On the morning of 11/9/13 at approximately 6:59am, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a disturbance call at 100 McKeithen Street Lot 2 in West Monroe, LA. While enroute to the call, deputies were advised that the suspect was leaving in a teal colored Pontiac car with two victims involved in the disturbance. Deputies observed the car and made a traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspect, 23yo De’orris Smith was taken into custody without incident.

An investigation revealed that Smith was arguing with the male victim and then pointed a gun at him and pulled the trigger and the gun failed to fire. Smith then got in the backseat of the Pontiac car while the male victim and his girlfriend were attempting to leave and advised them not to stop for anyone.

Smith was searched along with the vehicle and the gun was not found. A subsequent search of the offense location revealed a .32 caliber revolver.

Through witness testimony, it was also determined that Smith was involved in a domestic disturbance the previous night where he hit his girlfriend in the face and was also threatening to shoot everyone.

Smith was transported to the Ouachita Correctional Center where he was booked on one count of Attempted Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, Simple Assault, Simple Assault Domestic and Domestic Abuse Battery.

An investigation into several residential burglaries in and around the Town & Country subdivision has resulted in the arrest of two suspects. Arron D. Hannibal (23yo) and Zaterias Minor (17yo) both of Monroe, have been charged with burglary. Hannibal is charged with seven counts and Minor is charged with six counts.

On November 8th, OPSO deputies secured surveillance video from a residential burglary. This video was disseminated to patrol deputies. Sgt. Connie Miller was able to identify Hannibal as the suspect in the burglary. After detaining Hannibal, Investigators determined that Hannibal and Minor were responsible for these residential burglaries.

Investigators recovered several laptop computers along with a gaming system. Both Hannibal and Minor were booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center and held pending bond. This investigation is still ongoing with more arrests expected.

ARRON HANNIBAL

ZATERIAS MINOR

On October 11 2013, OPSO arrested 19yo Justin Phillips of Monroe for a burglary of a residence on Dorothy Drive. West Monroe Police also arrested Phillips by warrant for similar burglaries inside their jurisdiction.

OPSO Investigators continued this investigation and were able to identify Phillips as a suspect in numerous Monroe City residential burglaries in and around Church Hill Circle. With the forensic evidence obtained in this investigation, MPD detectives secured arrest warrants for Phillips for 6 counts of Burglary and one count of arson.

On November 19, 2013, OPSO investigators charged Phillips with 2 additional burglaries from September of this year in and around West Ridge Drive in West Monroe. Phillips was booked into OCC where he is currently being held pending charges.

Sheriff Jay Russell is proud of the hard work of the deputies in clearing not only burglaries in the parish but assisting MPD with their investigation of the north side residential burglaries.

Update – On Monday April 7, 2014, 35 year old Randy Allen Powell of West Monroe, LA was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison. Powell was arrested for child pornography offenses last October after a joint investigation by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Powell plead guilty last December to 1 count of Receipt of Child Pornography.

“This task force continues to be proactive in bringing child predators to justice”, said Sheriff Jay Russell.

SCAT Arrests Convicted Felon

On 4/11/14 the Special Crimes Apprehension Team SCAT conducted an investigation at 158 Mill Creek Rd.  Deputies learned that William David Futch was a convicted felon and was in possession of a large amount of tactical style firearms.

A search of his residence was conducted that resulted in locating 11 firearms, most of which were tactical style weapons. Also located at the residence were two homemade suppressors, as well as the makings of several other suppressors. These items were turned over to the ATF for possible Federal charges.

Also located at the residence was suspected marijuana and pharmaceutical drugs.

