In the News... September 2012

Children to have fun at Chalmette Home Depot Kids’ Safety Day on Sat., Oct. 6, 10 am to 1 pm, with Sheriff’s Office, Fire Dept., to display items

Children paint during one of the activities at the 2011 Kids Safety Day A child looks at the Sheriff’s Office bomb robot used to check out suspicious
at the Chalmette Home Depot, which will hold the event again from items, which has been a popular feature each year at the annual Kids Safety Day at
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO. the Chalmette Home Depot on Judge Perez Drive. The robot will again be displayed
at the Kids Safety Day being held this year on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.

Sep 28, 2012 - Let the fun begin.

The annual Kids’ Safety Day on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Home Depot Store in Chalmette will have face-painting, games, a workshop, food and special items displayed such as a robot from the Sheriff’s Office and a safety house from the Fire Department.

Children of all ages, accompanied by parents or guardians, can participate in the free annual event, said Tammy Hentze, operations manager of the Home Depot store on West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette.

The session includes workshops where children are shown how to make things, face-painting and food for them.

Special items will also be on display for children. Sheriff James Pohlmann said equipment including a robot used to check out suspicious items, a SWAT team truck, boats and other things will be provided by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Parish Fire Department officials said they will bring trucks and a mobile safety house to show kids how to drop and roll on the floor to escape a burning building.

State Police, the National Guard and Homeland Security will also have demonstrations of equipment for kids and adults.

Winn-Dixie and Breaux Mart supermarkets are also sponsors of the event.

National Night Out Against Crime is Oct. 16 in St. Bernard; Call Sheriff’s Office at (504) 278-7628 to register a neighborhood event and have a deputy come out to discuss anti-crime tips


St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Carreras is shown answering a question from Carol Beaubouef at a Night Out Against Crime event she held at her home in October 2011. This year’s event in St. Bernard is scheduled for Oct. 16. Call 278-7628 to register your event and a sheriff’s deputy can be sent out to give crime prevention tips and answer any questions. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.

Sept 27, 2012 - St. Bernard Parish will celebrate National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, Oct. 16, after seeing an uptick in participation in 2011 after the event was moved to October from its usual August night to escape the heat, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Other near-by parishes including Jefferson will also celebrate National Night Out on Oct. 16.

Sheriff Pohlmann said St. Bernard residents can call Capt. Charles Borchers at (504) 278-7628 to register a neighborhood Night Out event and have a sheriff’s deputy come out to give crime prevention tips and answer questions.

“It was so much nicer weather in October last year than it had been on previous August nights,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “You could see people were more inclined to be outside holding a get-together with others and it seemed to help participation in the events.’’

“We have usually had good cooperation with residents,’’ the sheriff said. Some 40 group events were held in St. Bernard last year, some at churches and public places as well at private homes.

“We encourage getting together as a way to show that people have taken a stand against crime and intend to watch out for each other’s property,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann also said, “It sends a message you care about your neighborhood.’’

“I feel we are winning the fight against crime’’ in St. Bernard, he said, evidenced by extremely low numbers of violent incidents – especially random incidents involving people who don’t know one another.

This year marks the 29th annual celebration of National Night Out Against Crime.

Anyone who sees something suspicious happening in their area should quickly call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 and try to give a description of people and vehicles involved. Narcotics activity can be reported either to the same number or the sheriff’s drug hotline at 271-DOPE.

Capt. Borchers also heads the Reserve Officers Division, Neighborhood Watch programs and coordinates the free classes held for Citizens Police Academy and the free Refuse to be a Victim program. Call Borchers at 278-7628 if interested in participating in any of these programs or if you are a parish resident and would like to become a reserve deputy.

“St. Bernard needs everyone to pull together to remain a safe place to raise a family,” Borchers said. He said taking part in a neighborhood gathering is a great way to resolve to keep your eyes open for anything suspicious in your neighborhood.

National Night Out Against Crime is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and was introduced in 1984 to strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts.

Last year's National Night Out campaign involved more than 30 million nationally, including residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses and at military bases.

