News

Personal Message from District Attorney Phillip Terrell To The Citizens Of Rapides Parish

In this time of national emergency and uncertainty, I want to assure each of you that my office will remain open and operating and is here to assist each of you.

If any of you or your family members should encounter:

1) Price gouging;
2) Financial scams; or
3) Any other fraudulent activity related to the COVID-19 crisis;

I have set up our office email, info@rapidesda.org, to serve as a hotline for you to report such activity.

My office will immediately coordinate the appropriate response with the appropriate law enforcement agency be it Federal or State.

Together as a community, and with God’s help, the good people of Rapides Parish will get through this.

Please be courteous and respectful to everyone and let’s take care of each other.

Fear Can Not Survive,
Where Faith Exists.

God Bless

Phillip

The Rapides Parish Grand Jury met on February 27, 2018. District Attorney Phillip Terrell reports the following individuals were indicted as follows:

Donterio Wesley Wilson for the charges of First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery; Kevin Demarcus Thompson for the charges of First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery; and Fredrick Dewayne Sanders for the charges of First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery

This report was submitted to the Honorable Thomas M. Yeager, Judge, Ninth Judicial District, Parish of Rapides.

On January 30, 2018, the Grand Jury was duly selected and empaneled for the Parish of Rapides. Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell and his staff presented several cases for consideration. As a result, the Grand Jury returned true bills charging the following persons:

State V. Juantavies Delyon White - First Degree Rape;

State V. Richard Scott Dauzart a/k/a Robert Edward Doherty - First Degree Rape, Sexual Battery (Two Counts), Domestic Abuse Battery - Strangulation (Nine Counts), and Domestic Abuse Battery (Five Counts);

State V. Cecil Earl Phillip, Jr. - First Degree Rape, Sexual Battery, Domestic Abuse Battery-Strangulation (Three Counts), Obstruction of Justice, Second Degree Battery, Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault, Violation of a Protective Order (Nine Counts), and False Imprisonment.

Judge Thomas M. Yeager received and accepted the report from the Grand Jury.

On Thursday, January 18, 2018, Frank John Selas entered a plea of guilty to one (1) count of Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile and received a sentence of five (5) years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, with credit for time served since the date of his arrest on January 25, 2016.

After several meetings and conversations with the victim in this matter, it was determined that due to the sensitive nature of this case it was in the best interest of the victim and his family to bring this matter to a conclusion in a manner that would avoid putting the victim and his family through a public trial which would have been covered by countless media outlets. The victim was always the primary concern of the District Attorney’s Office, and it is the desire of the District Attorney’s Office to allow the victim and his family to maintain as much anonymity and privacy as possible without having to repeat the details of this incident in the public setting of a courtroom.

The District Attorney’s Office would like to commend the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshal’s Service, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for all of their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Akeely Blade Jr. was found guilty today by a 12 member Jury on All Counts, 1st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to commit 2nd Degree Robbery and 2nd Degree Robbery.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office will be having "Donuts and DAs" this week from Monday October 9 through Friday October 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the new Joey Giordano Special Victim's Division on the corner of 5th and Washington. There will be an Assistant District Attorney at the new location for the victims to talk with about their concerns during these times. Please join us.

With the latest disbursements, Phillip Terrell, Rapides Parish District Attorney, is pleased to announce that from January 1, 2017 to date, the Asset Forfeiture Division of the Rapides Parish District Attorney's office disbursed, to various agencies, the following amounts:

Alexandria Police Department $13,163.99
Rapides Sheriff’s Office $18,211.50
Rapides Criminal Court Fund $24,545.90
LA State Police $42,262.20
District Attorney’s Office $23,281.04
Total Disbursements $121,464.63

Disbursements occur throughout the year as assets are seized as a result of criminal activity and forfeited through the court system.

The DA’s office has established a child support obligation on behalf of 24,414 children (this number is totaling 2015, 2016, and 2017). This fiscal year, IV-D reached the highest percentage in the Obligation category, ever, for the Rapides District Attorney’s Office. Our percentage for federal fiscal year 2017 is 89.68%. This percentage reflects the number of cases opened at the end of the period versus the number of case where child support has been established at the end of the period, i.e. we have established child support in 89.68% of our cases. In comparison, the state average is 87.25%.