Williams was arrested and booked into OCC on the following charges:

Possession of Sch lll (Hydrocodone)

Simple possession of CDS l (marijuana)

Possession of Sch lll (clonazepam)

Possession of a Firearm in the presence of CDS

Possession of a Firearm by a convicted Felon

Possession of CDS in the presents of Juveniles

William D. Futch

In the early morning hours of  04-16-14 deputies of the Uniform Patrol Division apprehended Eric Wade Wilkins in the act of burglarizing a vehicle in the Briarcliff Subdivision in West Monroe.  The investigation revealed that Wilkins had broken into numerous vehicles stealing assorted items.  Deputies were able to clear these cases and recover the stolen property.   Wilkins was arrested and charged with 8 counts of Burglary and one count of felony theft.

Sheriff Russell commends these deputies for a job well done!

Eric Wade Wilkins

Following a one month Investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in the North Monroe Garden District, Deputies with the Metro Narcotics Unit and the SWAT team executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Rochelle Ave. in Monroe.

Taken into custody at the residence were William Jasper Robinson, Brittany Knutzen.  Deputies also arrested their supplier Laquentin Cortez Williams at a separate location.

This Investigation is ongoing with more arrests expected.

The charges on these individuals is as follows:

William Jasper Robinson

ROBINSON, WILLIAM JASPER

2 Cts. Distribution of Methamphetamine

1 Ct. Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

1 Ct. Possession of  Methamphetamine

1 Ct. Possession of drug paraphernalia

Brittany Knutzen

Knutzen, Brittany

1 Ct. Distribution of Methamphetamine

1 Ct. Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine

1 Ct. Possession Methamphetamine

1 Ct. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Laquentin Cortez Williams

WILLIAMS, LAQUENTIN CORTEZ

1 Ct. Distribution of Methamphetamine

1 Ct. Possession of Marijiana WITD

1 Ct. Illegal Carrying of a weapon

Multi-Agency Task force Yields 56 arrests and numerous seizures

A two day operation on April 25 and 26^th  in Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes was conducted which targeted illegal narcotics.  The Operation totals are as follows:

Total Arrests:    56

 Drug Seizures

1. (1 ) ¼ oz bag of Marijuana
2.  (5) ounces of Marijuana
3. (31) 1/8 oz bags of Marijuana
4. (1) Marijuana cigarettes
5.  (10) Grams of Marijuana
6.  (5) Rock of crack cocaine
7.  (16.4) Grams of Methamphetamine
8.  (35) units of assorted prescription Pills

 Weapons

1. S&W M&P 9 mm semi auto pistol (Stolen from Monroe)
2. 25 cal semi auto pistol
3. 40 cal Hi Point semi auto pistol
4. 380 cal Taurus semi auto pistol 

Task Force also seized one Methamphetamine lab during the operation 

Agencies Assisted

1. Louisiana State Police
2. Ouachita Parish Sheriffs Office (SCAT Team)
3. Morehouse Parish Sheriffs Office
4. University of  Louisiana at  Monroe Police Department

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office

Cold Case Homicide 1982

Sherry Alford

Sherry Alford was a 16 year old student at Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, La. On the night of February 1, Ms. Alford had been at her boyfriend’s home in the Town & Country subdivision. Alford left his residence traveling on Bon Air Drive to DeSiard St. She then traveled on DeSiard St. to LA highway 139. This was the known route of travel when Alford left her boyfriend’s residence returning home.

Just prior to midnight, Alford’s lifeless body was found lying near her 1982 Ford compact (EXP) on Hwy 139. The white Ford with an orange/red stripe had come to a stop in the northbound lane.

The investigation indicates that Alford had been shot twice with a handgun. The initial shot appeared to be fired approximately three-tenths of a mile prior to the final resting spot of the vehicle. Investigators discovered shattered glass consistent with the theory that Alford was first shot prior to the vehicle coming to rest in the roadway. It appears that the first shot shattered the driver’s side window and struck Alford in the left wrist. The bullet then struck Alford in the lower left lip. The watch on Alfords left wrist stopped keeping time at 11:57 on February 1.

At the final location of the vehicle and Alfords body, investigators found an automatic shell casing. Evidence indicates that Alford was probably exiting her vehicle in an attempt to flee from the suspect when the final deadly shot was fired. Alford was struck in the head. The suspect is believed to have been standing in or near the middle of the roadway.

