The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint involving suspicious messages found on a juvenile’s cell phone between the juvenile and an educator on Sept. 8. Sheriff’s detectives initiated their investigation that involved the execution of several search warrants on electronic devices.

Through their investigation, evidence indicating that the teacher, identified as Camila Pacheco, 27 of Pineville, had allegedly supplied tobacco to the juvenile at an off-campus location.

As a result of the evidence gathered in the investigation, earlier today, Pacheco turned herself in to Sheriff’s Detectives at the Rapides Parish Detention Center where she was arrested and booked for one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile and one count of Unlawful Sale or Distribution of Tobacco Products to a Person Under 21. Pacheco was later released on a $1,000 bond.

Sheriff’s Detectives say this is still an ongoing investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding this case, they are asked to contact Det. Shelby Anderson, Criminal Investigation Division-Main Office at 318-473-6727.

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports

Here is a little advice for Alexandria Senior High School football fans who are heading south for Friday night’s contest at Destrehan.

1. Don’t speed through Krotz Springs on Highway 190.

2. Don’t skip the jambalaya at the concession stand.

3. Get a drink to go with it.

After that, fans should settle in for what should be an interesting battle between the undefeated Trojans, ranked No. 7 in the most recent LSWA Class 5A polls, and the Wildcats (1-1), ranked No. 9.

ASH is 2-0 with a pair of lopsided wins – a 54-7 win over West Feliciana and a 57-0 win over Union Parish, which was a state champion in 2023 and a semifinalist in 2024.

“We got off to a fast start in the first half and were able to grab control of it from the get-go,” Trojans coach Thomas Bachman said of last week’s victory. “We really limited them moving the football and that’s always a recipe for success.”

That’s also how Alexandria handled the Wildcats last season for a 45-27 win. Destrehan was without starting quarterback Jackson Fields due to a knee injury, leaving the play-calling to a freshman. The five-time state champion Wildcats regrouped and reached the semifinals last season.

Destrehan is coming off a 58-20 victory over Bonnabel last week, following a 23-20 loss to Catholic High of Baton Rouge in the season-opener. LSU commit Jabari Mack had a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in the opening minutes against Catholic and several long returns against Bonnabel. Running back Malachi Dabney scored four touchdowns.

Bachman said his team faces several big challenges with the Wildcats.

“Going on the road, No. 1,” he said. “One of our state’s more consistent programs through the years. They have been a championship contender and made deep playoff runs year after year. Great tradition. Tremendous challenge in front of us. They do a good job in all three phases. They have a lot of good players.”

Thursday night, Buckeye moved to 3-0 for the first time since 2014 with a thrilling 27-26 victory over visiting South Beauregard.

Preston Willis ran for 297 yards and two touchdowns, the second one a 30-yard run with 1:47 to go that tied the game. The conversion kick, also by Willis, made the difference.

The Panthers defense had two pick-six touchdowns.

Tonight’s lineup  features the fifth annual “Bishop’s Bowl,” pitting Holy Savior Menard (1-1) against St. Mary’s (0-2). Menard won last year’s contest, 20-14, putting the tally at two wins for each school. The Eagles are home tonight.

Friday night’s game between visiting Tioga (1-1) and Pineville (2-0) is the local battle of the new coaches. Either Pineville’s Justin Charles or Dan Christman at Tioga will get one up on the other.

Northwood Lena, still searching for its first win, will host Pickering (1-1). The Red Devils defeated Gueydan 56-14 but lost to  Montgomery 35-14.

Peabody (1-1) will also head south and a little more east to Fontainebleau (1-1). Both teams saw a lot of points scored last week as Peabody fell to a powerful Northwood team from Shreveport, 61-13, while Fontainebleau defeated Madison, 50-12.  The Bulldogs used nine different ball carriers to rush for 210 yards and six touchdowns.

Bolton Academy forfeited its scheduled game at Lake Arthur.

Contact Lori at sportslyons@gmail.com

Running back Datlan Cunningham, kicker Levi Hilborn, and the Louisiana Christian Wildcats (2-1, 2-0 SAC) step out of league play this Saturday, taking on Hardin-Simmons, a former conference foe from LCU’s days in NCAA Division III and the American Southwest Conference.

Kickoff of Saturday’s contest between the Wildcats (2-1) and the Cowboys (2-0) is set for 1 p.m. at Shelton Stadium in Abilene, Texas and will be live streamed with live stats also available through the LCWildcats.net website.

Cunningham was named the Sooner Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week Monday while Hilborn earned its Special Teams Player of the Week award.