The DA’s office has established paternity on behalf of 21,025 children (this number is totaling 15, 16, and 17). The fiscal year, IV-D reached the highest percentage in the Paternity category, ever, for the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office. Our percentage for federal fiscal year 2017 is 97.29%. This percentage reflects the number of cases opened at the end of the period versus the number of cases where paternity has been established at the end of the period, i.e. we have established paternity in 97.29% of our cases. In comparison, the state average is 95.65%.

The DA’s office, in conjunction with the Department of Children and Family Services has helped to collect $6,879,235.53 in child support arrears since January of 2015. In contempt court held on September 18, 2017 before Judge Davidson, the DA’s office collected $43,224.70 in child support arrears from one non-custodial parent.

Phillip Terrell, Rapides Parish District Attorney, is pleased to announce that the Asset Forfeiture Division of the Rapides Parish District Attorney's office disbursed, to various agencies, the following amounts:

Alexandria Police Department $6,675.90
Rapides Sheriff’s Office $12,099.30
Rapides Criminal Court Fund $6,258.40
District Attorney’s Office $5,926.29

Disbursements occur throughout the year as assets are seized as a result of criminal activity and forfeited through the court system.

On September 27, 2017 the Grand Jury for the Parish of Rapides, which was empaneled on July 26, 2017, met and returned an indictment charging Braylon Daquan Dozier, Jr. with First Degree Murder and 3 counts of Armed Robbery with a Firearm. They also issued an indictment against Allen Lee Baugh for 1 count of Sexual Battery. Additionally, the Grand Jury toured four facilities in Rapides Parish - Rapides Sheriff’s Department Detention Centers 1, 2, 3 and the Renaissance Home for Youth Secure Detention Facility.

In an effort to improve the criminal justice system and strengthen our local criminal bar, the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office is planning its First Annual Bridging the Gap Continuing Legal Education Seminar. The seminar is free and open to all members of the criminal justice system in central Louisiana. The agenda includes topics that impact all the players in the criminal justice system and is attached for your convenience. The course was approved for a total of 5.50 hour(s) of credit, including 1.00 hour of ethics, 1.00 hour of professionalism.

WHAT: 1st Annual Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office Bridging the Gap Conference

WHEN: Friday, December 1, 2017

WHERE: Best Western Conference Center
2720 N MacArthur Dr,
Alexandria, LA 71303

The seminar is free and open to the public, however you must reply via email or call if you plan to attend. Feel free to share the email with other attorneys and/or your staff.

If you plan to attend please confirm your attendance by emailing Ms. Monica Doss at mdoss@rapidesda.org or calling (318) 473-6650 by Friday, September 29th.

If you are an attorney please include your bar roll number with your reply.

Course #: 8618171201

On September 22, 2017, after a 3 day jury trial, a Rapides Parish jury, in a unanimous decision, found Jeffrey Dwayne Ducote Sr. guilty of Four Counts of 1st Degree Rape, Home Invasion, 2nd Degree Kidnapping, False Imprisonment with a Weapon and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Sentencing was set for today, September 25 , 2017, before Judge Mary Doggett. Judge Doggett sentenced Ducote to life imprisonment at hard labor with the DOC without probation, parole or suspension of sentence on each 1st Degree Rape conviction, 30 years at hard labor with the DOC without probation, parole or suspension of sentence on the Home Invasion conviction, 40 years at hard labor with the DOC without probation, parole or suspension of sentence on the 2nd Degree Kidnapping conviction, 10 years at hard labor with the DOC without probation, parole or suspension of sentence on the False Imprisonment with a Weapon conviction and 10 years at hard labor with the DOC without probation, parole or suspension of sentence on the Aggravated Assault with a Firearm conviction. All sentences were ordered to be served concurrently. Ducote must also file as a Tier 3 sex offender. The case was prosecuted by Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney's Monica Doss, W. T. Armitage and Johnny Giordano