OPSO is providing this information to the public in an attempt to obtain new viable leads. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call OPSO investigators at 318-324-2663 or 318-324-2658.

Video Captures Burglary Suspect – OPSO asks for your help identifying subject

OPSO Investigators are asking for your help in identifying the subject in the photo and video.  This subject is wanted for a vehicle burglary which in the North Point Subdivision in Monroe.  Anyone with information on a possible identity of this subject is asked to call 318-324-2673.

Click  for Video IMG_0757

On May 8, 2014 Investigators with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office – Special Victims Unit, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office – Cyber Crime Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Crimes Against Children task force conducted joint investigations into persons who possess, distribute, and produce child pornography. The collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers resulted in the following two arrests:

Malcolm Jack, 43 years old

Magnolia Drive in Monroe, LA

Investigators received information that someone at the residence was attempting to download child pornography. During the interview Mr. Malcolm Jack admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography on his laptop computer. A search of the laptop computer revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography. Mr. Malcolm Jack was arrested, transported to OCC, and booked on 1 count of Pornography Involving Juveniles.

Berlin M. Parker, 18 years old

N. 5^th Street in Monroe, LA

Investigators with the LA Attorney General’s Office – Cyber Crimes Unit were investigating the distribution of child pornography. A search warrant was executed at the residence and numerous files of child pornography were discovered on a desktop computer in the residence. During the interview, Mr. Berlin Parker admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography. Mr. Parker was arrested, transported to OCC and booked on 1 count of Pornography Involving Juveniles and 1 count of Distribution of Pornography Involving Juveniles.

Sheriff Russel Praises all of the Law Enforcement Officers who are cooperating every day to make Ouachita Parish a safer place to live and raise our children.

On 5/20/14 Deputies with the Ouachita Parish Special Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT) attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle at which time the driver attempted to flee. Deputies pursued this vehicle for a short period of time in the area of Forsythe Ave. and North 19^thStreet in Monroe.  The suspect was unable to maneuver through a parking lot located behind the Chase Bank building and ended up crashing in a concrete canal located behind the Starbucks Coffee house on Forsythe Ave.  The suspect was apprehended and identified as Michael Richard Holder a white male DOB: 8/7/77. He resides in Jackson Mississippi. Further investigation revealed that he was on escape status for a drug charge out of Mississippi. Holder was transported to St. Francis Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.  He was later transported and booked into OCC. Holder was charged with aggravated flight from an officer, resisting by flight and Fugitive from Justice.

Michael Richard Holder W/M DOB 08/07/1977

The Special Victims Unit of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is offering a free internet safety presentation for kids and adults at the Anna Mayer Library located at 1808 U.S. Hwy. 165 in Monroe (next to Monroe Public Safety Building).  This seminar is scheduled for June 26th, 2014 @ 3:00 pm and is open to the general public.

May 29, 2014  - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE – Hwy 80 is now open to all traffic.  Pilot has been identified as Michael Ray Martin 41 yoa from Calhoun, La.

UPDATE – Pilot has been airlifted to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, no information on his condition is available.

OPSO is on scene of a small airplane crash in the 8000 block of Desiard St.  Initial information obtained is that a v-tail single engine bonanza aircraft with one person on board crash landed into a parking lot at that location.  The pilot (the lone occupant) was removed and airlifted for medical treatment.  NTSB has been notified and will investigate the case of the crash.

Hwy 80 from its intersection with hwy 139 to Sandal St. will be closed during this investigation.  Updates will follow as information becomes available and as roads re-open.

OPSO is currently investigating the robbery of the Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union located at 1605 Highway 80 East in Monroe.  Shortly after 9:45 am, a black male suspect wearing a dark two-toned hoodie, dark pants, dark shoes, and a cloth covering his face entered the bank and demanded money from the tellers. The suspect acted as if he had a weapon in a bag that he brought into the bank. After taking an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect exited the front doors and fled east through the parking lot.

