By JIM BUTLER

Chief Rapides Public Defender Deidre Fuller and those in several other area parishes won a round last week in their continuing effort to keep their jobs. 

According to Louisiana Illuminator, legislators for the second year in a row pushed back on State Public Defender Rémy Starns’ efforts to gain total authority over Louisiana’s sprawling indigent defense system. 

His proposal would also have made it easier for him to fire the small group of public defense attorneys who have publicly clashed with him. 

Two lawmakers hastily pulled bills from consideration Thursday after members of the House Committee on Criminal Justice questioned Starns’ motivation for pushing the legislation. 

The committee’s vice chair, Rep. Vanessa LaFleur, D-Baton Rouge, criticized the proposal as a “power grab” from Starns and then asked her colleagues to squash it.

Attorneys who run local public defender offices in central and north Louisiana also testified Thursday that Starns was using the legislation to push them out of their jobs. He was upset, they said, because they had opposed his bills at previous legislative hearings. 

“We are about to have our careers wiped out because Mr. Starns doesn’t think that we should come before you and share with you when we disagree with his policies,” said Michelle AndrePont, the head of Caddo Parish’s public defender office and one of the attorneys Starns is trying to dismiss. 

All of the attorneys at risk of losing their jobs testified during Thursday’s committee meeting. They said Starns was trying to fire them, primarily because they have criticized his policies in front of state lawmakers and the state public defender board. 

Collectively, the attorneys said they have over a century of experience working in public defense. None have received a negative performance review, they added. 

“What do we five have in common? We are active in the legislative process,” said Brett Brunson, who has run the public defender office in Natchitoches Parish for 18 years and is at risk of losing his job. “At times, we have been at odds with Mr. Starns and his proposals.”

When the public defenders testified last year, they warned they might lose their jobs over speaking out publicly against Starns’ proposals. A few legislators appeared taken aback Thursday that Starns was attempting to fire them.

“You all are the same ones who came in opposition? And all of you are the same ones who are now terminated?” Rep. Alonzo Knox, R-New Orleans, asked the attorneys. 

“Yes,” responded Trisha Ward, chief public defender for Evangeline Parish.

House Bill 447, sponsored by Rep. Les Farnum, R-Sulphur, would have eliminated a review process AndrePont and other chief public defenders are in the middle of now to fight Starns’ decision to fire them.  

It also would have taken away some limited power lawmakers bestowed on the State Public Defender Oversight Board just last year. House Bill 516, sponsored by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, D-Jackson, would have consolidated authority over local public defense funds and operations with Starns. Both bills were scuttled temporarily by the authors but could be brought up for reconsideration later in the session. 

At the urging of Gov. Jeff Landry, state lawmakers in 2024 transferred significant authority for managing the state’s public defender system from an oversight board to the state public defender’s position, which Starns has held since 2020. 

Starns had clashed with the previous state public defender board on several issues and told legislators last year its members were interfering with his ability to improve the public defender system overall.

The new version of the board, which has less power than its previous version, is made up of appointees from the governor, legislative leaders and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

 It oversees the public defense system’s largest contracts, mostly with private attorneys who provide death penalty defense, and it sets the salary scale for chief public defenders hired to run local offices. 

Yet even on these limited issues, Starns has had difficulties getting along with the new board, whose members were seated last July. 

The new board initially declined to go along with Starns’ proposal to route the death penalty contracts through local public defender offices. Its members have also twice turned down his proposed pay scale for chief public defenders, primarily because it would have cut the salaries of some by tens of thousands of dollars.

Previous legislation prohibits termination of any defender contracts before July 1 of this year.

In March, Starns sought an opinion from Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office on whether   he could unilaterally end district defender contracts this summer when they expire.

“There is no right to a hearing or an investigation if the annual contract is simply not renewed,” Assistant Attorney General Chimene St. Amant wrote in the memo of opinion.

By JIM BUTLER

Ambulances and animals are among the host of matters on today’s Police Jury meeting agenda.

Parish President Craig Smith proposes the jury receive and approve language provisions in the sole provider contract approved last month with Pafford EMS. 

The recommendations come from the Advisory Advisory Board, apparently prompted by Acadian Ambulance challenging some aspects of the pact approved last month. 

Acadian, the contract holder for decades, questioned Pafford’s filings in the bidding process and asserted the scoring system used by the jury was flawed. Jurors voted 5-4 to award the deal to Pafford. 

Before taking up the ambulance issue today, jurors will address Smith’s resolution to up the bounty paid for beaver tails. 

Currently, the parish pays $35. That would increase to $50. 