On June 15, 2017 Troherro Keith Batiste was found guilty by a Rapides Parish jury of Attempted Second Degree Murder, 2 counts of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and Second Degree Battery. At the request of counsel for defendant, Allen L. Smith, III, the court ordered a Presentence Investigation be conducted and set the sentencing hearing for August 14, 2017. Defendant’s mother, Brenda Batiste, spoke on behalf of her son. The court heard argument from both the State and defense. The Hon. Monique F. Rauls, Judge Ninth Judicial District Court, for reasons stated on the record, sentenced defendant as follows: Attempted Second Degree Murder, 35 years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections, for each of the 2 counts of Aggravated Second Degree Battery 15 years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections and Second Degree Battery 8 years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections. All sentences are to run concurrent, without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence and credit for time served. The case was prosecuted by Numa Metoyer and Cheryl Carter, Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorneys.

On July 26, 2017 a newly impaneled Grand Jury for the 9th Judicial District, Parish of Rapides, was sworn in to consider matters for the next 6 months. During their first session, the panel indicted Demetrice Montreal Welch for the offense of Second Degree Murder.

On Tuesday July 25, 2107 the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office was scheduled for trial in the matter entitled State versus Jeri Jerome Quinney on various felony charges. On the day of trial, Quinney elected to plead guilty instead. He pled to guilty and received sentences on each of the charges as follows: Domestic Abuse Battery-Strangulation (2 counts), one (1) year at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections on each count; Second Degree Battery (1 count) eight (8) years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections; and Attempted First Degree Feticide (1 count) five (5) years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. All sentences are to run consecutive with each other for a total of fifteen (15) years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Mr. Numa Metoyer, Assistant District Attorney, prosecuted this case.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s office presented several matters to the Rapides Parish Grand Jury at its meeting on June 28, 2107. As a result, the following indictments were returned:

Nicholas Omar West for First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery;

Eddie Ray Jackson, Jr. for First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery;

Audreanna Dshae Cameron for Resisting A Police Officer;

Kenderick Ray Norris for First Degree Rape and 3 counts of Cruelty to a Juvenile;

Douglas Wayne Ponthieux for Second Degree Murder; and

Shalynne Lacomalechie Johnson for Second Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice

State of Louisiana v. Troherro Keith Batiste
Criminal Docket Number 330,421
Honorable Monique F. Rauls, Presiding
Prosecuted by Numa V. Metoyer, III & Cheryl A. Carter

Defendant Troherro Keith Batiste, 32 years old of Alexandria, was found guilty by a jury on 15 June 2017, of the charges of one count of Attempted Second Degree Murder, two counts of Aggravated Second Degree Battery, and one count of Second Degree Battery. His sentencing hearing is scheduled to commence on 14 August.

This particular case not only emphasized nuances that are inherent in the psyche of victims of abuse, but also shed light on the plight of the homeless in our area - for both defendant and victim were homeless at the time of this incident. For better than two years, several business owners and civilians in the downtown area witnessed the victim being battered by the defendant, and routinely called the police - only for the victim to refuse to cooperate. Further investigation revealed that there were nine prior reported cases involving the defendant and victim.

In this case, in a calculated attempt to mislead authorities, defendant had the victim phone 911 for assistance. Due to the severity of her injuries, however, the 911 operator was not able to understand her; which forced the defendant to speak. Defendant advised that the victim had been assaulted by an unknown female, gave the location of the victim, then promptly fled the scene.

As the victim had informed one of the aramedics, as well as the trauma nurse at the emergency room, the identity of her attacker, the police were able to focus their investigation on Troherro Batiste.

It should be noted that the injuries inflicted upon the victim by the defendant in this case included a subdural hematoma, a broken clavicle, two black eyes, and multiple contusions and lacerations all over her body. Fortunate for the victim, the attending physician immediately
recognized the severity of her brain injury and promptly phoned in a specialist to perform
emergency surgery, thus saving her life.

