While Webster Parish has not seen any significant increase in property crimes this season, the increased patrol efforts have resulted in a larger than average number of arrests for narcotics and drunk driving.

 

“This added service is not something our budget will allow us to do all the time,” said Sexton. “But we try to do more at the holidays to have an even stronger presence in the parish communities and roadways—all in an attempt to deter criminal activity and encourage a safer holiday environment.”

 

The Sheriff’s Community Action Directive (CAD) Patrol team members made five drug arrests resulting from routine traffic stops; the most recent being on Thursday, December 17, 2009.

 

Demosthenese Lajuan Tatum, 32, of Eros, Louisiana, was arrested and charged with possession of a CDS Schedule I (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia after CAD Patrol Dep. Bobby Igo, III made a welfare concern check on a vehicle that was parked in a vacant lot in Dubberly. As the deputy approached the driver and vehicle he noticed suspected drug residue on the ground outside the car. The driver of the vehicle quickly admitted that he had marijuana in his vehicle.

 

On Tuesday, CAD Patrol arrested another for possession of a CDS Schedule I (marijuana). Napoleon A. Cornelius, 45, of Dubberly was also found to be a fugitive from Heflin Police Department. This arrest followed a routine traffic stop when Cornelius, the passenger, admitted to having possession of a baggie of marijuana.

 

Also on Tuesday, CAD Patrol arrested Zarvia Wartez Moore, 20, of Minden. He was stopped for crossing the fog line multiple times, but the stop resulted in an arrest for possession of a CDS Schedule I (marijuana), possession of a CDS Schedule II (cocaine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Moore, also found to have outstanding warrants, was searched and the suspected drug substance was found in his vehicle.

 

Wesley Jermane Johnson, 21, of Dubberly was taken into custody by CAD Patrol on Tuesday for possession of a CDS Schedule II (cocaine), possession of a CDS Schedule I (marijuana), and possession of drug paraphernalia when a traffic stop of his vehicle led to the discovery of suspected narcotics in his vehicle.

 

In late November CAD Patrol deputies took into custody Felicia Antoinette Duren, 26, of Grenada, Mississippi following a routine traffic stop that resulted in a charge for possession of a CDS Schedule I (marijuana) when the suspected substance was found in her vehicle.

 

Three other drug arrests conducted by deputies and investigators resulted in the arrests of Nakia Jhermane Mims, 35, of Homer for charges of possession of a CDS Schedule I, Sawyer Harrison, 38, of Minden for distribution of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute , and Rodney Dwayne Irving, 39, of Dubberly for charges of possession of a CDS Schedule II (suspected meth.)

 

Additionally, a number of arrests for drunk driving were made by Webster Sheriff’s deputies.

 

Roger Dale Hensley, 58, of Minden was charged with a DWI 3^rd offense and open container, Dexter M. Morris, 32, of Cotton Valley was charged with a DWI 3^rd offense, Andrea Monica Bilbray, 28, of Castor was charged with DWI 1^st offense and open container, and Billie Neal Mason, 71, of Minden was charged with DWI 2^nd offense.

 

“It makes sense that with a temporarily beefed up patrol presence we’d see an increase in arrest activity with that,” explained Chief Criminal Deputy Bobby Igo. “I’m glad to know that we’ve been able to have an even bigger impact on crime here in Webster.”

 

All those arrested were booked into the parish jail, Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

 

“Our parish residents can definitely be proud to know that there are fewer people driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol out on our roadways,” added Sexton. “We wish everyone a very safe holiday season.”