Three sheriff’s deputies, Eric Eilers, Robert Mire and Skyler Rauch, graduate P.O.S.T. academy; Rauch was first in overall academics

Sheriff James Pohlmann, at left, with St. Bernard Sheriff’s Deputies Skyler Rauch, Eric Eilers and Robert Mire, who graduated the Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy on Sept. 15. Nexto them are Maj. David DiMaggion, Director of Training for the department, and, at right, Chief Deputy Richard Baumy. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.

Sheriff Pohlmann, on stage for the ceremonies, presrnts Deputy Eric Eilers Sheriff Pohlmann on stage with Deputy Skyler Rauch. STEVE CANNIZARO
his certificate. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO. PHOTO.


Deputy Robert Mire with his uncle, retired FBI Special Agent Jim Mire, who presrnted his nephew’s certificate. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.

Sept 26, 2012 - Three more St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s deputies, all of whom are working in the Corrections Division, were graduated from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy Sept. 15, with the ceremony at Slidell High.

Graduating from St. Bernard were Sheriff’s Deputies Eric Eilers, a second-generation law enforcement officer, Robert Mire and Skyler Rauch. Rauch finished first in overall academics and scored in third place on the P.O.S.T. final exam.

Sheriff James Pohlmann, Chief Deputy Richard Baumy and Maj. David DiMaggio, director of training for the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, all attended the ceremony and the sheriff gave Eilers and Rauch their graduation certificates. Retired FBI Special Agent Jim Mire, who also was a former contract employee of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, presented the certificate to his nephew, Robert Mire.

The group, which besides St. Bernard included officers from the Slidell Police Department, Plaquemines Sheriff’s Office, Orleans Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office, Covington Police, Pearl River Police and the Louisiana Army National Guard, had more than 400 hours of training. Subjects included firearms use, investigation, writing reports, driving training and other areas of police work.

Roy McCann, director of the Slidell Regional Police Academy, gave the welcome address.

Five more arrested who were wanted for distribution of drugs in “Operation Summer Heat”; Nine left from the 42 sought by S.O. since Sept. 20

Sep 25, 2012 - Four more men and one woman have been arrested who were wanted in St. Bernard Parish for distribution of drugs in “Operation Summer Heat,” leaving nine men left from the 42 people sought by the Sheriff’s Office since a round-up began Sept. 20, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The undercover investigation, which began last April, concentrated on stamping out an upswing in crack cocaine distribution seen on the streets by authorities.

Thirty-three men and women have been arrested or surrendered after a list of those wanted was made public, Sheriff Pohlmann said. Of the 42 individuals, 27 involved cases of crack cocaine distribution, and 15 were for heroin, marijuana and prescription pills.

The latest arrests include:

Crack distribution:

Jermaine Miller, 31	2115 Licciardi Lane, Violet
Temeka Jones, 26	2717 Guerra Drive, Violet
Ryan Major, 24	2101 River Queen Dr., Violet.
Kordell Moore, 19	2424 Colonial Blvd.,Violet.

Marijuana distribution:

Samuel Lewis, 40

3013 Daniel Drive, Violet

The following suspects wanted on warrants alleging distribution of drugs re-main at-large.

Anyone knowing their whereabouts should call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111 and they could be eligible for a reward.

Justin Barthelemy, 26	2907 Stacie Dr., Violet.
Reginald Tucker, 27	312 E. Celestine St., Chalmette.
Tyren Sylve, 28	2837 Guerra Dr., Violet.
Joseph Smiles, 43	2021 Walkers Lane, Meraux.
Ronald Hudson, 41	2424 St. Matthew Cr., Violet.
Quatraine Washington, 33	2213 Delta Queen Dr., Violet.
Albert McDermott, 56	3112 Delta Queen Dr. Violet.
Corey Robin, 22	312 E. Celestine St. Apt. C, Chalmette.
Ceaser Smith, 23	3514 Evangeline Dr., Chalmette.