At the trial of this matter the victim related to the jury a gruesome tale of domestic violence. She testified that she was unable to remember the current incident because of her traumatic brain injury, however she was able to recall many prior instances of domestic violence meted out upon her by Troherro Batiste: She told of the defendant breaking her finger so many times that her left hand was swollen due to a build-up of calcium deposits. She also recalled being hit in the head many times by the defendant - at least four of which required medical treatment wherein staples were utilized to close the wound. The victim also told the jury that the defendant had broken her jaw on more than one occasion, and had choked her many times. She also was forthcoming in that she told the jury that she had never been cooperative with police, or medical professionals that treated her, because he “loved him.”

The State also called to testify several civilian and law enforcement officers to supplement where the victim’s memory was lacking.

An all too common occurrence in domestic violence cases, a victim’s reluctance or refusal
to cooperate is one reason the State may elect to pursue. As difficult as it may be to understand
why someone would remain with an abuser and not be cooperative with police, we, as a society,
must not be complacent. There is an old African proverb that states, “It takes a village to raise
a child”, similarly it takes a community effort to stop domestic violence. We must be vigilant in
recognizing the signs of domestic violence and be willing to get involved and help those who are
unable to help themselves.

On July 28, 2015, Gerald Eugene Thomas, was arrested and charged with attempted second degree murder; aggravated rape and false imprisonment. Subsequently, on September 24, 2015, he was indicted by a Rapides Parish Grand Jury for attempted second degree murder; Forcible Rape and Second Degree Kidnapping. Trial commenced on May 2, 2017 and the jury found Mr. Thomas guilty of attempted second degree murder and simple kidnapping. He was found not guilty of forcible rape. Sentencing has been set for June 12, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

On May 2, 2017, the trial of Billy Dean Cotton commenced before a Rapides Parish jury for the offense of Second Degree murder. The trial lasted 3 days and on May 4, 2017, the jury, after deliberating for 30 minutes, unanimously found him guilty of Second Degree Murder. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney’s Cheryl A. Carter and John T. Giordano prosecuted the case.
The family of the victim was grateful and appreciated all the hard work done by the Rapides District Attorney’s Office.

On April 26, 2017, the 9th Judicial District Grand Jury met and returned true bills of indictment as follows:

Timothy Teasley, First Degree Murder and Attempted First Degree Murder;

Natarsha Elizabeth Meredith, First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery;

Daniel Maverick Mikkelson, Sr., First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery;

Kendrick Treman Davis, Second Degree Murder, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Schedule II, Possession with intent to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance Schedule I, Possession with intent to distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance Schedule IV and Five (5) Counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and

Derrick Dwayne Berry, Second Degree Murder and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Schedule II

The District Attorney’s Annex building located at 921 Ninth St., Alexandria, LA sustained structural damage during the storm passing through the area on Sunday, April 2nd. Please know that we are working diligently to have our building re-opened. You may call 318-442-9200 for information regarding child support appointments. If you need to apply for child support services, applications may be submitted online at www.dcfs.la.gov.

On February 22, 2017, the 9th Judicial District Grand Jury met and returned true bills of indictment on the following six persons:

Trista Nicole Goleman: Count 1 - Theft greater than $25,000.00, Count 2 - Malfeasance In Office, Count 3 - Injuring Public Records and Count 4 - File False Public Records;

Grace McMillan: Count 1 - Theft greater than $25,000.00, Count 2 - Malfeasance In Office, Count 3 - Injuring Public Records and Count 4 - File False Public Records;

Cheryl A. Cloessner: Count 1 - Theft greater than $25,000.00, Count 2 - Malfeasance In Office, Count 3 - Injuring Public Records and Count 4 - File False Public Records;

Kenneth Wayne Anderson: 1 Count of Second Degree Murder;

Donasty Anwanique Cohen: 1 Count of Second Degree Murder; and

Jerrin Duane Snyder: 5 Counts of First Degree Rape and 2 Counts of Sexual Battery.