The parish doesn’t actually take possession of the tails. Paperwork is completed by trapper and landowner and date-stamped photos of tails are presented to the parish prior to payment. 

Beavers are classified as outlaw quadrupeds in Louisiana and can be taken year-round during daylight hours. They are a nuisance in many areas and a constant threat to low-lying timber stands. 

Contrarily, in extraordinarily dry periods their dam building is valued as a water management factor. 

A steady drop in the price paid for beaver pelts (imagine – the pelts were once so valued as to be an impetus for our nation’s westward move) has led to a decline in the numbers trapped, hence an increase in the numbers chewing their way through cypress and other timber.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Louisiana Christian University baseball team opens its second straight NAIA regional appearance this morning, as the fifth-seeded Wildcats meet No. 4 Indiana Tech in the Kingsport Opening Round double-elimination bracket.

Game 1 of the regional will take place at 10 a.m. CT with LCU (29-24) meeting Indiana Tech’s Warriors (37-19). The winner will face top-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan (42-11) at 5 p.m. CT today. The loser this morning will play on Tuesday morning at 10 against the loser of the Cumberland (37-16-1)-Columbia (41-9) contest.

LCU earned its second straight NAIA Tournament berth by reaching the championship of the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament, won by the overall national No. 1 seed, undefeated LSU Shreveport (51-0).

Live stats can be found here and every contest will be live streamed here.

NATCHITOCHES — While music at the Natchitoches Jazz Fest provided thousands with an enjoyable Saturday experience downtown, while two visitors provided plenty of inspirational stories and good humor at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.

Louie Cook, who is continuing a 52-year football coaching career, and author Gaylon White were spellbinding and entertaining in a free 75-minute presentation at the museum Saturday afternoon.

White has written a book, “Coach of a Lifetime,” that chronicles Cook’s life and reaches far beyond football stories. Saturday’s museum program followed that theme.

White, a Los Angeles native and University of Oklahoma graduate who now lives in Kingsport, Tenn., is a former Denver Post and Arizona Republic sportswriter who also spent decades in corporate public relations for major corporations such as Hallmark Cards, Goodyear and Eastman Kodak. He  has written four other books.

Cook has won over 400 games in 41 seasons as a high school football head coach. He has been at Notre Dame of Crowley since 1997 and said as long as he can continue to have positive influence on young people, he will continue in that role.

He stresses family values and faith with his players and all those surrounding the Pioneers’ program. Three of his former players have become priests, along with a host of others who are leading happy and successful lives in a variety of roles and fields.

White said it was his idea, not Cook’s, to write the book, which is published by the international firm of Bookman & Littlefield and has attracted national attention. He became aware of Cook while visiting Crowley doing research for another book.

This one has been well received nationally.

“I’d never heard of Lewis Cook before, but now, thanks to Gaylon White’s book, I won’t forget him,” wrote Jerry Izenberg, a nationally-renowned sportswriter based in Newark, N.J.

During Saturday’s presentation, Cook shared a fascinating series of stories from his life, most from his coaching career, and reflected on the evolution of education and leadership in our society. He said teachers and coaches face unprecedented responsibilities today and more than ever need the support and most of all, the involvement, of parents and family members in the lives of students.

The book is available on Amazon.

Cook, inducted in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, will return to Natchitoches for the 2025 LSHOF Induction Celebration June 26-28, he said, to support his friends and 2025 inductees Danny Broussard, basketball coach at Lafayette’s St. Thomas More Catholic School, and former LSU and Alabama coach Nick Saban.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday afternoon, May 8, that Xzavion Johnson was convicted. He was found guilty of Manslaughter. Johnson has been sentenced to seven years in prison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lea Hall. 

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a three-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 28 East at Rosier Road on Thursday, May 8, at approximately 4pm. The crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Gretchen A. Lucas of Acme.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2019 Honda Pilot, driven by Lucas, and a 2013 Peterbilt were eastbound on Louisiana Highway 28 East. For reasons still under investigation, Lucas failed to slow down as the Peterbilt was preparing to make a left turn onto Rosier Road. As a result, the Honda rear-ended the Peterbilt, causing it to enter into the westbound lane of travel. After this initial impact, the Honda was struck a second time by a westbound 2020 Freightliner.

Lucas, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. The driver of the Peterbilt, who also was restrained, sustained no injuries. The driver of the Freightliner, who also was restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

May 11

Gage Tyler Derosia, 30, Deville – OWI first offense, open container, Louisiana fugitive, tail lamps emit red light, $1,200 bail;

Ashleigh Danielle Galloway, 38, Alexandria – impersonating a peace officer, no bail data;

Tony Jake Hicks, 47, Echo – two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, running a stop sign, driving under suspension, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $1,200 bail.

