Sheriff: Handgun, drugs found in vehicle

After a traffic stop Tuesday in Morgan City, authorities discovered a handgun, marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside a vehicle, and two suspects, both of whom resisted arrest, were taken to parish jail, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.
—Jeanaux F. Kenner, 23, of the 1000 block of Grace Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:36 p.m. Tuesday on the charges of general speed law, condition of windshield, proper equipment required-no rearview mirror, possession of open alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, no driver’s license, resisting an officer by force, possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Johnetta M. Kenner, 56, of the 1000 block of Grace Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:36 p.m. Tuesday on the charges of disturbing the peace by obscene language, interfering with a law enforcement investigation and resisting an officer by force.
A deputy working Local Agency Compensated Enforcement detail on La. 182 in the Morgan City area observed a car traveling at a high rate of speed on Aycock Street, stopped the vehicle, and made contact with the driver, identified as Jeanaux Kenner. While speaking with Jeanaux Kenner, the deputy observed an open can of beer inside the car, Hebert said.
The deputy also discovered that Jeanaux Kenner did not have a driver’s license with him. A Morgan City Police officer responded to the scene to assist the deputy.
As the traffic stop investigation progressed, Johnetta Kenner approached the scene while using profane language, Hebert said. Johnetta Kenner repeatedly refused the deputy’s orders to clear the scene of the investigation, the sheriff said.
As the deputy and Morgan City Police officer placed the two suspects under arrest, both suspects forcefully pulled away, Hebert said. A handgun and two small scales were located inside the vehicle along with small fragments of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, Hebert said. Both suspects were jailed with no bail set.
Hebert reported responding to 34 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrest in east St. Mary Parish:
—Michael Matthew, 35, of the 17000 block of Kings Park Lane in Houston, was arrested at 11:11 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant from Harris County, Texas, on the charge of aggravated assault (family member). A deputy working in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal’s Office located Matthew at a business on La. 182 in Berwick. Matthew was jailed with no bail set.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported the following arrests:
—Scott L. Rodriguez, 46, of Onstead Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday on the charge of domestic abuse battery.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Front and First streets in regard to a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived, they spoke to the victim, who stated that she and her father had a verbal altercation and, during the altercation, her father committed a battery on her, causing an injury to her head, Blair said.
Officers then went to a residence on Onstead Street and located Rodriguez. Rodriguez admitted to committing the battery, Blair said. He was jailed.
—Nathaniel Leblanc, 25, of Jeanerette, was arrested at 1:39 a.m. today on the charges of possession of Schedule I marijuana, license plate light required, possession of drug paraphernalia, window tint requirements, possession of Schedule II dextroamphetamine and expired motor vehicle inspection sticker.
A patrol officer in the area of U.S. 90 observed a vehicle with improper lighting. A vehicle stop was conducted. The driver, Leblanc, was asked to produce a valid driver’s license. The officer located suspected marijuana, pills identified as dextroamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, Blair said. Leblanc was jailed.
—Lonnie J. Stratton, 22, of Francis Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 3:54 a.m. today on the charges of possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles and obstructing public passages.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Federal Avenue and Freret Street in regard to a person sleeping in a vehicle. When officers arrived, they noticed a vehicle in the middle of the roadway with the driver asleep, Blair said.
The driver, Stratton, was asked to exit the vehicle. Officers observed several open alcoholic containers inside the vehicle. Stratton stated he was tired and had fallen asleep, Blair said. Stratton was jailed.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:
—Erick Billiot, 24, of the 600 block of Arenz Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:35 p.m. Tuesday on warrants from March 21 charging him with theft of assets of an aged or disabled person and unauthorized use of an access card. Billiot is accused of stealing $62 from the victim in Berwick, though other area law enforcements are also investigating thefts in their jurisdictions, Richard said.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.

This story was written by Zachary Fitzgerald of The Daily Review staff. Reach him at zfitzgerald@daily-review.com.