St. Bernard arrests and charges in Sept. 20 drug round-up:

Sep 20, 2012 - Booked with distribution of crack cocaine:

Gillroy Merrill, 45	10830 Rogers Dr., New Orleans.
Michael Merrill, 52	2407 Barrone St., New Orleans.
John Smiles, 27	2021 Walkers Lane, Meraux.
Sean LeFlore, 37	12330 I-10 Service Rd., N.O.
Rhiannon Colemann, 21	2526 Myrtle Grove Dr., Meraux.
Dwayne LeFlore, 36	2805 Stacie Dr., Violet.
Dominique Johnson, 22	2412 Elizabeth Ct., Violet.
Dondre Johnson, 19	2412 Elizabeth Ct. Violet.
Remus Reed, 23	12716 Guerra Dr., Violet.
Danmond Demolle, 32	3010 Stacie Dr., Violet.
Jeffery Alverez, 37	3401 Ashley Dr., Violet.
David Bennett, 26	2325 River Queen Dr., Violet
Tramayne Santiago, 42	2337 River Queen, Violet.
Tyrus Duplessis, 44	2501 St. Matthew Cr., Violet.
Bryon Bienemy, 37	5636 Sixth St., Violet.
Travaun Major, 26	3516 Ventura Dr. Chalmette.

Booked with distribution of heroin:

Chad Taplet, 32

2309 Bartolo Dr., Meraux.

Booked with distribution of Suboxone:

Adam Ciuffi Sr., 65

2540 Lawrence Lane, Meraux.

Booked with methadone distribution:

William Young, 49

1949 Selos Ct., Chalmette

Marijuana distribution:

Kevin Wagner, 31	109 Mickey Lane, Braithwaite
Freida Cousin, 48	2117 Torres Drive, St. Bernard community

Prescription drug charges:

Adam Ciuffi Sr., 65, 2540 Lawrence Lane, Meraux, distributing Suboxone.
Kenneth Simon, 26, 2000 Mumphrey Rd., Chalmette, distributing a Legend drug.
Kellie Klingman-Vansickle, 48, 2509 MaryAnn Dr., Meraux, distributing Lortab.
Justina Lemoinee, 36, 408 Reiss Place Chalmette, distributing Lortab and Xanax.
Terry Lachney, 36, 2205 Bartolo Dr., Meraux, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and obtaining a CDS by fraud and obtaining a Legend drug by fraud.
Heidi Lachney, 40, 2201 Green Ave., Poydras, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, obtaining a CDS by fraud and obtaining a Legend drug by fraud.
Alvin Normand, 33, 2201 Green Ave., Poydras, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, obtaining a CDS by fraud and obtaining a Legend drug by fraud.

Both Bennett and Ciuffi were out on bonds from previous arrests which hadn’t been adjudicated when they were arrested in the drug round-up on Thursday.

S.O. cracks down on street drug sales, ending 5-month “Operation Summer Heat’’ investigation with round-up of 42 dealers; Were 27 cases of crack cocaine distribution, 15 for heroin, marijuana and pills

The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit misidentified a man in its list of suspects wanted in a drug round-up on Thursday, Sept. 20. The man actually sought was Jermaine Miller, 31, 2125 Licciardi lane, Violet, who was arrested Friday. The Sheriff’s Office had listed the name of a younger man who has the same name but lives at 3217 Angelique Drive, Violet.

Chad Clark briefs officers involved in the operation before they set out to look for the drug suspects. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTOS.

Sheriff James Pohlmann, at right, Maj. Chad Clark, at left, discuss the drug round-up at a staging area. With them are from left, Maj. Mark poche, Cp;. Daniel Bostic and, Narcotics Agent Jason Saltalmachia. STEVE CANNIZARO Photo.

Sheriff’s Office Cpt. Richard Jackson applies handcuffs to suspect David Adam Ciuffi Sr., wanted for distribution of prescription drugs, is brought to a
Bennett, wanted for crack cocaine distribution, outside the door of staging area after his arrest. Shown are St. Bernard sheriff’s deputies, from
Bennett’s residence in the drug round-up conducted Thursday by the St. left, Darren Trandacosta and Sgt. Darren Miller, STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.
Bernard Sheriff’s Office. Also shown is State Police Sgt. Jody Hasselback.
STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.

