By KALB Digital TeamPublished: Mar 2025 at 4:29 PM CDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInEUNICE (KALB) - A Ville Platte man was arrested in Eunice after being accused of having inappropriate contact with a family member The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office said that on Jan. 16, 2025, they learned that Lepoleon Herbert was having inappropriate contact with a family member EPSO said detectives learned that Herbert had sexually assaulted another family member 7+ years ago when she was 15 years of age After securing DNA from the victim and the suspect EPSO said it was confirmed that Herbert had fathered a child with the victim He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated crimes against nature one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile and one count of molestation of a juvenile He was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail Click here to report a typo Please provide the title of the article in your email Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or purchase a subscription to the Ville Platte Gazette or Basile Weekly Ville Platte Police say they've made an arrest in connection with the slaying of a local man last week was shot to death outside the Gabriel Villa Apartment Complex He was booked into the city jail with second-degree murder If anyone has any information regarding this case please contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316 "Chief Thomas would like to encourage citizens to get to know their police department and remind them we are all part of the same community is not an answer to any problem," a release states This picture posted to Facebook on January 25 2025 shows the Crawfish Barn in Ville Platte a few hours after a fire destroyed the 100-year-old building The Crawfish Barn has been a staple of the Evangeline Parish community for over 30 years serving up traditional Cajun crawfish boils and regional favorites from crab cakes and oysters to a fried alligator po-boy which is estimated to be around 100 years old burned to the ground in a blaze that lasted for several hours The Crawfish Barn is at 1789 Mayeauxville Road "It's important to remember that The Crawfish Barn is more than just a restaurant; it's a gathering place and a place where families and friends have created lasting memories "We are currently assessing the situation and exploring all possible options for rebuilding and returning to serve our wonderful customers." A Facebook post written by Seth LaHaye of Lafayette gave further background on the historic building and the founding of the Crawfish Barn The business is now owned by KelliJo Soileau was originally used as warehouse storage for rice John LaHaye inherited the warehouse with the caveat that he "do something with it" — so he turned it into a restaurant and community gathering spot for people from Ville Platte and the surrounding villages of Evangeline Parish Seth LaHaye shared that he helped his dad build the restaurant and they believed that the barn was haunted with the ghosts of former workers who could be heard dropping sacks of rice on the floor "My mind is running a million miles an hour and bouncing through emotions A GoFundMe has been started to support the Crawfish Barn as they assess damages in the wake of fire It states that nearly 40 employees have been displaced at the start of Mardi Gras and crawfish season Email Joanna Brown at joanna.brown@theadvocate.com Email notifications are only sent once a day News Tips:newstips@theadvocate.com Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: By KALB Digital TeamPublished: Apr 2025 at 12:13 PM CDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInEVANGELINE PARISH (KALB) - Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office said two people were arrested following an investigation into the reported theft of chickens from a secured chick coop in an unincorporated portion of Evangeline Parish EPSO said they responded to the scene in the 1000 block of Old Park Road on March 27 Following an investigation and review of security camera footage Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office reportedly contacted EPSO and told them that Buller was wanted for multiple chicken thefts in Allen Parish and that he was aided in the thefts by his girlfriend Authorities said Buller and Leblue were placed in custody and both admitted to the theft Detectives were reportedly able to recover some of the stolen chickens She was reportedly booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $30,000 bond Buller was charged with the following in Allen Parish: He was reportedly booked into the Allen Parish Jail on a $40,000 bond and is awaiting extradition to Evangeline Parish An investigation is ongoing and EPSO said further charges and arrests are possible EPSO asked anyone with information about this incident to contact the Investigative Division at (337) 363-2161 Click here to report a typo is looking for help at a Volunteer Day set for Saturday and do anything else to brighten the dogs’—and shelter workers’—day “We’ve done this once before and had a decent turnout,” Ville Platte dog trainer Lexi Ardoin said “The shelteris run by two resilient individuals who struggle to get volunteer help.” who founded the animal rescue in the summer of 2023 when theytook 71 dogs under their wing when another local dog rescue disbanded they have been taking inhomeless and abandoned dogs is jam packed and still picking up dumped puppies weekly,” Matt Bakersaid we rescued a litter of nine puppies in Bayou Chicot who are only four weeks old.” there will be 50-60 dogs at HEAR looking to have some fun with volunteers Volunteers may just show up at the shelter located at 1771 Cousins Road in Ville Platte Volunteers should wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty Dinner will be provided