By JIM BUTLER

Weeks, in some cases months, of posturing and positioning, end Tuesday with opening of qualifying for the Fall elections.

Women and men will file their papers and pay the fees to run for offices ranging from Congress to city court.

Qualifying for federal and state posts is with the Secretary of State Office in Baton Rouge; local posts at the Clerk of Court’s quarters in the parish courthouse. Deadline is Thursday afternoon.

As with almost everything else you have to pay to play. Fees range from $1,500 for hats in the congressional ring to less than $100 for some local slots, in addition to any fees levied by party committees.

There is also a nominating petition process in lieu of the fees, with the number of registered voter signatures needed varying by office.

The primary election is November 3, as is the general election for US Senate. Any runoffs necessary will be on December 12.

Deadline to register to vote in the November election is October 5 if doing so in person; October 13 online. Early voting is October 20-27, excluding Sunday the 25th.

As they say, geaux vote.

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A suspect was being booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center 1 by deputies on July 31 around 5:50 pm when a struggle occurred with the suspect when he retrieved a small handgun concealed in his crotch area and shot himself in the head.

According to initial information, upon arrival at the jail, the arrestee was being processed, which included being strip searched by Corrections Deputies.

During the search, the arrestee became non-compliant with the Deputy attempting to conduct the search, forcing is way out of the search area and into a hallway inside of the jail, at which time he retrieved the handgun from inside his shorts and discharged one round, striking himself in the head.

Medical aid and life saving measures were immediately began by Corrections Deputies and medical staff. Pafford Ambulance arrived on scene and transported the subject to a local hospital.

The subject remains in the hospital in critical condition at the time of this release.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Corrections Security Investigators, and the Internal Affairs Investigators are currently conducting their investigation.

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The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced that Sherwood Drive in the Sherwood Forest Subdivision will be closed beginning Monday, Aug. 3, for drainage improvements.

The closure will begin at 7 a.m. Monday and remain in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6.

The roadway will be closed near Friar Tuck Road while crews install cross drains to improve drainage in the area.

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The City of Alexandria held a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 31 to celebrate the newly revitalized Masonic Sports Court, marking a milestone in the city’s REIGNITE initiative.

Originally built in the 1930s as a four-court tennis complex, the facility has been transformed into a multi-use recreation destination designed to encourage active lifestyles and provide recreational opportunities for all ages.

The renovated complex features six pickleball courts, a basketball court, four-square and hopscotch courts, ping-pong tables, cornhole, chess and checkerboard tables, a newly resurfaced parking lot and modern lighting for enhanced security and evening play.

The project also included resurfacing the city’s eight adjacent tennis courts.

City officials said the investment is intended to create a space where families can connect, friendships can grow and the community can gather for years to come.

Community members, city leaders and project partners attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the project.

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In mid July, Corrections Security Investigators informed agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit about the possibility of a Deputy assigned to DC-1 bringing in various types of contraband to inmates.

Anonymous information was provided that identified Deputy Cedric Allen, Jr. , 20 of Alexandria, was allegedly bringing in tobacco, Marijuana, Synthetic Marijuana, and sheets of paper infused with a synthetic spray commonly referred to as “K2 paper” that inmates request and pay for.

Through their joint investigation, Correction’s Security Investigators and RADE Agents learned that Allen, Jr. would be introducing contraband into DC-1 on his next night shift which was on July 23rd, 2026.

Once Allen, Jr. arrived for his shift, his belongings were searched and rolling papers were found in his back pack, which is considered contraband in a correctional environment.

An open air sniff by a RADE Narcotics K-9 was conducted around the exterior of Allen, Jr’s vehicle and a positive alert for narcotics was detected. A search of the interior of his vehicle revealed two black latex gloves twisted tightly both containing suspected narcotics, which is a common way to smuggle contraband.

A search warrant was then conducted at Allen, Jr.’s residence where RADE Agents located Marijuana, two rifles and four sheets of paper believed to be K2 paper.

Cedric Allen, Jr. was placed under arrest without incident and booked into DC-1 for Malfeasance in Office, Introducing Contraband into a Penal Facility, Criminal Conspiracy, Possession of CDS 1 (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS 1 (Synthetic Analogs) with Intent to Distribute, and two counts of Illegal Carrying of a Firearm with Drugs.

Cedric Allen, Jr. a three month employee, was also terminated upon his arrest.

Agents have been conducting an active, ongoing investigation over the last week and more arrests are possible.

