Archives: November2019

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

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

Two St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies graduated Nov. 22 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy.

Graduates are: Dep. Matt Chiasson and Dep. Chris Battaglia.

Dep. Chiasson received an award for having the second highest overall scholastic average in the class, and Dep. Battaglia received a physical fitness award.

The academy included more than 500 hours of training in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms use, criminal investigation, patrol procedures, writing reports, driving training and physical fitness.

Sheriff James Pohlmann attended the graduation ceremony, along with Col. Adolph Kreger, Maj. Walter Dornan, Capt. Stephen Ingargiola, Dep. Trey Parks, and Dep. Aaron Johnson, who also serves as chaplain.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest Chalmette man

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest Chalmette man
for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana

A Chalmette man was arrested Nov. 15 on various narcotics charges during an investigation conducted by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit, Sheriff James Pohlmann said. A firearm also was recovered.

Sean Clair, 26, of the 2300 block of Delille Street in Chalmette, was booked with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment, improper supervision of a juvenile, and probation violation.

During the investigation, Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents obtained information about Clair being involved in illegal narcotics activity in St. Bernard.

On Nov. 15, shortly after 10 a.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division executed a search warrant on Clair’s Chalmette residence where agents recovered cocaine, marijuana, packaging materials, a digital scale and more than $200 in small denominations. Agents also recovered a loaded .9 mm firearm.

A criminal history check was conducted on Clair which revealed he has a prior felony drug conviction out of Jefferson Parish for which he was currently on probation.

Clair was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where he is being held on a $56,000 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.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest Poydras woman

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest Poydras woman
for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

A Poydras woman was arrested Nov. 19 on various narcotics charges during an investigation conducted by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Nichole Fallas, 34, of the 2000 block of East Christie Street in Poydras, was booked with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and child desertion. She also was booked on an outstanding bench warrant for narcotics charges.

During the investigation, Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents obtained information about Fallas being involved in illegal narcotics activity in St. Bernard.

On Nov. 19, shortly before noon, Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division executed a search warrant on Fallas’ Poydras residence where agents recovered more than 15 grams of methamphetamine, six grams of marijuana, packaging materials, glass smoking devices and a digital scale.

A criminal history check was conducted on Fallas which revealed she has a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Fallas was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where she is being held on a $25,000 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.

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Sheriff James Pohlmann and the men and women of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff James Pohlmann and the men and women of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all veterans for their service.

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SBSO at Home Depot Kids Safety Day 2019

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at Home Depot Kids Safety Day

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is participating in The Chalmette Home Depot’s annual St. Bernard Kids Safety Day today (Nov. 9) until 2 p.m. in The Home Depot parking lot, 8601 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The event is open to St. Bernard Parish children of all ages who are accompanied by an adult.
There are games, food, refreshments, and a workshop where children are shown how to build various things.

The Sheriff’s Office has on display various pieces of special equipment, including its armored SWAT vehicle and bomb robot.

The St. Bernard Fire Department’s Fire Safety House is there to show kids how to drop and roll on the floor to escape smoke in a burning building.

The St. Bernard Antique Auto Club’s car show also is taking place in the parking lot.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in annual Veterans Day parade 2019

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in annual Veterans Day parade

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office joined forces with several other agencies, including Parish Government and the Fire Department, to participate in the parish’s annual Veterans Day parade held Nov. 9 in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Coordinated by St. Bernard Parish Government, the celebration is held each year to show appreciation for veterans of all branches of the military who have served in the past, as well as those who serve and protect today.

The parade, which began at 9 a.m. near the corner of West Judge Perez Drive and Old Hickory Avenue, disbanded at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Several veterans participated in the parade, as well as school marching groups and Honor Guard, Color Guard and ROTC.

Immediately following the parade, parish officials honored veterans during a ceremony in front of the Veterans Monument at the Civic Center.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office offers holiday safety tips

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office offers holiday safety tips

With the holiday season in full force, many of us will find ourselves rushing from place to place, making lists, and stressing over finding the perfect gift for that special loved one. Busy schedules, holiday parties and heightened stress can leave us distracted and not aware of our surroundings causing us to become easy targets for criminals, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Whether you’re shopping in the parish or elsewhere during this holiday season, Sheriff Pohlmann urges St. Bernard Parish residents to take extra precautions to avoid becoming a victim of theft or robbery.