by Teet’s after the event ends at 4 p.m Volunteers are asked to RSVP online at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BLtWTM1nr/?mibextid=wwXIfr For more information about the rescue and other ways to help, visit the website here: www.heroeseverywhereanimalrescue.com KATC reached out to Ville Platte Police Chief Perry Thomas who confirmed he was nicked on the back of the foot after shotgun shells ricocheted off the concrete during an accidental shooting Thomas said he responded to a call from residents—who are also family members—after they found a shotgun in their backyard he attempted to remove the firearm from its case The shell casings ricocheted off the concrete Thomas stated he did not require medical treatment describing the injury as no more than a mosquito bite He has since returned to patrolling the streets Thomas said both were shot in the leg but have since been released from the hospital and are recovering at home The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accidental shooting that injured Ville Platte Police Chief Perry Thomas and two homeowners Sheriff Charles Guillory confirmed to KATC residents that live North Chataignier Street discovered a weapon and called the Ville Platte Police Department Thomas found the weapon in the backyard of a home While attempting to remove the gun from its sock striking Thomas in the leg and injuring two homeowners The sheriff confirmed it was an accidental shooting All three individuals are being treated at Mercy Regional Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries We will continue to follow this story and provide updates live on air and at KATC.com Evangeline Parish Sheriff's deputies have arrested a Ville Platte mail man in a drug case was arrested at the Ville Platte post office on Tuesday and a spokeswoman told us that "We can confirm this individual is employed with the Postal Service as a city carrier at the Ville Platte Post Office." sheriff's narcotics agents arrested Pellerin on a warrant accusing him of possession with intent to distribute drugs and theft of mail after they allegedly found suboxone strips Deputies say Pellerin was booked into the parish jail — A Ville Platte shooting leaves a 31-year-old man dead According to a spokesperson for the Ville Platte Police Department police were dispatched to the Gabriel Villa apartment complex at 8:30 pm Wednesday in reference to a shooting Cawafkee Ardoin sustained multiple gunshots and was transported to a local hospital Police have confirmed that a body was found in a wooded area near the Martin Luther King (MLK) Community Center in Ville Platte The body has been sent for an autopsy and is still under investigation A source has informed KATC of a body found near the Martin Luther King Community Center in Ville Platte KATC has reached out to the Ville Platte Police Department for confirmation Police say they are en route to investigate the tip KATC has a news crew on the way and will continue to provide updates on this developing story EVANGELINE PARISH — The Ville Platte Police Department confirmed that human remains were found north of town off Tate Cove Road marking the second body discovery in just three days The latest discovery follows the recovery of a body near the MLK Center in Ville Platte over the weekend Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the remains Two people from the Ville Platte area are still missing Police have not officially identified the body found near the MLK Center but they are awaiting the results of an autopsy spoke about the emotional toll the situation has taken on her and her family "Christmas is just not Christmas anymore," Wilson said Wilson remains hopeful despite the news of the body discovery She said she won’t stop searching for her son I am not going to stop making calls and finding out where he is," she said The teen was last seen at a Dollar General store on Tate Cove Road in Ville Platte grief counselor Heather Prejean with Hospice of Acadiana offered advice on how to cope with the emotional challenges of losing a loved one the feelings can be overwhelming," Prejean said or over-emotional without being able to regulate it." Prejean also emphasized the importance of support from loved ones even though they may not always know how to help they may not know how to support or validate us and that’s part of the grieving process," she added Quanda Wilson says she is surrounded by a strong support system and remains hopeful her son will be found and I will continue to stay positive," she said If you have any information about this case please contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316 and ask for Sergeant Guillory EVANGELINE PARISH — A Ville Platte city worker was struck by a car and killed Tuesday morning while preparing for roadwork According to Ville Platte Mayor Ryan Leday Williams the worker was laying down traffic cones when a driver ran into him Mayor Williams confirmed the incident to KATC saying the city worker was just beginning his shift when the tragedy occurred "The worker was setting up for road work when a vehicle struck him," Williams said KATC has reached out to Ville Platte police for further details and is awaiting a response The identity of the victim has not been released as authorities work to notify family members — If you live in Ville Platte and are looking for some sports and entertainment the Freedom Center may be the place for you owners of Hundredfold Coffee and leaders of Freedom Family Church will open a youth center in September "Freedom Center will provide a space where young adults and teenagers can learn to do a trade," Steven said "Whether it be learning how to work with sheet rock The new business will be a free resource to the community and will be located next door to Hundredfold Coffee at 117 S Sarahi said the goal is help get more youth