“We hold our deputies to a high standard and this conduct does not represent the values of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office or the hard work of the dedicated men and women who serve our community every day” said Sheriff Mark Wood.

“All Persons Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty In A Court Of Law Or Administrative Action”

Arrestee:

Cedric OBrien Allen, Jr., 20

3806 Rose Marie Street, Alexandria, LA

Charges:

Malfeasance in Office

Introducing Contraband into a Penal Facility

Criminal Conspiracy

Possession of CDS 1 (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS 1 (Synthetic Analogs) with Intent to Distribute, two counts of Illegal Carrying of a Firearm with Drugs

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Aug. 2

Richard Day, 39, Cottonport – OWI first offense, no driver’s license, headlamps required, failure to secure registration, $1,700 bail;

Phillip Cortez Gurley, 35, Alexandria – stalking, no bail data;

Abigail Trantham, 22, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, resisting an officer, improper window tint, following too close, $1,900 bail;

Anderson Traylor, 34, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, three counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, paraphernalia, no driver’s license, improper turn, $1,200 bail.

Aug. 1

Dayvawn R. Calhoun, 32, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, contempt of court, $500 bail;

Catherine Victoria King, 30, Elles, Texas – simple battery on the infirmed, domestic abuse battery, five counts contempt of court, $20,500 bail;

Aaron Joseph Lazaze, 27, Pineville – possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, simple escape, two counts resisting an officer, $2,000 bail;

Tinera Tanaya Murphy, 28, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, open container, $1,200 bail;

Michael Price, 52, Pineville – second degree battery, simple battery, $500 bail;

Nena Marie Redmon, 44, Ball – aggravated battery, contempt of court, $500 bail;

Damieon Lyn Waller Jr., 32, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, running a stop sign, extradition proceedings, $600 bail.

July 31

Nasara Wajdi Allan, 38, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, $10,000 bail;

Hammadaedin Alsarama 22, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, two counts resisting an officer, $26,000 bail;

Michael Slade Burris, 57, Long Beach, Calif. – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, improper turn, $1,700 bail;

Keith Wayne Cockerham, 40, Pineville – OWI second offense, running a yellow light, open container, $1,700 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Gorrell, 35, Alexandria – disturbing the peace, two counts contempt of court, $10,250 bail;

Marcus Dylan Huff, 35, Deville – unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, criminal trespass, $1,500 bail;

Krystal Danielle Key, 40, Alexandria – theft, simple battery, criminal damage to property, $1,250 bail;

John Fitzgerald Marshall, 54, Alexandria – nine counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, four counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, four counts illegal carry firearm with drugs, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, $710,000 bail;

Johnny Lewis Wilson, 62, Alexandria – aggravated battery, disturbing the peace, $50,500 bail.

July 30

Francis Merlin Bourgeois, 57, Alexandria – sex offender failure to renew registration, parole violations, $10,000 bail;

Benjamin Clark, 39, Pineville – theft, $25,000 bail;

Matthew Ryan Dupont Jr., 42, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, 10 counts contempt of court, $40,500 bail;

Jeremy Tyrone Foster, 39, Logansport – domestic abuse battery, $5,000 bail;

Darcus Cortez Hayes, 44, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing heroin, attempt to distribute CDS, possession of synthetic CDS, improper lane usage, flight from an officer, driving under suspicion, safety belt violation, parole violations, $31,300 bail;

Andre Stephen Hogans, 35, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, no signals, four counts contempt of court, $16,100 bail;

Demarcus Deonta Lewis, 33, Alexandria – simple assault, contempt of court, $30,500 bail;

Lynn Denise Metoyer, 64, Natchitoches – four counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $251,000 bail;

Richard Allen Seymour Jr., 58, Alexandria – seven counts contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

James Vern Vercher, 69, Pineville – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $5,000 bail;

Justin Ware, 37, Elizabeth – arson with intent to defraud, two counts prohibited activities and sanctions, $3,000 bail;

Tyivirunte Jonquarious Wilson, 30, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, possession of CDS, $5,500 bail.

July 29

Javier Arkuis Brown, 35, N/A – hit and run, no driver’s license, careless operation of a vehicle, car jacking, $103,200 bail;

Annalyse Davis, 22, N/A – simple burglary, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Montez Derell Davis Sr., 39, Pineville – OWI with child endangerment, improper lane usage, open container, no child restraint system, $15,300 bail;

Baylon Joseph Dupont, 18, Pineville – theft, identity theft, $3,000 bail;

Latonya Renee Harrison, 46, Alexandria – forgery, $5,000 bail;

Travion Johnson, 39, Winnfield – two counts possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, driving under suspension, improper driving on left, $35,700 bail;

Byron Taylor, 25, Pineville – possession of CDS, obstructing public passages, $2,000 bail.