Sep 20, 2012 - Trying to stamp out street drug sales, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office ended a 5-month undercover investigation called “Operation Summer Heat,’’ with a pre-dawn round-up Thursday, looking for 42 people wanted for distribution of drugs including crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana and pills, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

About 25 people had been arrested by mid afternoon. Three were already in jail on unrelated charges. All will go before a judge on Friday to have bond set.

The investigation and subsequent “buys’’ of narcotics began last April, said Pohlmann and Maj. Chad Clark, commander of the Special Investigations Division which includes the Narcotics Unit.

While the investigation was conducted by St. Bernard narcotics officers, other law enforcement agencies including the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and State Police, took part in the round-up of drug suspects.

Twenty-seven of the arrest warrants were for distribution of crack cocaine and 15 for distribution of heroin, marijuana and pills. Of the 42 suspects, five are women.

Most of the suspects live in Violet but arrests were also made in Chalmette, Meraux and in New Orleans. One gun was recovered during the arrest of a man in Chalmette.

“We think the cases are rock-solid,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “All of the buys were video-taped’’ and the sellers were identified before warrants of arrest were sought from judges, he said.

The arrests should make a dent in street sales in St. Bernard Parish, the he said.

Sheriff Pohlmann also said, “One reason we enjoy a low level of violence in this parish is because we don’t let drug-dealers stand on corners and end up killing each other over drug turf and customers.’’

“We have zero tolerance for drug-dealing,’’ the sheriff said. “Users need treatment. Drug dealers need to go to jail. They profit from ruining people’s lives.’’

Clark said St. Bernard officers “are committed to stopping drug-dealing.’’

The sheriff said “Operation Summer heat’’ began after, “We saw an uptick in the amount of crack cocaine on the streets’’ earlier this year.

Due to this increase, members of the Special Investigations Division, with the assistance of an undercover operative, started an investigation into the distribution of crack cocaine, Pohlmann and Clark said.

Of the 42 suspects, many are repeat offenders.

The combined ciminal history of the 42 suspects shows:

Misdemeanor Charges 492	Narcotics Charges 161
Felony Charges 156	Currently on Probation 8

The following suspects were wanted on warrants alleging distribution of drugs:

1	Tramayne Santiago, 42	2337 River Queen, Violet.
2	Bryon Bienemy, 37	5636 Sixth St., Violet.
3	Justin Barthelemy, 26	2907 Stacie Dr., Viole.
4	Regionald Tucker, 27	312 E. Celestine St., Chalmette.
5	Tyren Sylve, 28	2837 Guerra Dr., Violet.
6	Jeffery Alveris, 37	3401 Ashley Dr., Violet.
7	Joseph Smiles, 43	2021 Walkers Lane, Meraux.
8	John Smiles, 27	2021 Walkers Lane, Meraux.
9	Samuel Lewis, 40	3013 Daniel Dr., Violet.
10	Temeka Jones, 26	2717 Guerra Dr., Violet.
11	Dominique Johnson, 22	2412 Elizabeth Ct., Violet.
12	Dondre Johnson	2412 Elizabeth Ct. Violet.
13	Adam Ciuffi Sr., 65	2540 Lawrence Lane, Meraux.
14	Justina Lemoinee, 36	408 Reiss Place Chalmette.
15	Kordell Moore, 19	2424 Colonial Blvd.,Violet.
16	Chad Taplet, 32	2309 Bartolo Dr., Meraux.
17	Remus Reed, 23	2716 Guerra Dr., Violet.
18	Sean LeFlore	12330 I-10 Service Rd., N.O.
19	Tyrus Duplessis, 44	2501 St. Matthew Cr., Violet.
20	Dwayne LeFlore, 36	2805 Stacie Dr., Violet.
21	David Bennett, 26	2325 River Queen Dr., Violet.
22	Ronald Hudson, 41	2424 St. Matthew Cr., Violet.
23	Gillroy Merrill, 45	10830 Rogers Dr., New Orleans.
24	Michael Merrill, 52	2407 Barrone St., New Orleans.
25	Travann Major, 26	3516 Ventura Dr. Chalmette, LA
26	Quartraine Washington, 33	2213 Delta Queen Dr., Violet.
27	Danmond Domolle, 32	3010 Stacie Dr., Violet.
28	Albert McDermott, 56	3112 Delta Queen Dr. Violet.
29	Freida Cousin, 48	2117 Torres Drive, Violet.
30	Kevin Wagner, 31	109 Mickey Lane, Braithwaite.
31	Kellie Klingman-Vansickle, 48	2509 MaryAnn Dr., Meraux.
32	Corey Robin, 22	312 E. Celestine St. Apt. C, Chalmette.
33	Rhiannon Coleman, 21	2526 Myrtle Grove Dr., Meraux.
34	Kenneth Simon, 26	2000 Mumphrey Rd., Chalmette.
35	William Young, 49	1949 Selos Ct., Chalmette.
36	Ceaser Smith, 23	3514 Evangeline Dr., Chalmette.
37	Ryan Major, 24	2101 River Queen Dr., Violet.
38	Jermaine Miller, 31	2125 Licciardi lane, Violet
39	Terry Lachney, 36	2205 Bartolo Dr., Violet.
40	Heidi Lachney, 40	2201 Green Ave., Poydras.
41	Alvin Normand, 33	2201 Green Ave., Poydras.
42	Glennard Garnett, 29	2218 Guerra Dr., Violet.

