

St. Bernard residents interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group in their area can call Borchers at (504) 278-7628.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies visit with OLPS students on Career Day

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies visit with OLPS students on Career Day

Several St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies visited with Our Lady of Prompt Succor School students on May 22 for Career Day. The deputies spoke to students about some of their job duties, and they brought along some specialized equipment.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to participate in

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to participate in
‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will participate in the “Click It or Ticket” National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization campaign to highlight the dangers of motorists not wearing seat belts, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

From May 20 through June 2, deputies will be taking to parish streets and highways to participate in the campaign, which is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission.

Seat belts have been proven to be one of the best ways to save someone’s life in a crash, yet many drivers, as well as passengers, don’t buckle up. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign focuses on safety education, strong laws and law enforcement officers saving lives.

Sheriff Pohlmann, who is a member of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, representing the 1st Congressional District, feels campaigns such as this one are an important tool for the Sheriff’s Office.

“These types of programs promote safety on our state roads and highway systems,” the Sheriff said. “Too many people are needlessly killed or injured each year in traffic accidents.”

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office prepares for 2019 hurricane season

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office prepares for 2019 hurricane season

With the beginning of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season nearing, Southeast Louisiana residents should begin making plans so they can be prepared if a storm threatens our area.

Preparing for hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30, should be something residents in our area are accustomed to doing, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“We should always be mindful of being prepared for hurricane season,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Remember, we are so close to the Gulf of Mexico, you can’t ignore the possibility of a hurricane.”

With that in mind, Sheriff Pohlmann said, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is ready to respond in case there is a storm threatening our area and possibly forcing the evacuation of the parish.

The department has a plan in place, which Sheriff Pohlmann said includes several boats at the ready, and a high-water truck that would be ideal for rescue or to haul personnel or equipment to respond to a storm.

Acquired through a federal grant in 2013, the Sheriff’s Office’s custom-built F-650 truck, which has a 37-inch lift and air brakes, is an important asset for hurricane season.

“It’s meant for high-water situations,’’ such as street flooding from heavy rains, the Sheriff said.

There also are thousands of sandbags already made by prisoners for use by residents, businesses and parish government. Plans are also in place in the event prisoners would need to be evacuated, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

In addition to equipment, Sheriff Pohlmann said various departments within the Sheriff’s Office have plans in place and are ready to execute them if need be.

For instance, members of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team train on various types of boats from the sheriff’s Marine Division in order to be prepared to immediately patrol neighborhoods in case of any type of rain event flooding.

“If parish government orders an evacuation of residents in any approaching storm we will facilitate that and then lock down the parish to prevent non-residents from entering,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

To be successful in preparing for a storm, Sheriff Pohlmann said residents need to do their part as well.

“That’s true for every family in this parish,’’ the Sheriff said. “Don’t wait until you hear a bad storm is approaching before you think about being prepared, such as whether or not you will leave and where you would go if necessary.’’

By preparing now, Sheriff Pohlmann said, you can avoid the rush at home supply stores and supermarkets, which always get crowded and run out of things as hurricanes or tropical storms approach.

“Don’t wait until the last minute,” the Sheriff said. “Have things like flashlights and batteries, bottled water, and medications on hand where you can easily find them if leaving becomes necessary.”

If you can afford it, Sheriff Pohlmann recommends stocking up on these items in the event you chose to stay during a storm and lose electricity for more than a day.

Anticipating the needs of older relatives and deciding what to do with pets if you had to leave, also are things to consider. The Louisiana ASPCA says pet-owners should never leave them behind when they evacuate because the animals would be at the mercy of the storm.

In the event of an ordered evacuation, Sheriff Pohlmann said, officers will make extra patrols through neighborhoods, as well as by boat along waterways if necessary, to protect property in the parish.

“We don’t want residents making a bad decision to stay simply out of concern over a possible burglar,’’ the Sheriff said.

Residents are encouraged to heed the advice of local officials when it comes to deciding to evacuate or ride out a storm.

“It reduces the need for search and rescue operations if there was actual flooding in a storm,” the Sheriff said, “and it reduces the possibility of the loss of life.”

Another way citizens can prepare for hurricane season is to stay informed.

Residents can register for the parish’s FirstCall Emergency Notification Service which provides timely information about hurricanes and other high profile events occurring in the area. These alerts will go to landlines, cell phones, SMS text messaging devices, email and pagers. For more information, or to register, visit the St. Bernard Parish Government website, sbpg.net.

St. Bernard Parish residents with special needs or those who have no resources to evacuate themselves are eligible for assistance in evacuating should a mandatory evacuation be called in the parish, either due to a hurricane or another type of emergency which might arise.

Residents can register with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness by calling (504) 278-4268. Information also is available at sbpg.net. Click on Departments, then Homeland Security, then Special Needs Registration.

In the event of an approaching storm, here is a checklist of items you will want to have on hand in a basic emergency supply kit:

Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
Three-day supply of non-perishable food
Can opener
Eating utensils
First Aid kit
Cash
Several complete changes of clothing and footwear per person
Cell phones and chargers
Bedding or sleeping bags
Fire extinguisher (small canister ABC type)
Bleach (no lemon or other additives)
Mosquito repellent
Tarp, rope, and duct tape
Toiletries including toilet paper
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlights and extra batteries
Sunglasses

For families with infants, remember bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, powdered milk and medications.

For adults and others with special needs, don’t forget medicine, such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies and extra eye glasses.

For pets, bring their ID tag, a photo of pet for identification purposes, a week supply of food, water, medications, and your veterinarian’s phone number. Don’t leave your pet behind. Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes. Most emergency shelters do not admit pets. Check with hotels in safe locations and ask if you can bring your pet.

Entertainment, especially for children, is important as well. Pack books for adult readers and for children, board games and/or other games that do not require batteries or electricity.

Also, remember to bring your important records in a waterproof, portable container. Include insurance papers or account numbers, an inventory of household goods, checks and credit cards, family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates, and important telephone numbers.

Taking photos of your home and its contents before you leave is also a good idea for insurance purposes.

Sheriff Pohlmann hopes this season will be a quiet one for St. Bernard Parish, but it’s best to keep a watchful eye and think smart.

“Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst,” the Sheriff said.

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