Cunningham, a redshirt sophomore from Alexandria Senior High, rushed for 157 yards and two scores on 30 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, as the Wildcats pulled out a 43-37 win over Wayland Baptist last Saturday at Wildcat Field. His longest run of the day went 34 yards for a touchdown which put the Wildcats up 14-0 in the first quarter. He also had a one-yard score in the third quarter which made the score 27-17 LCU.

Hilborn followed up a big game against Langston a week ago by making his only field goal attempt against the Pioneers, a 22-yard attempt early in the fourth quarter which gave LCU a 30-17 lead. The junior from LaPorte, Texas,  also made four extra points, accounting for seven total points in the six-point win.

A deputy assigned to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit observed a subject travelling in the passenger seat of a vehicle on Masonic Drive who had active Distribution of CDS II arrest warrants through RADE on Sept. 16. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, made contact with the suspect, identified as Christopher Deon Allen, 35 of Alexandria, and he was taken into custody without incident. The driver was released at the scene.

A search of Allen incidental to his arrest revealed approximately three ounces of Methamphetamines and over $2,000 in assorted U.S. currency. RADE agents responded to continue the investigation and secured a search warrant for Allen’s known place of residency, 3816 Spencer Street, Alexandria. There, agents located approximately 7 more ounces of Methamphetamines, 4 ounces of Marijuana, 17 grams of Ecstasy pills and three firearms (2 pistols and 1 rifle). Due to Allen’s prior felony convictions, he is currently prohibited from possessing any firearms.

Allen was transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he was booked for the active warrants, two counts of Possession of CDS II (Methamphetamines), Possession of CDS I (Marijuana) < 2.5 pounds, Possession of CDS I (Ecstasy) < 28 grams, three counts of Illegal Carry of Firearms with Illegal Drugs, three counts Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses.

Allen was also provided Civil Asset Forfeiture paperwork after the large sum of cash was seized due to the belief it was revenue from the sales of illegal narcotics. Allen remains in jail at this time, being held on a $145,000 bond.

Agents say their investigation is still ongoing and more arrests are possible.

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office Lecompte Police Department, McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant Parish District Attorney’s Office, Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

The RADE Unit continues to target individuals suspected of trafficking narcotics in the Central Louisiana area. If anyone has information or would like to report any narcotics activity, they may do so by sending direct messages to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action. 

The Pineville Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident in the 2800 block of Hwy 28 East on Sept. 18 at approximately 1:45pm. It was reported that a vehicle had driven into the front of a bank.

While en route to that call, a Pineville PD officer was involved in a separate motor vehicle accident in the 3000 block of Hwy 28 East. At this time, this is the only information available for release. Both accidents are being investigated. The roadway has since been cleared and traffic has resumed as normal.

Hosted by the Home Builders Association of Central Louisiana, the admission for this event is $5 for adults, with a portion of the door admission sales going directly to the Cenla Student Chapter. Admission for kids under 18 are free. Military and First Responders get in free with ID. 

Visit the HBACL website at www.hbaofcenla.org for more information or to purchase admission tickets in advance.

Buckeye, aiming for its first 3-0 start since 2014 tonight when South Beauregard visits.

South Beauregard (1-1) is coming off a 42-38 battle won at home Washington-Marion. Buckeye handled explosive Grant 46-13 last Friday night.

The Panthers blasted Block 45-0 in the season opener. The Knights dropped their debut at DeRidder 42-13.

Last year, South Beauregard rolled 35-7 over Buckeye.

Second-year Buckeye coach Aaron York justifiably touts his team’s defense, which held Grant to minus-32 yards in last week’s win, including zero yards for Aymaud Sykes, the Grant running back who ran for 420 yards and scored 10 touchdowns the week before against Montgomery.

Six other parish teams tee it up Friday night, highlighted locally by Tioga visiting Pineville and Menard entertaining St. Mary’s in the annual “Bishop Bowl.”

After two lopsided defeats, Bolton Academy has forfeited its game at Lake Arthur.

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to an alleged road rage incident that started in Tioga area on US 167 southbound on Sept. 12 at approximately 6pm.  According to the victim, another motorist was driving aggressively and a road rage incident occurred where the other motorist allegedly brandished a handgun and fired it while driving.  The victim drove to a safe area and called law enforcement.

Patrol deputies took the initial report and Sheriff’s Detectives from the Tioga Sub-station began their investigation. 

Through their investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect as Thomas Manuel Lopez, 37 of Dry Prong.  From their investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Lopez for two (2) counts assault by drive-by shooting and illegal use of a weapon.