Both Bennett and Ciuffi were out on bonds from previous arrests which hadn’t been adjudicated when they were arrested in the drug round-up on Thursday.

42 arrest warrants issued for drug suspects in an operation called 'Summer Heat. As of 8am, 15 suspects have been arrested.

Sep 20, 2012 - - The St. Bernard Sheriff's Office began rounding up 42 drug suspects in an operation called "Summer Heat" targeting mostly distributors of crack cocaine, heroin and pills according to Sheriff James Pohlmann.

Sheriff James Pohlmann and Major Chad Clarke said narcotic units began making buys in April when the department noticed an uptick in drug activity. Arrests were being made today in Violet, Chalmette and other areas. As of 8am almost 15 suspects have been picked up, all of which had arrest warrants for distribution of drugs.

Several law enforcement agencies were expected to assist in the operation, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and State Police. More information will follow.

Property possibly stolen seized in theft arrest; Also, one man arrested for attempted burglary and another for not registering as a sex offender

Charles Lanier, booked with failure to register as a sex offender. Patrick Vaughn, booked with theft in which large amount of possibly
stolen property recovered.


Sheriff’s Det. Trey Delaune looks over property recovered in Vaughn’s arrest. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.

Sept 18, 2012 - A large amount of property that was possibly stolen was seized in an arrest of a St. Bernard Parish man on a theft charge on Sept. 17, while separately, another man was arrested for attempted house burglary and one for failure to register as a sex offender, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Patrick Vaughn, 31, 2209 E. Christie Drive in the Poydras area, was arrested Sept. 17 after he was identified as the person seen stealing an item from a truck parked outside a bar in eastern St. Bernard Parish on Sept. 11, Pohlmann said.

A judge issued a warrant for Vaughn’s arrest on a theft count and later a search warrant for his home was issued.

Sheriff’s detectives arrested Vaughn at his residence and during a search numerous items were found which authorities suspect had been stolen, including a flat-screen television, a GPS, other electronic equipment and a life vest, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Vaughn was booked into St. Bernard Parish Prison and been released on bond.

Separately, Patrick Deffes, 50, 1712 Gnell Drive in eastern St. Bernard Parish, was booked with attempted burglary of a residence and criminal damage for breaking a window in the attempt, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

One witness saw Deffes in the yard of a man who wasn’t home and a second witness said he saw Deffes break a window in an attempt to enter the residence, the sheriff said.

Deffes was arrested after the person who lives at the home was reached and said he didn’t give Deffes permission to be on his property or enter the home.

Deffes is being held in Parish Prison in lieu of $16,000 bond set in the case.

Also, Charles Lanier, 34, whose last address was in Chalmette, was arrested recently for failure to register as a sex offender with the Sheriff’s Office after changing addresses, which is a felony, and with resisting an officer who arrested him, Pohlmann said.