off the streets and encourage creativity in the neighborhoods "It's a dream for my husband and I," Sarahi said "It’s something that we saw when [we were working as youth pastors in the 2000s]...the teenagers would come together and have a place to be themselves and just have fun." The Sawtelles are encouraging professionals in the area to volunteer their time and to help give back to the youth "We are in need of retired carpenters," Steven said "[We're looking for] men and women that could maybe mentor a lot of young kids..."There’s just a lot of kids that are either taking care of themselves or are in a single-parent home the Freedom Center will feature a basketball court Organizations like the Community Foundation of Acadiana and Woodman of the World have teamed up to donate to the Sawtelles the building is undergoing final touches and is expected to open to the community by the end of September — Ville Platte Police Department are searching for a missing child but his last known location was in Ville Platte Ville Platte Police ask that if you see Wilson or know anything about his disappearance to call 911 immediately — Ville Platte Police discovered another set of human remains outside the city limits Ville Platte Police Department reporter remains found north of Ville Platte off of Tate Cove Road Police are working with Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police to identify the remains This discovery coming just two days after a body was found outside of Ville Platte on Saturday Police are also working to identify those remains Check back here for more updates on both discoveries If you have any information about either of these cases please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316 and ask for Sergeant Guillory Attempts to identify human remains found outside of Ville Platte last month continue and a search of the area this past weekend turned up nothing Darrian Guillory of the Ville Platte Police Department provided more info on an investigation into the human remains discovered on December 23 A search & recovery mission took place from 9:00 a.m A collaborative effort between the Ville Platte Police Department and a Search & Recovery Team based out of Texas yielded no results The human remains have not yet been identified Ville Platte City Marshals have arrested a Ville Platte Police Officer Officer Lumus Lastrapes was booked Monday night on a warrant accusing him of malfeasance in office Marshals tell us he was arrested without incident and released a short time later after posting bond We've reached out the Ville Platte Police and we'll update this story as soon as we hear from them Lastrapes is accused of releasing suspects who were arrested during an investigation into a shooting that happened near Ville Platte High School during Friday's homecoming game Ville Platte Chief Deputy Marshal Nik Cormier tells us that several marshals and the police department were working security that night and they got a call that there were shots fired near the school When marshals arrived on scene they encountered a man who had a gun in his waistband The man was arrested and transported to the jail on a charge of possession of a firearm in a gun-free zone and a marshal got a judge to sign it and then took it to the jail When he arrived at the jail he found that the suspect had been released who told the jailer that he had spoken to the marshals Another suspect arrested in the incident also had been released A warrant was obtained for Lastrapes' arrest and it was signed by a judge and executed last night booked into a secure section of the parish jail and released a short time later VILLE PLATTE — Ville Platte Police have booked a Baton Rouge man in connection with the June disappearance of Ville Platte mother KeKe Doucet Loved ones of 27-year-old Keabreonna have gathered in prayer Wednesday afternoon holding hands and seeking comfort after hearing the news about the arrest the family has finally received a breakthrough in the case of her disappearance last seen leaving her West Live Oak Street home and my emotions are all over the place,” said Kimberly Doucet was booked with second-degree murder by Ville Platte Police at 9:30 a.m Doucet's family members confirmed for us that he was booked in connection with her disappearance Why couldn’t you just leave her alone and move on What was the reason?” asked Lekethia Griffith the arrest has provided a glimmer of hope and a sense of relief for the Doucet family “We’re grateful for any form of closure,” says Griffith filled with sleepless nights and endless days of uncertainty.” It remains unclear whether Gallow and Keke knew each other The search began in June at Chief Romeo Hargrove City Park her family has never stopped looking for her “We go to bed every night not knowing what happened Doucet’s young daughter is currently staying with relatives Ville Platte Police issued a press release stating that the investigation began back in June and Gallow was a person of interest at that time "Throughout the course of the investigation with the assistance of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police evidence was obtained that led to the application of an arrest warrant that was approved and signed by Judge Chuck West," the release states VPPD’s Sergeant Darrian Guillory for her continued efforts in obtaining justice for KeKe He hopes this will pave the way for her family to eventually get closure." A family member told KATC the family had known he was a suspect for some time but had to keep it quiet so that police had the time to do their job: "It was hard waiting Gallow is the second person who has been booked in the investigation; police also booked 75-year-old Jerry Lee Verrette back in June He was booked with a misdemeanor after police searched his home Click here to read KATC's coverage on Doucet's case