Don't miss Boudin Bowl 18 on Wednesday, February 4th at 6:00pm on Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI, featuring the Seattle Seagulls vs. the New England Minute Men with KVPI Sports Announcers Tracey Jagneaux and Jacob Fontenot!

Good luck to those of you who have the Boudin Bowl Squares!

In a stunning decision following an hours-long meeting, the Elton Town Council voted to lay off the entire police department, except Police Chief Bruce Lemelle, due to ongoing budget issues.

Chief Lemelle confirmed the move, stating, “They told me today that they didn’t have enough money to pay for my department. I would be the only one working in the department.”

This unexpected development comes after years of financial struggles for the Town of Elton. While council members expressed regret over the cuts, many acknowledged that their hands were tied due to the town’s deteriorating budget.

With the layoffs in effect, the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office will now handle all law enforcement calls within Elton, which is expected to result in longer response times for citizens in need of assistance.

The town's leadership has not yet announced any long-term plans for restoring local law enforcement services.

Stay tuned to KVPI for more updates on this story.

Arrest Made in Ville Platte Senior Living Apartment Fire

EVANGELINE PARISH (August 6, 2025) – State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies arrested a Ville Platte man on Friday, August 1, 2025, for setting fire to a unit at an elderly and disabled senior living apartment complex in Ville Platte. William McBride, 56, has been charged with Aggravated Arson.

Shortly before 9 a.m. on Friday, the Ville Platte Fire Department responded to a fire in the 1000 block of North Reed Street in Ville Platte. Working smoke alarms alerted residents, who were able to evacuate the apartment building unharmed.  

Following a request for SFM deputies to investigate the fire, it was determined the fire was intentionally set. Through the investigation, McBride was identified as the suspect.

The Office of State Fire Marshal would like to thank the Ville Platte Fire Department for their extensive efforts to assist with closing this case.

Any information about this case, or any fire-related crime, can be shared with the SFM by calling our Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or by submitting an online tip form on lasfm.org. All information can be shared anonymously.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Narcotic Agents and the Postal Inspector’s Office

Press Release

August 5, 2025

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Narcotic Agents and the Postal Inspector’s Office have been conducting an investigation of illegal drugs being mailed within Evangeline Parish. The investigations have led to two arrests of large amounts of marijuana, a hand gun and a large amount of US Currency. On August 1, 2025 narcotic agents were working with Homeland Security and State Police on a parcel package coming into the city of Ville Platte that contained 1 Kilogram “2.2lbs” of methamphetamines with a street value over $7000.00. Agents were able to intercept the illegal narcotics preventing the illegal narcotics from being distributed within Evangeline Parish. At this time, no arrest have been made, however the investigation is ongoing.

Chief A. Perry Thomas

Ville Platte Police Department

*******Press Release*******

Date: April 30, 2025

Subject: Shooting Investigation

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports that the Ville Platte Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 10:50 a.m. near James Stephens Montessori School. While no one was injured, the school was put on lockdown as a precaution. A group of five people on the street claimed a man shot at them. That man was apprehended and arrested. Later that day, that suspect’s family member produced video footage, proving his innocence. He was released, and now police are looking for the ones who made the false claims.

This case remains under investigation. Chief Thomas asks if anyone has information about these crimes to please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316. All calls will remain anonymous.

Sheriff Charles R. Guillory

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office

200 Court Street Ville Platte, LA 70586

She said the victim gave her several drones for safekeeping, but she doesn’t know where they are now. Detectives also learned that Sonnier had the victim, who was in the late stages of dementia, sign checks for her and give her a debit card to make purchases at nail and hair salons and make cash withdrawals totaling $1,395.50.

On April 28^th, Sonnier was arrested and booked into the parish jail for the charges of “Exploitation of the Infirmed, Theft, and Monetary Instrument Abuse.” She was later released on a $30,000 bond.

As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their Investigation Department via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency’s website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org.  Any person reporting information will remain anonymous. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

On December 2, 2024 Narcotic Agents with Evangeline Parish Sheriff Office and Allen Parish SWAT team, after a lengthy investigation, conducted a No-Knock Narcotics Search Warrant at the residence of 415 N. Fontenot Ville Platte Louisiana 70586.  Upon detaining the home owner, James Garlow and his son Michael Garlow, a search for illegal narcotics was conducted within the house and curtilage.  Upon completion of the narcotic search, the results were as follows.