“Remember to pay close attention to your surroundings when doing holiday shopping,’’ the Sheriff said. “It’s possible someone may be watching to take advantage of you because you’re distracted.”

Since the holidays are a time when people often let their guard down because they’re on the go, Sheriff Pohlmann said, “Remembering some common sense safety tips can reduce the chances of something going wrong.”

The Sheriff recommends shopping with a buddy or in a group, but if you must go alone, be aware of your surroundings and follow these simple tips:

Pay attention to where you park while shopping and, at night, park only in areas that are well-lit. Always try to park as close as possible to the store’s entrance, and remember to lock your vehicle doors. Taking a photo of where you parked with your cell phone is also helpful in case you forget.
Once in a store, men should protect their wallets from pickpockets and women should remember not to leave their purses unattended in shopping carts or on counters where they can easily be taken.
Always escort young children to a restroom because minors could be photographed, molested or even abducted if left alone in public restrooms.
When shopping in a large store or mall, establish a meeting place with children in advance in case you become separated or instruct them to go only to a store clerk or security officer for help, and not to a stranger who doesn’t work in the store.
Scan the parking lot before you exit a store for any suspicious activities, such as people standing in a group in one area or someone sitting in a vehicle watching patrons leave. If you sense something odd, you may want to ask a store officer to escort you to your vehicle.
When leaving a store, always exit from the door nearest your parked vehicle. Before heading to your vehicle, have your keys out and in your hand ready to enter your vehicle. Don’t wait until you reach your vehicle to start looking in your purse or pockets for your keys.
It’s a good idea to walk around your car and look inside it when you are in a crowded parking lot. Checking the inside of your vehicle before you enter it could prevent you from unexpectedly finding someone waiting in the vehicle to rob you.
Once inside your vehicle, lock the doors immediately before leaving your parking space. Avoid sitting in your vehicle, and doing things like talking on the phone or looking at social media. Leave the parking lot as soon a possible.
If you are making several stops while shopping, place your packages in your trunk or out of plain sight inside your vehicle. Leaving valuable items visible only provides a temptation to thieves.
If you suspect someone is following you, do not go home or pull over. You should remain calm and drive to a crowded place or a nearby Sheriff’s Office substation for assistance.
Once home, unload your packages immediately. Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary, and certainly never overnight.

The Sheriff also urges residents to call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 if they see something suspicious or 911 if they feel they’re in immediate danger. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Sheriff Pohlmann wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

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St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies who graduated Nov. 5 2019

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies who graduated Nov. 5 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy are, from left: Dep. Jacob Hadley, Reserve Dep. Josh Wolfe and Dep. Dwayne Drewes. Also pictured is Capt. Stephen Ingargiola, far right, who attended the ceremony with the graduates.

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Five St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies graduated Nov. 8 2019

Five St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies graduated Nov. 8 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., basic police academy at the St. Charles Parish Regional P.O.S.T. Academy. At the ceremony are, first row, from left: Graduates Dep. Stephen Oalmann and Dep. Keith St. Germain, Sheriff James Pohlmann, Graduates Dep. Michelle Waites, Dep. Bradley Labure and Dep. Colin O’Brien. Second row, from left: Cpt. Dennis Morgan, Lt. Kyle Brown, Dep. and Chaplain Aaron Johnson and Lt. Warren Chambon.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in Home Depot Kids Safety Day

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in Home Depot Kids Safety Day

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, along with the St. Bernard Fire Department and Acadian Ambulance, participated in the Chalmette Home Depot’s annual St. Bernard Kids Safety Day held Nov. 9 in the store parking lot, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The event featured games, crafts and building workshops for children, as well as food and refreshments.

The Sheriff’s Office brought along its armored SWAT vehicle and bomb robot, and the St. Bernard Fire Department had its Fire Safety House on site.

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