A judge had issued a warrant for Lanier’s arrest for failure to register and he was spotted walking in Arabi but ran from officers and struggled with them before he was taken into custody, the sheriff said.

He is being held without bond.

Chalmette man, 81, killed early Monday when struck by a car while walking on Paris Road

Sept 17, 2012 - An 81-year-old Chalmette man was killed early Monday while walking on Paris Road when he was struck by a car driven by a Violet woman, according to State Police Troop B, which handled the investigation.

Joseph Gioe was walking in the right lane of the roadway about 6:30 a.m. when he was struck, authorities said.

He was transported to the Interim LSU Public Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center, where he later died from his injuries.

State Police said a preliminary investigation showed a 2004 Mercedes C230, driven by Deborah Riedel, 41, of Violet, was traveling north on Paris Road near East D’Amour Street, in the right lane, when she struck Gioe.

Speed and impairment are not suspected as factors of the crash, however, toxicology results are pending. Riegel wasn’t cited in the incident but the crash remains under investigation, State Police said.

Troopers urge both motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant while on area roadways and pay close attention to their surroundings. Distraction, whether behind the wheel or as a pedestrian, decreases awareness and reaction time.

Louisiana state law requires pedestrians to utilize sidewalks where accessible or walk along the left shoulder as far away from the roadway as possible. Pedestrians should walk against the flow of traffic, wear light colored clothing, and stay out of the travel lanes at all times.

S.O. investigates burglary at St. Bernard school and theft of $15,000 in goods donated for Hurricane Isaac victims in Plaquemines; Anyone with info. should call 504-271-2501 or Crimestopprs at (504) 822-1111

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Cpl. Shane Lulei and Suzanne Shaffer, who heads the effort by the Team Suzanne Shaffer looks over donated clothes at Lynn
Braithwaite Foundation to collect and distribute donated goods for victims of Hurricane Isaac flooding, Oaks School, where she discovered a burglary of
discusses a burglary and theft of $15,000 in goods discovered on Sunday. Behind them are other $15,000 of goods on Sunday.
donated items not stolen. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO

Sept 16, 2012 - St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s detectives are investigating the weekend burglary at a private school in which some $15,000 of goods donated to help victims of Hurricane Isaac flooding on the East Bank of Plaquemines Parish was stolen, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Anyone with info. should call 504-271-2501 or Crimestopprs at (504) 822-1111.

The burglary at Lynn Oaks School near the Plaquemines Parish line was discovered Sunday about 1:30 p.m. by Suzanne Shaffer, who is heading up efforts by the Team Braithwaite Foundation which has been collecting and distributing items to victims.

Stolen goods including miscellaneous baby items, including numerous diapers, food and cleaning items.

Detectives processed the scene in an effort to find finger prints and other evidence. There are no known suspects at this time, the sheriff said.

“How low-class can people get,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said of the burglary. “You have to have no shame to do this. This effort to collect donations for victims of Isaac has been going on since the storm,’’ where some East Plaquemines residents lost everything in 10-13 feet of flood water, Sheriff Pohlmann said. “This was obviously aimed at stealing what had been donated.

“We are investigating and whoever did this deserves the maximum sentence when they are found,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Shaffer, who lives in East Plaquemines said her son, Jesse Shaffer, began the effort to collect items for victims - using the Internet – and it took off. Church groups and many others have gotten involved.

She said the burglary is devastating.

“It’s sickening,’’ Shaffer said as she stood among collected items that weren’t stolen, saying she discovered the break-in when she went to Lynn Oaks on Sunday to deliver more donated items collected at a rally Saturday night.

The thieves took nearly everything for infants, as well as almost all cleaning supplies, she said.

“It’s really sickening to me they took all the things collected to help firefighters in Plaquemines Parish’’ whose homes were destroyed, Shaffer said.

She also said it had to be someone who has been to the school or heard of the effort to collect donations. But Shaffer said she didn’t know of specific suspects.

