12 From Louisiana Arrested for Narcotics and Other Crimes in Connection with Drug Trafficking Organization 

Louisiana – Louisiana State Police reported on August 12, 2022, that in December of last year, Troopers assigned to the LSP Criminal Investigations Division, Baton Rouge Field Office (LSP CID BRFO) began an investigation into allegations that 43-year-old Elie Edwards of New Roads, Louisiana, was selling heroin and methamphetamine in Pointe Coupee Parish. LSP led a seven-month cooperative investigation with several federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations. Troopers found several members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) led by Edwards.
Troopers confirmed Edwards was distributing a variety of narcotics around the Pointe Coupee area, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and synthetic marijuana.

Extensive and thorough investigation efforts culminated on August 4th, with the execution of multiple search warrants, several arrests, and the dismantling of the DTO. Troopers were assisted throughout the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana National Guard, the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office, the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Roads Police Department.

The following seizures were made as a consequence of cumulative search warrants: 2 semiautomatic handguns (1 stolen out of Pointe Coupee), 1 AR-15 rifle, Heroin – 18.6 pounds approx., Cocaine – 1.2 pounds approx., Methamphetamine – 1.2 pounds approx., Marijuana – 4.4 pounds approx., Pressed Pills – 25 grams approx., Synthetic Marijuana – 1.4 pounds approx. The seized narcotics have an estimated total street value of $600,000.00.

The following individuals were arrested on various narcotics charges:

• 43-year-old Elie Edwards of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy-Distribution of Heroin, Methamphetamine, Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoids, Cocaine, Schedule IV (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS- Methamphetamine (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids Felony), Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms (Felony), Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted or Certain Felonies (Felony)
• 42-year-old David Hayes of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin (Felony), Prohibited Acts-Schedule II (Felony), and Prohibited Acts-Schedule IV (Felony)
• 43-year-old Shannon Labatut of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy-Distribution of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoids (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids (Felony), Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin (Felony)
• 31-year-old Jerlanda Foster of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony)
• 53-year-old Loretta Dobard of New Roads, Louisiana – booked for Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony), Malfeasance in Office (Felony)
• 36-year-old Mary Victorian of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy (Felony), Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses
• 61-year-old William Tynes of Ethel, Louisiana – Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotic Drugs Listed in Schedule 1 (Felony), and Prohibited Acts-Schedule IV, Penalties (Felony)
• 32-year-old Bryan Francois of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II CDS (Felony)
• 30-year-old Darrel Harris of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/Possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 and Schedule II (CDS)
• 41-year-old Joshua Gustin of Ventress, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy- Distribution/Possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 and Schedule II (CDS) Felony
• 34-year-old Leighann Kirby of Jarreau, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy- Prohibited Acts-Schedule II, and Obstruction of Justice-Evidence Tampering
• 40-year-old Michael A Edwards of New Roads, Louisiana – Attempt and Conspiracy to Distribution of Schedule II CDS

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.