May 10

Benjamin Horace Coco, 32, Alexandria – theft, five counts contempt of court, $16,000 bail;

Conner Hartdegen, 24, New Iberia – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Jordan Scott Leopard, 37, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $2,500 bail;

Cameron Allen McCormick, 19, Deville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, modified exhaust, canceled plate violation, $1,300 bail;

Jessie Ray Onishea III, 32, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, simple assault, $3,000 bail

Jarohn Perkins, 51, Pitkin – OWI fourth offense, driving under suspension, careless operation, switched license plate, contempt of court, $100,300 bail

James Schopper, 41, Deville – OWI first offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail.

May 9

Harvey Albert Brodnax III, 41, Boyce – theft, contempt of court, $3,500 bail;

Taurus Contrell Brown Sr, 45, Alexandria – battery of a dating partner, $1,500 bail;

Natalie Marie Carlton, 43, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Darrell Spane Collins, 70, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper window tint, fail to pay fine, $770 bail;

Constance Doylella Cranford, 38, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $29,000 bail;

John Anthony Dubois, 26, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, seven counts contempt of court, $9,500 bail;

Dylan Scott Epnett, 28, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, $2,500 bail;

Donald Wayne Foster, 25, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Xavier Deantwine Richard, 24, Alexandria – criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, $2,500 bail;

McNeal Sanders, 26, Alexandria – carnal knowledge of a juvenile, two counts home invasion, resisting an officer, aggravated strangulation of a dating partner, simple battery, aggravated battery, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, $80,500 bail;

Karl Anthony Sanson, 50, Deville – OWI second offense, speeding, open container state law, $1,700 bail;

Elizabeth Helenia Watson, 36, Pineville – driving under suspension, display of temporary license plates, two counts contempt of court, $101,000 bail;

Patrick Scott Williams, 59, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $1,000 bail;

Rebecca Darlene Wiley, 35, Alexandria – theft, criminal trespass, probation violation, $1,000 bail;

May 8

Jamie Christine Carlock, 21, Boyce – contempt of court, $100,000 bail;

Braylen Dantley, 31, Iowa – criminal damage to property, $1,000 bail;

Michal John Durison Jr, 37, Pineville – theft, criminal trespass, $10,500 bail;

Alexander Edison, 35, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, improper turn, $1,600 bail;

Phillip Wayne Laprairie, 41, Jonesville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, safety belt violation, failure to secure registration, switched license plate, no MVI sticker, $5,200 bail;

Demonica Lashon Purvis, 30, Baton Rouge – theft, resisting officer, three counts contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Lakedra Lajuan Quinney, 43, Alexandria – interfering with a law enforcement investigation, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $11,000 bail;

Joshua Paul Ulhman, 36, Pine Prairie – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data.

May 7

Emmanuel Frank, 21, Alexandria – four counts simple burglary, four counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Ashley Nicole Giles, 46, Glenmora – OWI first offense, safety belt violation, improper driving on the left, $1,200 bail;

Kenneth Wayne Gilliam, 44, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substances, improper window tint, $2,600 bail;

Brandon Lewis Howard, 38, Alexandria – aggravated domestic abuse battery strangulation, aggravated domestic abuse with child present, aggravated kidnapping, domestic abuse battery, false imprisonment, $211,500 bail;

Marvin Gregory Humphrey, 30, Alexandria – aggravated battery second degree, possess/sell weapon with obliterated serial number, simple assault, simple battery, four counts contempt of court, $142,000 bail;

Mayon Dameko Jones Jr, 24, Ferriday – second degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, parole violations, $700,000 bail;

Matthew Paul Merchant, 42, Hineston – Louisiana fugitive, $7,500 bail;

Jerry Mitchell Moses Jr, 40, Alexandria – three counts possession of controlled dangerous substances, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, speeding, contempt of court, $10,200 bail;

Michael Drew Smith, 43, Pineville – two counts sexual battery, indecent behavior with juveniles, misdemeanor sexual battery, cruelty to juveniles, $202,500 bail;

Aaron Lee Ware, 34, Woodworth – OWI second offense, sex offender failure to timely register, parole violations, $2,500 bail.

NATCHITOCHES – Rep. Cleo Fields issued congressional commendations May 8 to acknowledge the role that Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing and School of Allied have impacted public health over the past several decades.

