Ellis Batiste Jr., 31, of LaPlace was arrested Friday, April 5, 2024, in connection to illegal drugs activity in St. John the Baptist Parish.
In February 2024, the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division began an investigation of Batiste Jr. and his involvement in the distribution of illegal narcotics, specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine, in St. John the Baptist Parish.
Batiste Jr. has a criminal history including, but not limited to, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute schedule I CDS, possession of schedule II CDS, obstruction of justice, possession of Xanax, attempted second degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting an officer, battery of a correctional facility employee, battery of a police officer, flight from an officer, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, and possession of marijuana.
During the investigation, two vehicles and a residence in the 200 block of Elm Street in LaPlace were searched. In one of the vehicles, officers located and recovered over half a pound (about 306 grams) of crystal methamphetamine, about 13 grams of fentanyl, a semiautomatic handgun, and two digital scales. Detectives know through prior experience and training that the evidence recovered was consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Based on investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Batiste’s arrest. He was arrested April 5, 2024 and charged with prohibited acts, drugs paraphernalia (misd), illegal carrying of weapon with controlled dangerous substance, possession of firearm/carrying concealed weapon with convicted felon (felony), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (felony), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (felony).
Batiste is being held in custody in lieu of a $176,500 bond.