Located on the sofa in the living room was a purse containing $3,261 in US Currency, in small bills folded, stacked and placed in rubber bands in various denominations consistent with narcotic sales, as well as a large amount of loose bills of multiple denominations.  A clear plastic package containing (10) white in color oval shaped pills with imprint T194 identified as Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 325mg. / 10mg.  On the side of the purse was a hand rolled cigar containing Marijuana weighing 1.13 grams.  Located in a Holy Bible was .22 grams of Methamphetamine folded up in a piece of paper.  Also located under a butane heater adjacent to the front door in a pill bottle with no label was 1.23 grams of loose Marijuana. In a bedroom in a 3-drawer plastic container two Big Chief THC vape pens were located one orange and one purple. 

James Garlow was arrested and charged with (1) Count 40:967 Possession of Schedule II Narcotics (Oxycodone), (1) Count 40:967 Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine),  (1) Count 14:91.13 Illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a person seventeen years of age.

Michael Garlow is charged with (1) Count 40:967 Possession of Schedule II Narcotics (Hydrocodone), (1) Count 40:967 Possession of Schedule II Narcotics (Oxycodone), (1) Count 14:91.13 Illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a person seventeen years of age.

Evangeline Parish District Attorney's Office

Criminal Convictions in October and November

As per Evangeline Parish District Attorney, Trent Brignac, numerous
convictions were had in the months of October and November as part of the regularly scheduled criminal dockets. In separate criminal dockets before Judge Chuck West and Judge Marcus Fontenot, there were a total of seventy-eight (78) felony convictions and thirty (30) misdemeanor convictions.

Among the above-referenced matters included the conviction of Jody
Thrasher for Possession of Methamphetamine in addition to other crimes, for which he received a total sentence of 11 (eleven) years at hard labor.
Also, Manford Marcantel was convicted of Possession with Intent to
Distribute Fentanyl which resulted in a sentence of 12 (twelve) years at hard labor.

Brignac commended the efforts of Assistant District Attorneys, Jacob B.
Fusilier, Justin Bo West, C.J. Hesnor, as well as Special Assistant Andrew Dupre for their efforts in the prosecution of these cases.

Source: Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office
December 2, 2024

Ville Platte Jail Bookings: Week of Nov. 18 – December 1, 2024

Ville Platte Police Chief A. Perry Thomas reports the following bookings for the week of November 18 through December 1, 2024:

Name: Norman Thomas
DOB: 1/21/2005
Booking Date: 11/21/2024
Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery; Resisting an Officer
Bond: $1,000
Bonded Out: Yes

Name: Brandon LeDay
DOB: 1/19/1985
Booking Date: 11/26/2024
Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery; Resisting an Officer
Bond: $1,750
Bonded Out: No

Name: Upendra Thomas
DOB: 9/17/1982
Booking Date: 11/30/2024
Charge: Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile
Bond: $150,000
Bonded Out: No

Sheriff Charles R. Guillory

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office

Arrest Briefing

On November 6 ,2024, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department received a complaint from the Assistant Superintendent with the Evangeline Parish School Board. He stated that he and a teacher had been threatened by a parent (Vashayla Skinner).  This occurred after an internal investigation was conducted by school board officials due to complaints made against a teacher. After the internal investigation, Skinner was not happy with the results and threatened to beat up the teacher and the assistant School Board Superintendent. Vashayla Denez Skinner B/F DOB 05/05/1990 of Ville Platte was arrested for two counts of Assault on A School Teacher. Her bond was set at $1500.00.

As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their Investigation Department via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency’s website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org.  Any person/s reporting information will remain anonymous. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Upon the completion of lengthy investigation, on November 18, 2024, Narcotic Agents with Evangeline Parish Sheriff Office, Allen Parish Swat, and Evangeline Patrol deputies conducted a Narcotic Search
Warrant at the address of 125 East Desoto, Ville Platte Louisiana 70586.

Upon the completion of a search of the residence, the search yielded the followings:

One zip-lock bag contained 210 multi-colored pills with various shapes and sizes identified as MDMA pills. One tied plastic contained 7.15 grams of Crack Cocaine, one plastic bottle labeled for Crest Clean Mint mouth wash that contained 1 Fluid Oz of Phencyclidine (Formaldehyde) and $913.00 of US Currency in various denominations.

Kirby Simon, a 49-year-old black male, was arrested and charged with (1) count 40:966A Possession With the Intent to Distribute Schedule I MDMA pills, (1) Count 40:967A Possession With the Intent to Distribute Schedule II Phencyclidine, (Formaldehyde), (1) Count 40:967A Possession With the Intent to Distribute Schedule II Crack Cocaine and (1) Count 40:981.13 CDS Violation (Distribution of Illegal Narcotics within 1000ft of a Church of Worship.

