Sheriff: Two arrested on drug charges after stop

Two people were arrested Monday after authorities stopped a vehicle in Berwick and found cocaine, marijuana and $900 in cash during a search, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.
—Matthew Blanks, 35, of Iberia Street in Franklin, was arrested at 9:35 p.m. Monday on the charges of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, obstruction of justice, transactions involving drug proceeds and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Alyssa Pontiff, 20, of Robicheaux Lane in Franklin, was arrested at 9:35 p.m. Monday on the charges of improper lane usage and possession of marijuana.
While patrolling Bayou Vista, deputies observed a vehicle crossing over the fog line of U.S. 90 and conducted a traffic stop near Thorguson Road in Berwick. Deputies made contact with the driver, Pontiff, and a passenger, Blanks, and smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the car.
While speaking with Pontiff, deputies learned that there was marijuana inside the vehicle and received consent to search. Deputies found a small bag of marijuana and a partially burnt marijuana cigarette near the driver’s seat. While speaking with Blanks, deputies observed that he was attempting to conceal part of his body from them.
Deputies received consent to search him and found a bag of marijuana. Also during the search, a deputy observed Blanks shake his leg and then kick an item beneath the vehicle.
The deputy retrieved the item which was found to be a bag of crack cocaine. Deputies also located over $900 in cash on Blanks’ pants pocket. Pontiff was released on a summons to appear in court May 10. Blanks was jailed with no bail set.
Hebert reported responding to 44 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:
—Chad M. Kirkland, 32, of Mars Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 5:19 p.m. Monday on the charges of speeding and driving under suspension.
A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista observed a vehicle speeding 58 mph in a 45 mph construction zone on U.S. 90. The deputy stopped the vehicle, spoke with the Kirkland, and found that he was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Kirkland was released on a summons to appear in court May 10.
—Pamela Jones, 55, of Cherry Street in Patterson, was arrested at 12:26 p.m. Monday on a warrant for theft of goods. A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. The deputy learned from store personnel that a woman was seen concealing items in her purse. The deputy identified the woman as Jones. A warrant was issued for her arrest.
A deputy observed Jones in traffic on La. 182 in Bayou Vista and stopped the vehicle. Jones was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Jones was released on a summons to appear in court May 10.
—David Aucoin Jr., 20, of Cremo Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 6:09 p.m. Monday on a warrant on the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The warrant was issued following a traffic stop investigation conducted by narcotics detectives in Morgan City. Detectives located a digital scale on Aucoin that had small pieces of crystal methamphetamine on it. While patrolling Bayou Vista, detectives observed Aucoin walking on Jupiter Street. Aucoin was released on a summons to appear in court May 10.
—Donald Lacoste Jr., 37, of Shannon Street in Patterson, was arrested at 6:24 p.m. Monday on the charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and on a warrant for criminal trespass.
The warrant stems from an investigation into a complaint of trespassing in the Berwick area in January. A narcotics detective found Lacoste trespassing on private property. Narcotics detectives located Lacoste at his residence on the warrant.
Detectives smelled the odor of burning marijuana coming from Lacoste and received consent to search the residence. They found marijuana and items of drug paraphernalia. Lacoste was released on a summons to appear in court May 10.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported the following arrests:
—Eric Clark, 22, of North Everett Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:23 p.m. Monday on the charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle and flight from an officer.
A patrolling officer observed a vehicle being operated in a reckless manner in the parking lot of a supermarket on La. 182. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop when the vehicle refused to stop and got onto La. 182 and proceeded west.
The vehicle continued to flee from the officer through several city streets when it stopped in front of a home on North Everett Street. The driver, Clark was jailed.
—Tiffany L. Randolph, 27, of Big Bear Lane in Franklin, was arrested at 4:22 p.m. Monday on warrants for failure to appear on the charges of theft and criminal damage to property.
Officers located Randolph at a motel on La. 182 and arrested her on city court warrants. Randolph was jailed.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrests:
—Billy Bentley, 53, of California Street in Berwick, was arrested at 10:02 a.m. Monday on the charge of theft. Bail is set at $301.
—Chaz Rebardi, 22, of Mill Road in Patterson, was arrested at 1:57 p.m. Monday on warrants charging him with hit and run driving and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Rebardi is incarcerated in the Morgan City jail.
—Seth Martin, 25, of Fourth Street in Berwick, was arrested at 4 p.m. Monday on a warrant charging him with domestic abuse battery. No bail is set.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.