OPSO, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, is seeking leads on the identity of this suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to call OPSO at 318-329-1200 or Crimestoppers at 318-388-2274.

Latasha Denise Hampton

A disturbance investigation at 104 LaPlata Drive in Monroe has resulted in the arrest of Latasha Denise Hampton, 32, of 3060 Winnsboro Road, Monroe. An investigation revealed that Hampton jumped through a closed window at the LaPlata Drive residence around 11:45 pm. Witness testimony confirms that once inside the house that Hampton grabbed a two year old victim and began to strangle him. Hampton then stabbed the child above the right eye with a knife.

Deputies used a taser to make Hampton comply with commands and drop the knife. Hampton was taken into custody inside the residence. OPSO has confirmed that Hampton also stabbed her 11 year old son at a Martinez Street location prior to this incident. This investigation is being worked by Monroe Police Department.

Both victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The two year old victim is in serious condition. He has been transferred to a hospital in Shreveport. Hampton has been admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Upon her release, Hampton will be booked into OCC for Attempted Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Burglary and Resisting an Officer. There is no established relationship between the LaPlata Drive victim and the suspect.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

PRESS RELEASE-6/11/14 Investigators arrest burglar

A recent burglary of a storage building at Cypress Street Mini-Storage, 4601 Cypress Street, West Monroe, has resulted in the arrest of Jonathan Scott Miller, 43. Video surveillance of this location captured the suspect and his vehicle entering and leaving the buildings on June 1^st. 

Miller was also charged with another burglary of a storage building located at 1936 Old Natchitoches Street in West Monroe. This burglary occurred on or around June 2^nd. Miller was booked into OCC for 2 counts of burglary. This investigation is continuing with more arrests expected.

Jonathan Scott Miller

TWO ARRESTED FOR RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Recovered Stolen Property

An investigation into 4 recent residential burglaries has resulted in the arrest of two West Monroe men, David Vanhorn, 30, and Daimon Nelson, 18. Investigators also determined that Vanhorn and Nelson had stolen a utility trailer that the pair used to transport the stolen property.   Vanhorn and Nelson were arrested for 4 counts of burglary and 1 count of Unauthorized Use of a Moveable.  A majority of the stolen property was recovered.  This investigation is continuing with an additional arrest expected.

David Vanhorn

Daimon Nelson

Dy. Glenn Springfield

Dy. Glenn Springfield named as Public Information Officer for OPSO

Deputy Glenn Springfield has been assigned as the Public Information Officer for the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.  “This is an important position and will help the public and the media stay informed on agency related information”, said Sheriff Jay Russell.

Dy. Springfield will serve as the primary point of contact to all media outlets.  He will provide information, generate news releases, hold press conferences and act as the departmental spokesperson to inform and educate the public. He will monitor media coverage and respond to media inquiries. He will consult with department officials in responding to media inquiries and promoting department programs and services. He will maintain contact with local media by participating in video-taped and telephone interviews.

Deputy Glenn Springfield began his law enforcement career as a part-time communications dispatcher with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1973 under the administration of Sheriff Bailey Grant.

He transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division as a patrol deputy in 1976.  During his tenure there, he served as a field training officer then shift supervisor, leading to his promotion to Captain, Assistant Commander of the Patrol Division, in 1986.  He continued in this position until his retirement in 1996, completing 23 years of service.

Upon retiring in 1996, began working in private sector for a Monroe based liquid carbon dioxide producing company.  He served as Operations Chief of Staff until the company recently sold.

Glenn has a Criminal Justice degree from ULM, graduated the LSU Law Enforcement Institute, and has attended numerous training seminars and exercises during his career.

Contact Information:

Office: 318-410-2461

Cell:  318-537-3366

Glenn.Springfield@OPSO.net