Filbert Rober, a 68-year-old black male, was arrested and charged with )1) Count of 40:966 Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I MDMA pills, (1) Count 40:981.13 CDS Violation(Possession and Distribution of Illegal Narcotics within 1000ft of a Church of Worship, and issued a citation for (1) Count 40:966C Possession of Schedule I Marijuana under 14 grams.

Ville Platte Jail Bookings: Week of Nov. 11 – November 17, 2024

Ville Platte Police Chief A. Perry Thomas reports the following bookings for the week of November 11 through November 17, 2024:

Name: Haile Mayon
DOB: 7/28/1998
Booking Date: 11/14/2024
Charge: Possession of Schedule II
Bond: N/A
Bonded Out: No

Name: Carlton Tagliarino
DOB: 1/25/1980
Booking Date: 11/14/2024
Charge: Failure to Appear
Bond: $1,050
Bonded Out: No

Name: Ranisha Jones
DOB: 1/20/1991
Booking Date: 11/15/2024
Charge: Violation of Bond Requirement
Bond: N/A
Bonded Out: No

Ville Platte Police Chief A. Perry Thomas reports the following arrests for the week of October 28 through November 3, 2024:

Name: Kendrilyn Fontenot
DOB: 11/11/2003
Arrest Date: 10/28/2024
Charge: Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property; Illegal Carrying/Discharge of a Firearm; Possession of a Stolen Firearm
Bond: $100,000
Transferred to Evangeline Parish Jail

Name: Antoine Jarmog Edwards
DOB: 12/13/1978
Arrest Date: 10/29/2024
Charge: Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Bond: $50,000
Bonded Out: No

Name: Tanesha Cullivan
DOB: 11/21/1984
Arrest Date: 10/30/2024
Charge: Child Desertion
Bond has not been set at this time

Name: Chris Marquess
DOB: 4/14/1993
Arrest Date: 10/31/2024
Charge: Negligent Homicide
Bond: $75,000
Bonded Out: No

Name: Cawaskee Ardoin
DOB: 7/3/1993
Arrest Date: 11/1/2024
Charge: Obscenity; Disturbing the Peace
Bond: $15,250
Bonded Out: No

Name: Malinda Lafleur
DOB: 10/25/1987
Arrest Date: 11/2/2024
Charge: Theft
Bond: $750
Bonded Out: No

Chief A. Perry Thomas

Ville Platte Police Department

114 Armand St. Office #2, Ville Platte, LA 70586

(337) 363-1316 / Fax (337) 363-0351

*******Press Release*******

Date: October 31, 2024

Subject: Negligent Homicide

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports that, after midnight on Thursday, October 31, the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a call about a 15-year-old juvenile being shot at a home on N. Morein St. The call was made by Christopher Marquees, age 31. When officers arrived and interviewed Marquees, he was arrested and booked with Negligent Homicide and held on a bond of $75,000.

This investigation is ongoing. Chief Thomas asks if anyone has information about this crime to please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arrests: Week of Oct. 21– October 27, 2024

The Ville Platte Police Department reports the following arrests from October 21 through

October 27, 2024:

Name: Wanski Arvie

DOB: 9/19/1988

Arrest Date: 10/21/2024

Charge: Failure to Appear

Bond: $1,028

Bonded Out: Yes

Name: Joseph Fontenot

DOB: 12/5/1972

Arrest Date: 10/21/2024

Charge: Possession of Schedule II (Meth)

Bond: $25,000

Bonded Out: Yes

Name: Malcolm Roberts

DOB: 12/20/1997

Arrest Date: 10/23/2024

Charge: Failure to Appear

Bond: $120

Bonded Out: Yes

Name: Brandon LeDay

DOB: 1/19/1985

Arrest Date: 10/27/2024

Charge: Failure to Appear

Bond: $200

Bonded Out: No

Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles R. Guillory was inducted into the Louisiana 1st Responders Christian Association Hall of Fame on Friday, October 25, 2024—a recognition from the Association for his hard work, and dedication as a leader in the field. Sheriff Guillory has devoted his life’s work to Law Enforcement beginning with Probation & Parole, and now serving as Sheriff of Evangeline Parish. His accomplishments are unending.  

Sheriff Guillory is a devoted Christian and family-oriented. He truly cares about his Deputies and always keeps them in his prayers. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department is in a much better place now than ever before under his command.

Sheriff Charles R. Guillory would like to thank everyone for the honor and privilege of this award.  