Due to Lopez living in Grant Parish, detectives requested assistance from detectives with the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Dry Prong Police Department.  On Sept. 16, Lopez was located and taken into custody without incident and booked into the Grant Parish Jail.  He was later extradited back to Rapides Parish where he was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on the charges.  Lopez was later released on a $15,000 bond. 

RPSO detectives would like to thank Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office as well as Dry Prong PD for their assistance in this investigation.

Experience the breathtaking bayous and wooded forests of Central Louisiana from a different perspective this Saturday, Sept. 20, all day. 

The Le Tour de Bayou Bike Ride offers a range of events to help every individual find their perfect fit.  Routes include a 2-mile family fun ride/walk and bike rides of 10, 25, 40, 69 and 101 miles.  Locals and visitors to the area are sure to see what has become the tour’s signature calling card – the BIKES.  When colorful bikes begin appearing, that means Le Tour de Bayou is drawing near. 

Visit www.letourdebayou.com or call 318-487-5998 for registration pricing information.  Kent Plantation House is located at 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Sept. 17

Courtney Marie Carter, 34, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Amber Nicole Herron, 36, Pineville – theft, resisting an officer, trespassing after forbidden, four counts contempt of court, $76,500 bail;

Sept. 16

Brian Dean Allen, 34, Alexandria – OWI third offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, obstruction of highway, careless operation of a vehicle, open container, $11,200 bail;

Christopher Deon Allen, 35, Alexandria – four counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, no bail data;

Joseph Ballon, 41, Alexandria – simple battery, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, running a yellow light, bicycle reflectors required, $4,700 bail;

Shawn James Barron, 46, Winnfield – domestic abuse battery with child present, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $6,500 bail;

Janice Elize Bryan, 52, Pineville – possession of CDS, safety belt violation, $100 bail;

Fredrick Demon Bush, 50, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, flight from an officer, driving under suspension, Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $16,600 bail;

James Allen Cassell, 30, Alexandria – theft, $50,000 bail;

Deja Yvonne Tatiana Dixon, 30, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, safety belt violation, $2,600 bail;

Megan G. Dowden, 34, Moreauville – OWI first offense, speeding, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail;

Sheldon Doral Franklin, 32, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Mark Andrew Gaston, 41, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, running a stop sign, $1,100 bail;

Ean Ray Hunter Hudson, 19, Deville – simple burglary, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, no bail data;

Brian Mequial Johnson, 21, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, four counts second degree aggravated battery, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, manufacture transfer or possession of machine guns, armed robbery, two counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, simple battery, $851,000 bail;

D’Andra Tremane Johnson, 36, Alexandria – aggravated dating partner abuse child endangerment, no bail data;

Jeremy Sean Jones, 42, Ball – OWI second offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, open container, $2,100 bail;

Thomas Manual Lopez, 37, Dry Prong – two counts assault drive-by shooting, illegal use of weapons to commit a crime, $15,000 bail;

Dillan Scott Mickel, 23, Pineville – two counts aggravated assault with a firearm, no bail data;

Keldrick Dewone Mitchell, 39, Alexandria – theft, simple battery, simple burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, $2,500 bail;

Robert Andre Reed, 45, Boyce – six counts resisting police officer with force or violence, trespassing after forbidden, disturbing the peace, two counts contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Gerardo Silva Perez, 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper headlight, open container, expired MVI sticker, no driver’s license, $1,400 bail;

James Daren Treadwell Jr., 20, Pineville – possession of stolen vehicle, aggravated obstruction of highway, flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, criminal conspiracy, no driver’s license, resisting an officer, running a red light, two counts criminal damage to property, unauthorized use a motor vehicle, Louisiana fugitive, flight from an officer, illegal possession of stolen things, aggravated obstruction of highway, no driver’s license, $108,800 bail;

 Sept. 15

Derek Jameal Bryant, 35, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Casmyn Jer’Wayne Claiborne, 26, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, bicycle reflectors, contempt of court, $7,100 bail;

Charles Remi Contois, 49, Alexandria – four counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, expired plate/registration, driving under suspension, $6,700 bail;

Brandon John Glorioso, 30, Elmer – four counts possession of fentanyl, two counts possession of CDS, two counts contributing to the delinquency of a minor, $71,500 bail;

Michael Hilliard, 24, Alexandria – second degree murder, $500,000 bail;

Tony Douglas Lair, 33, Alexandria – simple assault, two counts contempt of court, $100,750 bail;

Ray D. McCoy, 42, Pineville – domestic abuse battery with child present, contempt of court, $1,515 bail;

