Patterson drug probe captures 25 suspects

A yearlong investigation into illegal drug activity throughout the parish netted 20 arrests Monday in Patterson with five more suspects on holds from other departments thanks to the help of multiple law enforcement agencies, Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle said in a news release.
LaSalle thanked undercover officers for their outstanding work in the investigation, he said. LaSalle called undercover “the backbone of these types of operations,” he said. The investigation was called “Operation 911.” Law enforcement used technology to track drug dealers in the area, LaSalle said.
“As for this investigation, this is only the tip of the spear,” LaSalle said. “We have probably twice that amount of warrants that we’re still holding. The system can only take so many when you do a raid.”
The investigation is ongoing with multiple cases pending, LaSalle said.
The Morgan City Police Department, Berwick Police Department, Franklin Police Department, Chitimacha Police Department, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jeanerette Police Department and Marshal Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshal Office, State Police and Opelousas Police Department all participated in the investigation, LaSalle said.
The following people, ages unavailable, were arrested Monday in connection with the drug investigation:
—Donald Bennett, of the 500 block of Vaughn Alley in Patterson, was charged with distribution of crack cocaine and two counts of distribution of cocaine/conspiracy.
—Danna Butler, of the 1800 block of N Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of Schedule IV Carisoprodol, distribution of cocaine, two counts of distribution of crack cocaine and distribution of marijuana.
—Gino Hall, of the 400 block of Camille Drive in Patterson was charged with distribution of marijuana and arrested in Franklin.
—Charles Webb, of the 700 block of Michael Street in Patterson, was charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana and possession of marijuana.
—Jordan Gant, of Cleveland Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of Schedule III Lortab and distribution of marijuana.
—Joseph Brown, of O Street in Patterson, was charged with possession of marijuana.
—Arthur Gant, of the 400 block of Cleveland in Patterson, was charged with distribution of marijuana.
—Eric Harvey, of the 100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Patterson, was charged with distribution of marijuana.
—Jaurell Encalade, of the 800 block of Taft Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of Schedule III Tylenol.
—Jeremie Watson, of the 800 block of Cleco Lane in Patterson, was charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana.
—Jerell Jones, of the 600 block of Red Cypress Road in Patterson, was charged with marijuana/conspiracy.
—Mario Verdun Jr., of K Street in Patterson, was charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana/conspiracy.
—Brent Charles, of the 200 block of Headland Street in Morgan City, was charged with distribution of marijuana, two counts of distribution of Schedule III Lortab and distribution of crack cocaine.
—Sharthine Blackburn Gant, of the 400 block of Cleveland Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of Schedule III Lortab and distribution of marijuana.
—Lisa Darnell, of the 1400 block of Cherry Street in Patterson, was charged with possession of marijuana.
—Walter Howard, of the 500 block of Williams Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of cocaine and distribution of marijuana.
—Marvin Johnson, of the 900 block of Washington Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of cocaine.
—Alvin Irvin Jr., of the 400 block of Tiffany Street in Patterson, was charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana.
—Murray Bridget, of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Patterson, was charged with distribution of marijuana/conspiracy and possession of a prescription drug without a prescription.
The following people are already incarcerated with holds for their arrests:
—Michael Delaune, of the 400 block of Como Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of marijuana.
—Joshua Francois, of the 700 block of Greenwood Street in Morgan City, was charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana.
—Keyandre Polidore, of the 400 block of Clements Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of marijuana.
—Michael Payton, of the 400 block of Liner Street in Franklin, was charged with distribution of marijuana.
—William Carr, of Clements Street in Patterson, was charged with distribution of Schedule III Lortab and distribution of prescription medication without a prescription.