Crime Press Releases
St John Parish Sheriff's Dept.Ellis Batiste Jr. Arrested for Illegal Drugs Activity
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...
Four Males Arrested after Vehicle Crashes into House
Two men and two male juveniles from LaPlace were arrested April 3, 2024 after they fled from officers in a stolen vehicle then crashed 0the vehicle into a home in a LaPlace neighborhood. Arrested were Oscar Smith and Avante Ursin, both 18; a 13-year-old male; and a...
Juvenile Arrested for Threats to ESJH
A 15-year-old female from LaPlace was arrested January 29, 2024 in connection to a threat of violence at East St. John High School in Reserve. On December 12, 2023, school administrators were notified of a student making threatening statements toward others and the...
Two Men Arrested for Armed Robbery
Two local men were arrested January 26, 2024 in connection to an armed robbery that occurred on East 21st Street in Reserve. Arrested were Brandon Blackmore, 18, of LaPlace; and Markee King Jr., 18, of Reserve. On Sunday, January 21, 2024, about 7:30 p.m., a female...
SJSO Investigates LaPlace Homicide
SJSO detectives are investigating a LaPlace shooting that resulted in the death of 36-year-old Kenneth Ray Paynes of Baker. On Thursday, January 18, 2024, about 8:30 p.m., deputies responded to gunshots heard in the area of Captain G. Bourgeois Street in LaPlace. Upon...
LaPlace Teen Arrested for Rape
A 16-year-old male from LaPlace was arrested January 17, 2024 for rape involving juveniles. On January 15, 2024, the SJSO received a complaint of allegations of child sexual abuse of two juveniles. During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained evidence...
LaPlace Teen Arrested for Rape
A 16-year-old male from LaPlace was arrested January 17, 2024 for rape involving juveniles. On January 15, 2024, the SJSO received a complaint of allegations of child sexual abuse of two juveniles. During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained evidence...
Lewis Giles Jr. Arrested on Contempt of Court Warrants, and Faces New Charges
Lewis Giles Jr., 51, of LaPlace was arrested January 13, 2024 in connection to a major financial crimes investigation conducted by the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. In a previous financial crimes investigation of Giles, along with the current case, Giles now faces...
Trevin Williams Arrested After Striking Officers With Vehicle
Trevin Williams, 28, of Garyville has been arrested following a traffic stop incident in Garyville where he struck two deputies as he fled the scene. On November 28, 2023, deputies made a traffic stop involving Williams, who was wanted for an outstanding traffic...
LaPlace Businesswoman Arrested after Theft/Fraud Investigation
Raychell Harris, 41, of Harvey, was arrested December 18, 2023 following a credit card theft and fraud investigation into her LaPlace business. In November 2022, the St. John Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a report of credit card theft and...