Crimestoppers, which provides tips leading to arrests in St. Bernard and elsewhere, postpones its planned Sept. 22 fund-raiser, a road race on Canal Street, but will reschedule for later this year


The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, which supports the fund-raising efforts of Crimestoppers, will sponsor a team from the department to race when Crimestoppers re-schedules its event. Team members include, from left, Cpl. Ryan Laylle, Sgt. Chris Scheeler and Maj. Adolph “Junior’’ Kreger.

Sept 13, 2012 - Because of Hurricane Isaac and its aftermath, the group Crimestoppers, which provides tips leading to arrests in St. Bernard and the rest of the New Orleans area, has postponed its planned Sept. 22 fund-raiser, a road race on Canal Street.

But its President and CEO Darlene Cusanza said the non-profit will reschedule the event for later this year and announce a new date shortly.

The continuing aftermath of Isaac made it difficult for many groups, including law enforcement organizations which work with Crimestoppers, to focus on a fund-raiser at this time, Cusanza said.

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann was among law enforcement, business leaders and the New Orleans Saints organization atteneding a news conference July 13 to voice support for fund-raising efforts for Crimestoppers Inc..

Robin also directed Jackson to a vacant lot near his residence where a gun Robin stolen in the incidents was recovered, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

The group, operating from Metairie, has helped solve 12,000 crimes in 30 years by offering rewards for tips.

Crimestoppers is partnering with a realtors group for a 5-K road race to try to raise $50,000. The money would make up for national and state funding cuts that threaten the group’s youth crime prevention programs and student leadership programs, Cusanza said.

Pohlmann, who was among several who spoke at a news conference including Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro and Orleans Sheriff Marlin Gusman, said, “We are a big supporter of Crimestoppers,’’ which has received many tips that have helped solve crimes in St. Bernard, he said.

The sheriff endorsed the idea of businesses sponsoring the foot race to help raise money for Crimestoppers as well as getting behind a new program whereby the public can make a pledge to the group in memory of a crime victim.

Crimestoppers can be reached at (504) 837-8477 and tips involving wanted suspects can be made to the group at (504) 822-1111.

Sheriff Pohlmann said he hopes St. Bernard groups could help Crimestoppers if possible.

He said, “We are fortunate to have a safe community in St. Bernard and appreciate the help Crimestoppers gives us to keep it that way.”

The group has supplied tips leading to arrests in St. Bernard, based in its rewards program. “We are in this with them for the long haul,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Annual Day of Reflection, postponed from its usual Aug. 29 date because of Isaac, held Wednesday at Chalmette High School

Sept 12, 2012 - Sheriff James Pohlomann and other representatives of the Sheriff’s Office took part Wednesday in the annual Hurricane Katrina Day of Reflection breakfast at Chalmette High School remembering the 7th anniversary of the storm, with the event postponed from its usual Aug. 29 date because of Hurricane Isaac. Shown, Sheriff Pohlmann is at the head table talking with Joseph DiFatta, while from left are Superintendent of Schools Doris Voitier, guest speaker Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans, Inc., and Parish President David Peralta. Also, Voitier speaks to audience members which included numerous current and former parish elected officials. At another table are sheriff’s officials, from left, Capt. Andre Dominick of the Juvenile Detention Center, Kelly Devenport, Chief Deputy Sheriff Richard Baumy and Commander of Operations Col. John Doran. Also, clockwise at a table are Jackie Lucia and JoAnn Lane of the Civil Division, Director of Administration John Vickers, Maj. Mark Poche, Capt. Wayne Babin, Maj. Adolph “Junior’’ Kreger, Maj. Robert McNab and Maj. Chad Clark. Also, Maj. David DiMaggio, foreground, Joseph DiFatta and Capt. Charles Borchers are shown. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTOS.

St. Bernard man booked with six counts of looting vehicles during the storm and possession of firearm by a felon; Was tied to one burglary by a fingerprint


Daryl Robin, 28, booked in St. Bernard with looting during Hurricane Isaac. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO

Sept 10, 2012 - A St. Bernard Parish man with an extensive history of felony arrests and who is on probation for 12 years has been booked with six counts of looting vehicles during the period of Hurricane Isaac and with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Daryl Robin, 28, 2022 Myrtle Grove St., Meraux, has more than 50 felony arrests and was tied to the string of burglaries in the Jumonville South subdivision by a matching fingerpint lifted in one of the vehicles, Sheriff Pohlmann said. A gun stolen in one burglary was also recovered.

