Cops

Link is confirmed

By: TONY MARKS Editor Sources have confirmed to the Ville Platte Gazette that Rufus Searile has been linked with the recent arrest of five public officials, including Ville Platte Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams and Mamou Chief of Police Charles Patrick Hall.

Agents cite subject for shooting whooping crane

By: ADAM EINCK LDWF Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a subject on April 13 for allegedly shooting an endangered whooping crane in Evangeline Parish. Agents cited Michael Alaniz, 49, of Chicago, Illinois, for violating the migratory bird treaty act.

EPSO Arrests

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the following recent bookings into the parish jail. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Arrested were the following persons: •Cammie D. Deville, 57, Turkey Creek, was arrested April 9, 2026, for second degree battery.

LDWF Agents Cite Subject for Shooting Whooping Crane in Evangeline Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a subject on April 13 for allegedly shooting an endangered whooping crane in Evangeline Parish. Agents cited Michael Alaniz, 49, of Chicago, Illinois, for violating the migratory bird treaty act.

Searile is arraigned

By: TONY MARKS Editor Rufus Searile appeared in court before the honorable Marcus L. Fontenot on Thursday, April 9, and, through his attorney Andrew Leonards, entered pleas of not guilty in six separate criminal cases.

Gautreaux is arrested for molestation

Deputies with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Patrol Division, on March 11, responded to a call for service in the Crooked Creek area following a report of inappropriate contact involving a juvenile. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the complainant and began gathering information.

VP mayor, Mamou chief, others are arrested

By: TONY MARKS Editor Ville Platte Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams and Mamou Chief of Police Charles Patrick Hall were among five individuals arrested on Tuesday, April 7.

AG issues opinion on VPPD

By: TONY MARKS Editor Upon request of Ville Platte Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office issued an opinion regarding the city’s ability to abolish its police department while having an elected chief of police.

EPSO searches for suspect

By: TONY MARKS Editor Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory has announced his office is searching for a suspect in connection with several charges.

Testimony ends in Balfa hearing

By: TONY MARKS Editor Testimony in a three-day evidentiary hearing in connection with John Brady Balfa ended on Wednesday, April 1. Balfa was convicted in connection with the 1983 abduction and murder of Aubrey LaHaye. On Wednesday, Fr.