Colson Fontenot, a representative of Fields’ office who has family ties to Natchitoches and Cane River, presented the proclamations to NSU President James Genovese and Dr. Aimee Badeaux, dean of NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, during a reception at NSU’s Cenla campus in England Industrial Park, Alexandria.

NSU is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the College of Nursing and the 55th anniversary of the School of Allied Health. Northwestern State admitted its first baccalaureate nursing students in 1949 and introduced the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology in 1968.

NSU’s Cenla campus accommodates associate and bachelor degree programs that align with regional workforce needs in healthcare, manufacturing, construction and administrative services. After an extensive upgrade and expansion last year, the 65,000-square-foot Cenla campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, STEM facilities, computer labs, clinical labs and faculty offices as well as areas for workshops and seminars, all of which support NSU’s mission to offer diverse and dynamic learning experiences in central Louisiana. Enrollment at the CENLA campus has increased nearly 60 percent in recent years. The Cenla campus supports both face-to-face and online learning platforms with a suite of support services to help students in Rapides and surrounding parishes.

Information on degree programs offered through NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health is available at https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/. Information on NSU’s CENLA campus is available at https://www.nsula.edu/CENLA/.

NSU Cenla

Northwestern State University concluded anniversary celebrations for the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health with a reception at the NSU Cenla Campus in the England Industrial Park in Alexandria. From left are Dr. Aimee Badeaux, dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health; NSU President James Genovese and Colson Fontenot, representing U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, who issued presented a commendation to the CONSAH for continued commitment to public health in the region.

International Nurses Day, celebrated annually on May 12, marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The day recognizes the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide and their critical role in healthcare systems.

Nurses are often the first point of contact in healthcare settings, providing care, comfort, and advocacy for patients. Their responsibilities have expanded over the years, encompassing advanced clinical practices, leadership roles, and involvement in healthcare policy development.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the dedication and resilience of nurses, who worked tirelessly on the frontlines, often under challenging conditions. Their efforts were instrumental in patient care, vaccination campaigns, and public health education.

International Nurses Day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge these contributions and advocate for better working conditions, education, and support for nursing professionals. Events include award ceremonies, educational seminars, and public awareness campaigns.

As we celebrate this day, it’s essential to recognize the ongoing challenges nurses face and to support initiatives that empower and sustain the nursing workforce, ensuring quality healthcare for all.

Over the last several months, the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit has been conducting an investigation into a major narcotics trafficking operation being conducted in Rapides Parish.

Through their investigation, Agents identified the suspect as Dequavious Javonte Wagner, 31 of Alexandria. Agents believed Wagner to be one of the largest narcotic traffickers in Central Louisiana.
Their investigation culminated Tuesday night with the arrest of Wagner and the seizure of a substantial amount of illegal narcotics.

In total, the following was seized:

• 65 pounds of Powder Cocaine
• 96 pounds of Methamphetamine
• 1.2 pounds of Heroin
• 6 pounds of Fentanyl
• 1.3 pounds of Synthetic Marijuana
• 252 grams of Marijuana
• 87 grams Crack Cocaine
• 160 bottles of Promethazine (20 gallons)
• A hand gun

On May 6, Wagner was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on multiple narcotics related charges. Wagner remains in jail and bond has been set at $1,000,200.

Earlier on May 8, Wagner was complaint arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Alexandria Field Office, and is currently in federal custody.

Agents say their investigation is still ongoing and additional subjects have been identified as part of a multi-state drug trafficking organization and more arrests are probable.

The Alexandria Police Department responded to the 1000 block of MacArthur Drive in reference to a shooting on Wednesday, May 7, at approximately 1:45pm. Responding officers determined that one person had been shot and suffered a non-life-threatening injury.

Hours later, the Alexandria Police Department arrested 30-year-old Marvin Humphery for one count of aggravated second-degree battery and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Humphery was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

This is currently an ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number 318-441-6416, or APD Dispatch 318-441-6559. Information can be emailed to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.

The Town of Ball invites the public to its first Community Summer Fest on Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the walking trail.

The theme of the fest is “Summer – Safety – Salute,” to honor the fallen heroes in blue. There will be games, jumpers, RC Colas, Moon Pies, hot dogs, and more.

Children will receive a free Kona ice with ticket (see image above) – upgrades available at cost. 

• Union Hill Church Rd.
• East River Rd.
• Ashmore Rd.
• Old Beauboeuf Rd.

The following roads have reopened in Alexandria: 

• Lee Bridge Rd.
• Newsome Rd. 
• Ida Wells Rd.