And click here to read about the vigil held for her. A third person has been arrested in connection with the September 14 shooting that left a teenager dead and two men injured. The shooting happened near the intersection of Huey P. Long and Reed streets. A 19-year-old died, and two men in their 20s were injured. Shortly after the shooting, police arrested Tavion Fontenot, 20, and a 15-year-old juvenile. About a month later, Malik Charles, 25, was booked with one count second-degree murder and two counts attempted second-degree murder. Now a fourth person, Kubby Simon, 24, has been arrested. He was booked this weekend with second-degree murder and two counts attempted second-degree murder. More arrests are possible as the investigation continues. If anyone has any information on this crime, they are urged to contact Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316. All calls will remain anonymous. We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time. For any issues, e-mail us at news@kadn.com or call us at 337-237-1500. Ville Platte - A body was found in a field near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. The body was discovered on Saturday, December 21, 2024, according to Ville Platte Police Chief A. Perry Thomas. Both Ville Platte Police and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office are investigating. An identity of the body is not available at this time. If you have any information about this case, please call the Ville Plate Police Department at 337-363-1316 and ask for Sergeant Guillory. Four people were shot, one fatally, in two separate shootings in Ville Platte Saturday. The first shooting happened just before 1 p.m. at the Parkview Apartments on Dupre Street. A 25-year-old man was wounded and taken to the hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. The second shooting happened hours later, around 9:15 p.m., near the intersection of Huey P. Long and Reed streets. Three people, two men and a woman, were riding in the car when someone fired at it. The two men - the 26-year-old driver and a 27-year-old passenger - were wounded and taken to the hospital, where they are in stable condition. But the woman, a 19-year-old, died from her wounds, police say. Police say they don't know if the shootings are related, and they say they can't release any more details while the investigation is on-going. Ville Platte Police are asking with any infomation about either of these crimes to call them at 337-363-1313. All calls will remain anonymous, they say. While some Ville Platte residents are outraged about the increased gun violence, some housing authority employees said good news is underway. Sheila Ben, Director of Ville Platte Housing Authority said employees are making strides to help prevent violent crimes from happening in residential areas. "We have implemented signs all over the housing complex, which is nine different sites," Ben told KATC. "The signs simply state, 'Zero tolerance for violence and drugs...We’re trying to keep everybody as safe as possible." Ben said she believes both residents and employees have a right to work in a safe environment. She also said when tragedies occur in or around the community, everyone is impacted. "It leaves everybody terrified because they are not sure what’s going on, or who is going to get the next bullet or who they targeting," Ben said. Ben isn't the only Ville Platte resident concerned about safety. 26-year-old Jadarius Williams said he recently moved into Parkview Village Apartments with his family. Williams told KATC he's only four months into his lease and he's already searching for another place to live. "They already got too much shootings going on," Williams said. "We can't lose another young life around here!"  Ben said new and improved surveillance cameras are expected to be on-site, at all Ville Platte public housing communities by October.  My NewsSign Out Sign InCreate your free profileSections news Alerts authorities announced the arrest of a man charged in connection to KeKe’s disappearance According to a release from the Ville Platte Police Department 52-year-old Elrick Gallow has been charged with the second degree murder of Keabreonna “KeKe” Doucet The release goes on to say Gallow was initially considered a person of interest but over the course of the investigation “with the assistance of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police evidence was obtained that led to the application of an arrest warrant.” Gallow is the second person to be charged in connection to KeKe’s case 75-year-old Jerry Lee Verrette was arrested for solicitation of prostitution during the investigation into KeKe’s disappearance although it is unclear how Verrette’s charges are connected to KeKe’s case Elrick Gallow is currently being held at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff Detention Center It’s been a painful 12 days for the family of Keabreonna “KeKe” Doucet They’ve spent each of those days searching for her We love you,” cousin Renee Griffith told Dateline “We want you to come home,” Renee continued Renee said she and KeKe were raised in Ville Platte KeKe DoucetRenee GriffithRenee last saw KeKe on Friday “She was with a couple of her friends,” Renee recalled of running into KeKe KeKe went to a party with friends and returned home she left her house in Ville Platte to meet her daughter Renee told Dateline the 11-year-old had spent the night at a friend’s house and was supposed to meet her mother to go to a basketball game the little daughter was walking from her friend’s home and [KeKe] was walking from her home,” Renee explained “They were gonna meet at this intersection where it runs into each other.” KeKe Doucet and her daughter.Renee GriffithThe intersection was at Magnolia and Swallow Streets in Ville Platte Renee said Kemyrie tracked her mother using Find