Deputies with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office, on August 23, received a complaint of an attempted business burglary that occurred at the carwash located at 3030 Old Hwy 13.
During the investigation, it was learned the suspects attempted to pry off the change machine at the business and caused significant damage to the machine and building.
Detectives were then able to identify the suspects with the business' video security system. During that time, detectives identified the suspects as being Casey Tate (W/M DOB 08/19/1988), and Gilbert Lafleur (W/M DOB 08/07/1990), both of Ville Platte. Warrants were later issued for both suspects.
They were apprehended on September 12, arrested, and charged with attempted burglary and simple criminal damage to property. Both suspects are being held in the Evangeline Parish Jail with a $51,500.00 bond.
In a separate incident, on September 15, deputies responded to what was initially called in as a medical emergency. It was advised to deputies Micheal Paul Leblanc needed a psychiatric evaluation because he had been videoing the victims in the bathroom with his cellular phone.
Later on, that morning, the victims contacted the sheriff’s office with information of an inappropriate sexual touching of a female victim that took place on June 22. She then wanted to discuss the videoing incident of the night before as well.
After interviews with all concerned, on September 14, it was determined that both criminal actions were legitimate and committed by Leblanc. He was arrested on September 15, and charged with one count of sexual battery and two counts of video voyeurism. He is currently being held in the Evangeline Parish Jail with a bond set at $40,000.00
Earlier, on July 23, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a stolen Toyota Tacoma, which was taken out of Butler Creek Hunting Club, near Turkey Creek.
During the course of the investigation, detectives got a lead on a possible suspect, identified as Branson Ford. Detectives initially questioned Ford about the stolen vehicle, and he denied having anything to do with the theft.
Detectives then gathered further information about this case, and, on August 29, an arrest warrant for Ford was issued. Once arrested and booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail, Ford admitted to stealing the vehicle out of Butler Creek Hunting Club. Detectives were able to track down the location of the vehicle near Oakdale where it was recovered and returned to the owner. Ford’s bond was set at $50,000.
Then, on September 5, detectives received information that two generators and a chainsaw were also stolen from another camp in Butler Creek Hunting Club. Ford was still in custody at the Sheriff’s Office when that information was obtained.
Detectives then questioned Ford about the theft of these items. During that time, Ford confessed to taking the generators and chainsaw at the same time as stealing the truck. Detectives were able to recover one of the generators but are still searching for the missing chainsaw and other generator. A second arrest warrant was issued for Ford for felony theft and trespassing. His bond for these charges were set at $25,000.
As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office are seeking information on criminal activity and urge 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.
June 20, 2026