TROOP I NEWS RELEASE 

October 25, 2024 

 

Motorist Killed in Fiery Evangeline Parish Single-Vehicle Crash 

 

Mamou – On Thursday, October 24, 2024, just before 9:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified a single-vehicle fatality crash on Louisiana Highway 95 near Brangus Road. The driver's name is being withheld until the next of kin has been notified. 

 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup truck was traveling south on LA Highway 95 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway to the right and struck a tree as the driver attempted to turn onto Brangus Road. As a result of the impact, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. 

 

Due to the severity of the crash, restraint use is still being determined. 

 

Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.  

 

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. Additionally, while not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease the chances of serious injury or death. Always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. Every trip. Every time.  

 

Contact Information: 

Trooper First Class Peggy Bourque 

Louisiana State Police 

Public Affairs Section – Troop I 

Office: (337) 262 - 5880 

Peggy.Bourque@la.gov 

 

 

 

 

Chief A. Perry Thomas

Ville Platte Police Department

114 Armand St. Office #2, Ville Platte, LA 70586

(337) 363-1316 / Fax (337) 363-0351

*******Press Release*******

Date: October 22, 2024

Subject: Shootings on VPHS Homecoming Night

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports that on Friday, October 18, 2024, a call of shots fired was made during the Ville Platte High School football game. Arrested was Lawrence Pitre (21), and a handgun was seized. Also arrested was a juvenile (16) for illegal possession of a firearm.

A few hours later, at approximately 12:11 a.m., another call of shots fired was placed at 735 S. Chataignier Street. There were two victims: a juvenile with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his left arm, and a 19-year-old male victim who sustained a gunshot wound to his face. The 19-year-old is currently in critical but stable condition.

This investigation is ongoing. Chief Thomas asks if anyone has information about these crimes to please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1313.

All calls will remain anonymous, and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arrests: Week of Oct. 14 – October 20, 2024

The Ville Platte Police Department reports the following arrests from October 14 through
October 20, 2024:
Name: Harrison Fontenot
DOB: 9/17/1972
Arrest Date: 10/14/2024
Charge: Open Container; Resisting an Officer; License Plate Equipment Needed
Bond: $1,150
Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Derrick Lafleur
DOB: 10/29/1979
Arrest Date: 10/14/2024
Charge: Driving Under Suspension; Expired Motor Vehicle Insurance; No Insurance
Bond: $500
Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Logan Adams
DOB: 6/21/2001
Arrest Date: 10/15/2024
Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery
Bond: $1,000
Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Donald Fontenot
DOB: 4/22/1992
Arrest Date: 10/15/2024
Charge: Possession of Synthetic Cannabis
Bond: $25,000
Transferred to EPSO
Name: Kelly Thomas
DOB: 9/22/1991
Arrest Date: 10/15/2024
Charge: Possession of a Stolen Firearm; Resisting a Officer; Obstruction of Justice; Possession
of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Trespassing
Bond: $245,000
Transferred to EPSO
Name: Drexler Williams
DOB: 6/10/1990
Arrest Date:
Charge: Failure to Appear
Bond: $884

Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Herbert Savoy, Jr.
DOB: 2/21/1981
Arrest Date: 110/16/2024
Charge: Failure to Appear
Bond: $120
Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Tabitha Fuselier
DOB: 2/28/1984
Arrest Date: 10/16/2024
Charge: Failure to Appear
Bond: $320
Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Navarion Ben
DOB: 5/20/1996
Arrest Date: 10/16/2024
Charge: Possession of Synthetic Cannabis; Possession of a Firearm; Illegal Carrying of Weapon
with Schedule II; Possession of Schedule II in a Drug-Free Zone
Bond: $100,000
Bonded Out: No
Name: James A. Dick
DOB: 7/30/1984
Arrest Date: 10/18/2024
Charge: Failure to Appear
Bond: $120
Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Tyrawiesha Charles
DOB: 9/4/1998
Arrest Date: 10/18/2024
Charge: Resisting an Officer; Battery on an Officer; Disturbing the Peace
Bond: $750
Bonded Out: Yes
Name: Jakylon Wilson
DOB: 9/20/2000
Arrest Date: 10/19/2024
Charge: Bench Warrant
Bond: $468
Bonded Out: No
Name: Martin Calvin

DOB: 6/29/2004
Arrest Date: 10/19/2024
Charge: Warrant; Probably Cause; Theft of a Stolen Check
Bond: $100,000
Bonded Out: No

Pine Prairie Police Chief L.C. Deshotel