Omni Michelle Mylott, 38, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, possession of drug paraphernalia, seven counts contempt of court, parole violations, $21,700 bail;

Nicholas Joseph Scallan, 41, Pineville – stalking, probation violation, $100,000 bail;

Dekerist Sweazie, 22, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, simple assault, parole violations, $50,500 bail;

Tavis O’Brien Thomas, 32, Alexandria – oral sexual battery, disturbing the peace, domestic abuse battery, trespassing after forbidden, aggravated assault domestic abuse, false imprisonment armed with dangerous weapon, criminal damage to property, possession of firearm by convicted felon, improper license plate display, flight from an officer, illegal possession of stolen firearms, obstruction of justice, $331,100 bail;

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) celebrated a major milestone this week with the groundbreaking of its new on-campus apartment complex, the opening phase of the transformative Campus Edge Project. In partnership with Durand Construction, LLC, the 176-unit residential development will provide modern living options for students, faculty, and staff, while catalyzing future growth that will bring new businesses and amenities to LSUA’s growing campus.

This bold initiative addresses the urgent housing demand created by LSUA’s record-setting enrollment growth. By utilizing a public-private partnership model, the university is expanding its campus footprint without direct financial expenditure while supporting its strategic goal to recruit and retain top-tier students, faculty, and staff. The project is also expected to stimulate local economic activity, enhance regional amenities, and reinforce LSUA’s commitment to building a vibrant university community at the heart of central Louisiana.

“With LSUA’s record enrollment and as the fastest-growing four-year university in the state of Louisiana, additional residential housing has become crucial and desperately needed,” said LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil. “With this groundbreaking, we are officially kicking off our long-awaited Campus Edge Project, utilizing a public/private development partnership that will provide student and employee housing on campus. This is a major step forward for LSUA as it continues to evolve into a major four-year university currently serving almost 8,000 students.”

LSU Interim President Matt Lee praised LSUA’s extraordinary trajectory, contrasting its success with the national trend of enrollment decline and campus closures. “Students vote with their feet and parents vote with their pocketbooks—and they’re choosing LSUA because it delivers excellence,” Lee said. “LSUA is an outlier, and that’s a credit to its culture of excellence and strong community support.”

Abbey Bain, Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement, noted the development addresses years of unmet housing demand: “For the past five years, we have had a housing waitlist that reflects our tremendous growth and the strong demand for the LSUA experience. This new campus edge development not only helps meet that need but also sparks new energy and momentum around our university. It represents an investment in our students, our campus, and our community’s future.”

Dallas Hixson, central Louisiana’s representative on the Louisiana Board of Regents, celebrated LSUA as a model of educational excellence and community-driven growth. Hixson praised LSUA’s unprecedented twelve consecutive semesters of enrollment growth, noting that few institutions nationwide can match its trajectory. He highlighted the powerful combination of visionary leadership, passionate faculty, and strong community support as the driving forces behind LSUA’s success.

Chancellor Coreil and the entire LSUA leadership team is thankful for the support of the many state and community partners in attendance, including: Governor Landry’s representative Azar Kayal, Louisiana Board of Regents member Dallas Hixson; LSU Interim President Matt Lee, LSU Board of Supervisors Rebecca Boniol and Pat Morrow, LSUA Foundation Board Chair Michael Crowell and immediate past chair Glenda Stock Smith, Tommie Seaton from US Senator Bill Cassidy’s office, State Representative Jason DeWitt, Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood, Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, Pineville Mayor Joe Bishop, Woodworth Mayor David Butler, and those directly involved with the construction project including Matt Ritchie of Ritchie Real Estate, and JD Durand and David Moses of Durand Construction, LLC. Also in attendance were Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Dustin Matthews and Chamber staffers.

This groundbreaking represents a ground-floor opportunity for developers to invest in a high-traffic corridor on a thriving college campus, with direct daily access to 500+ residents, 2,000 students, 300+ employees, and a 17,000-car daily traffic count at the intersection of Hwy 71 and Hwy 3170. LSUA is actively seeking partners to bring dining, retail, entertainment, and other amenities to the adjacent development zones, creating a dynamic destination at the heart of central Louisiana.

The Alexandria Museum of Art’s very own David Holcombe took home FIRST PLACE at the Annual Regional Art Competition & Show in Natchitoches for his stunning artwork “Red Dirt Hike.”

AMoA extended huge congratulations to him and a shoutout to Clyde Downs, who earned the second prize.

Be sure to check out the exhibition at the Orville Hanchey Gallery at Northwestern State University.