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Mr. Michael Hanson Pease, age 75, of Pineville, passed away on July 30, 2026 in his home.

Michael was born in Alexandria, LA and was a painter by trade. He was a devoted father whose love for his son Dustin knew no bounds. He was happiest surrounded by the people he loved, and that love was returned in full by everyone who knew him. He treasured the time he spent visiting his cousins, with whom he shared a close and loving bond throughout his life.

An avid reader, Michael had a passion for history and could often be found with a book in hand, exploring the past. He was also a devoted animal lover, and his pet cats brought him great joy. They will miss him just as much as everyone else who loved him.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mattie Pease.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Dustin Pease, who he loved deeply and was immensely proud of; his cousins, Norma Stone, Rhonda Nettles, and Pam Dupree.

Michael will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched. His love, his warmth, and his quiet devotion to his family will not be forgotten.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville, Randy Chenevert, Director.

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Funeral services for Mr. Kenneth James Brechtel, II, will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Pastor Wayne Dauzat, Pastor Connie Brevelle, and Brenda Brechtel officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mr. Brechtel, 31, of Ball, entered eternal rest on Monday, July 27, 2026.

He was a loving son, brother, and uncle who cherished his family and the time they spent together. An avid offshore fisherman, he proudly competed in and won several fishing tournaments.

In his younger years, he enjoyed racing dirt bikes and carried that adventurous spirit throughout his life. He was a talented leather craftsman, creating beautiful handcrafted pieces with skill and dedication.

He was also a true master at using a whip, even crafting some of his own by hand. Whether demonstrating his remarkable talent or sharing it with others, it was one of the many unique gifts that made him unforgettable.

He loved playing the harmonica, taking road trips, and embracing life’s adventures. He will be remembered for his many talents, his adventurous nature, and the love he shared with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Amanda Duplechain; his grandparents, John Brechtel, Jr. and Dorothy Brechtel; and his cousin, Amanda McKnight.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his father, Kenneth James Brechtel (Kristi); one brother, Johnathan Deville; three sisters, Jennifer Theriot (Cody), Sadie Ambrose (Colt), and Brooke Deville; two nieces, Lily Theriot and Adylinn Ambrose; two nephews, Hayes Theriot and Barrett Ambrose; and two aunts, Brenda Brechtel and Frieda McKnight (Fred).

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Lawrence Bailey, George Heard, Wayne Dauzat, James Foster, Terrell Deselle, and Ralph Swire, Jr. Honorary pallbearer will be Cody Theriot.

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Phonetic: /ab·​ro·​gate/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

to abolish by authoritative action
abrogate a treaty

to treat as nonexistent : to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a responsibility)

The company’s directors are accused of abrogating their responsibilities.

to suppress or prevent (a biological function or process and especially an immune response)

Continued progress in measurement and characterization of antibodies and strategies to abrogate antibody production both prior to and following heart transplant have been encouraging.
—Peter M Eckman

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Tony Joseph “Cajun Ace” Lemoine
March 9, 1940 – July 30, 2026
Service: Monday, August 3, 2026, 9am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Joseph Paul Bordelon
November 19, 1980 – July 28, 2026
Service: Monday, August 3, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Elnor “Honey” Myrtle Freels
July 19, 1937 – July 28, 2026
Service: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 9am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Kenneth James Brechtel II
August 25, 1994 – July 27, 2026
Service: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 12pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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A suspect was being booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center 1 by deputies on July 31 around 5:50 pm when a struggle occurred with the suspect when he retrieved a small handgun concealed in his crotch area and shot himself in the head.

According to initial information, upon arrival at the jail, the arrestee was being processed, which included being strip searched by Corrections Deputies.

During the search, the arrestee became non-compliant with the Deputy attempting to conduct the search, forcing is way out of the search area and into a hallway inside of the jail, at which time he retrieved the handgun from inside his shorts and discharged one round, striking himself in the head.

Medical aid and life saving measures were immediately began by Corrections Deputies and medical staff. Pafford Ambulance arrived on scene and transported the subject to a local hospital.

The subject remains in the hospital in critical condition at the time of this release.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Corrections Security Investigators, and the Internal Affairs Investigators are currently conducting their investigation.

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