My iPhone KeKe’s location was moving at the time but last pinged near Romeo Hargrave City Park I’m not sure if her phone died or if it was turned off,” Renee said certain she would never fail to meet up with Kemyrie “She was always with her daughter,” Renee said “Kemyrie was preparing to go on summer vacation [with family] so she was going to see her mom before she left.” The Ville Platte Police Department is investigating KeKe’s disappearance. On June 24, they posted about the case asking for the community’s help to locate KeKe The post confirmed she “was last seen June 15 Live Oak Street in Ville Platte at 9:00 a.m.” so that she could “bring her daughter to a basketball game at 10:00 a.m.” It added that “her phone location pinged her near Romeo Hargrave City Park that day KeKe DoucetRenee GriffithSince KeKe’s disappearance the family has been searching relentlessly for her We even walked the route that she would’ve taken to leave her house,” cousin Renee said Law enforcement has also been searching for KeKe -- and for answers. On June 22, they made an arrest during the course of their investigation. According to a June 25 post from the Ville Platte Police Department detectives obtained a warrant for the home of Jerry Lee Verrette The 75-year-old was arrested for solicitation of prostitution It is unclear how the arrest might be connected to KeKe’s case Dateline reached out to both the Ville Platte Police Department and Jerry Lee Verrette but has yet to receive responses Jerry Lee VerretteVille Platte PDAccording to Renee Renee believes Verrette’s arrest may bring KeKe’s family one step closer to finding her “We’re keeping up hope thinking that she’s somewhere,” she said The United Cajun Navy, a search and rescue group based in Louisiana, has also been assisting with the search for KeKe. As the heat there climbs to dangerous temperatures, they’ve asked for prayers as they continue the search. “We’re asking everyone to just keep praying and keep sharing her on social media posts,” cousin Renee pleaded. “Just keep her name out there.” KeKe and her daughterRenee Griffith KeKe is 5’2” and 125 lbs. She has braids in her hair and was last seen wearing a pink bonnet, black shorts with polka dots, and a raspberry-colored shirt. Anyone with information on KeKe’s case is urged to contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316. 33-year-old Elaina Guidry came from humble beginnings in Ville Platte Guidry is an American actress and a 2009 graduate of Mamou High School she said she was determined to chase her dreams despite the lack of performing arts resources in her community "I could remember watching television when I was nine or 10 years old," Guidry said 'I am going to be a star!' I didn’t know exactly why in the moment While many children Guidry's age were into toys and the outdoors "I always knew that I wanted to be an actress," Guidry said "I kind of got into the modeling industry because people were always like you’re so pretty perfect her craft and welcome new opportunities I was working and I would save up money so that I could take some acting classes." who was once a small-town girl as a familiar face in television she has starred in films like Rumble Through the Dark Zaybrien Anderson is following in his mother's footsteps and is a child actor too "I’m very happy that I moved out of a small town to come here," Anderson said The actress and actor-duo book roles together and told KATC they're just getting started "We’re going to move to Georgia for even more opportunities," Anderson said Guidry said she'll be visiting Southern University in Baton Rouge on Wednesday for a back-to-school event and looks forward to visiting her hometown A man turned himself into the Ville Platte Police Department Monday after he allegedly shot and killed a man last Wednesday was arrested Monday and faces one count of second-degree murder in connection to the death of Cawaskee Ardoin last Wednesday to reports of a shooting and a wounded victim at the Gabriel Villa Apartment Complex in the 800 block of North Latour Street Ardoin was located and transported to a local hospital Sims is being held at the Ville Platte City Jail on a $1.5 million bond If anyone has information about this crime please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316 Stephen Marcantel writes for The Acadiana Advocate as a Report for America corps member. Email him at stephen.marcantel@theadvocate.com — The 70th Louisiana Cotton Festival is underway in Ville Platte at a new location to live music and a midway filled with your carnival favorites you can find all the fun at 416 Lithcote Rd through Sunday KATC got to sit down with festival board member and former Cotton Queen Katelyn Calhoun this week for a look at what you can expect into the weekend For more information about the Louisiana Cotton Festival, click here. You can also learn more about the history of the festival on its website ------------------------------------------------------------Stay in touch with us anytime To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our Youtube channel A Ville Platte woman was killed Thanksgiving Day in a crash on Louisiana Highway 13 Just after midnight Thursday Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a two-vehicle  crash on La The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Kimberly Thomas A preliminary investigation revealed that Thomas who was driving a 2013 Buick LaCrosse south on La a 2013 Ford F-150 was also traveling south the F-150 struck the left side of the Lacrosse as it was making the U-turn who was unrestrained at the time of the crash sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene A passenger in the LaCrosse and driver of the F-150 were transported to a nearby hospital with moderate to severe injuries routine toxicology samples were obtained from all drivers for analysis