The sheriff said Robin, who was already a suspect before the print was matched, admitted under questioning by Det. Capt. Mark Jackson after an investigation by Det. Sgt. Paul Miller, that he committed the burglaries in the early morning hours of Aug. 31.

Robin said he was on prescription drugs at the time of the break-ins. State Probation and Parole Agent Richard Weidenhaft and Jackson confronted Robin at the suspect’s residence after the match of the fingerprint.

Robin also directed Jackson to a vacant lot near his residence where a gun Robin stolen in the incidents was recovered, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Robin was booked into St. Bernard Parish Prison and is being held on the six looting counts, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and as a probation violator.

No bond has been set.

St. Bernard S.O. is no Mayberry P.D., Sheriff Pohlmann tells new class of Citizens Police Academy; 40 residents taking 14th course on police work since 1999

Sheriff James Pohlmann addresses the opening night of the Citizens Police Academy class, being held for the 14th year in St. Bernard Parish. STEVE CANNIZARO PHOTO.

Capt. Charles Borchers, who conducts the classes, speaks to its members. Maj. David DiMaggio, head of Training for the department, also spoke
at the opening session.

Sept 07, 2012 - “We are not Mayberry’’ Sheriff James Pohlmann told a new session of the sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy, in describing how St. Bernard Parish may have a small-town feel to it but its law enforcement officers are well-trained and the department has top-notch equipment.

His reference was to the fictional sleepy town of Mayberry, N.C., and its two-man police force, Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife, as depicted in the old “Andy Griffith Show’’ that ran on television for a decade in the 1960s and ‘70s.

“We still have a little Mayberry feel’’ in St. Bernard, a relatively small parish now in which the Sheriff’s Office enjoys good cooperation with parish residents, the sheriff said.

“You may be surprised at how professional our operation is,’’ Pohlmann told the Citizens Police Academy group at its first session the night of Sept. 5. The group will meet once a week at Nunez Community College through graduation night in November.

He said all but one of the sheriff’s top command staff, including Sheriff Pohlmann, are graduates of the FBI National Training Academy, “something I’m very proud of.’’
Sheriff’s Office equipment, most of it obtained with money from grants from Homeland Security or the Justice Department, is top-of-the –line, including a crime scene van, a bomb robot for investigating suspicious items, a mobile tower to look over crowd scenes such as parades or fairs, and Marine Division boats and sonar.

Training is a top priority for the department, Sheriff Pohlmann said. Maj. David DiMaggio, who heads training for the Sheriff’s Office, spoke to the academy class on its first session.

Sheriff Pohlmann also discussed what he has done since taking office, July 1, including reorganizing the department’s rank structure to make it more efficient, chopping away at a deficit through a combination of a hiring freeze which has resulted in fewer employees as some have retired or left.

Also budget cuts were achieved by cuts in the budget in many ways including not allowing department vehicles to be taken home by any employee who lives outside the parish.

The sheriff also said, “We as a society will never be rid of crime but we think we can stay one step ahead of it and you can have a better understanding of law enforcement and what needs to be done to suppress crime.’’

This is the 14th session of Citizens Police Academy since it began in 1999 as a mechanism for the public to learn about police work in St. Bernard, interact with officers and ask questions about any concerns. Some 550 residents have participated since its inception.

More than 60 residents registered to take part in the latest Police Citizens Academy class, conducted by Capt. Charles Borchers, head of Community Relations, Neighborhood Watch and the Reserve Division of the Sheriff’s Office.

The public can reach Borchers at (504) 278-7628 to start a Neighborhood Watch group or register for free classes given by the Sheriff’s Office, including the “Refuse to be a Victim’’ series.

There are numerous features to the Citizens Police Academy such as: hearing from sheriff’s commanders on various phases of law enforcement including patrol work, narcotics enforcement; detective duties; SWAT team demonstrations; receiving boating safety tips; hearing from law enforcement agencies from outside St. Bernard; touring Parish Prison.

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