All inquiries concerning arraignment dates should be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, Rapides Parish.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney, Phillip Terrell, is pleased to announce the following accomplishments of the IV-D Division of his office, 9th Judicial District.:

During the recently held Louisiana Support Enforcement Conference 2017, a member of the District Attorney’s staff, Ms. Heather Cooley, was recognized for collecting $70,928.00 in arrears from one absentee father. Additionally, in the month of March 2017, Ms. Cooley’s division collected from another father the sum of $10,000.00. Ms. Cooley is to be commended, along with her staff, for their tireless efforts in collection of monies for the children of our state.

District Attorney Terrell congratulates these employees of the IV-D Division for their efforts in the collection of monies for our state's needy children.

The Office of the District Attorney, 9th Judicial District, is currently reviewing the report issued by Rozier, Harrington, and McKay, on February 2, 2017, concerning the Public Defender’s Office, 9th Judicial District. The report is for the fiscal period ending June 30, 2016. There are three standards which were in non-compliance as determined by Rozier, Harrington, and McKay, Certified Public Accountants. These standards dealt with employee leave and accrued time.

Memphis Harlon Johnson, of 138 Monk Road, Glenmora, LA, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide of Ms. Valley L Willis of Pitkin, La on February 6, 2017. Johnson, on March 12, 2016, committed Vehicular Homicide while engaged in the operation a motor vehicle, while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage that took the life of Ms. Willis. At the time, Johnson’s blood alcohol content concentration was in excess of the legal limit. Johnson was sentenced to 10 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Mr. Numa Metoyer, Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney, prosecuted this matter.

District Attorney, Phillip Terrell, reports that a Grand Jury for the Parish of Rapides, was empaneled on January 25, 2017. This Grand Jury will serve for a period of six months. On this date, the Rapides Parish Grand Jury issued indictments under seal for six citizens on a total of fourteen charges as follows:

State v. Mark Russell for First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;

State v. Samantha Wayne Boyd a/k/a Rouslyn Boyd a/k/a Rosline Boyd a/k/a Rousline Boyd a/k/a Roslyn Washington for First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery;

State v. D’Marcus Ramon Bowie for Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon;

State v. Mary Ann Fisher for Malfeasance in Office and Theft $750.00-$5000.00;

State v. James Rauls, III for Malfeasance in Office, Unauthorized Use of an Immovable, Forgery and Injuring Public Records

State v. Frederick Kevin Harris for Negligent Homicide.

There were four other matters considered and the Grand Jury returned No True Bills on each.

The Grand Jury report was delivered to the Honorable George C. Metoyer, 9th Judicial Court, who was presiding in Division F, on January 25, 2017 and was placed under seal. It has now been unsealed by order of the court.

Anthony Tony Price, of 2424 Harris Street, Alexandria, La., age 31, was arrested on April 19, 2016 on the felony charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was again arrested on August 1, 2016 on the felony charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. On January 26, 2017 Price pled guilty to the charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and was sentenced to thirteen (13) years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. He also pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and one count Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. On each of these two (2) charges, he was sentenced to thirteen (13) years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. All sentences are to run concurrently.
These cases were prosecuted by Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney, Jermaine L. Harris.

On Friday, January 27, 2017, the Rapides Parish District Attorney received notification that a civil suit was filed in the United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, by former employee, Ms. Ruby Norris Freeman against the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s office.

The majority of the allegations in the complaint are alleged to have occurred during the previous administration of the District Attorney’s Office. Any assertions that Ms. Freeman’s dismissal or employment conditions during Mr. Terrell’s tenure were race or gender based are vehemently denied. More African-Americans and females are in both leadership and support roles than ever in the history of the Rapides District Attorney’s office. Mr. Terrell takes pride in all of his employees and the quality of work they perform in the public's interest.

Last week, the District Attorney’s office received complaints from citizens in Rapides Parish against two persons who had qualified as candidates for local elected offices in the Town of Cheneyville. The complaints received involved Patrick Williams, who had qualified to run for the position of Alderman for the Town of Cheneyville and Charles Wesley Allen, who had qualified to run for office of Mayor for the Town of Cheneyville. After investigating both complaints, the District Attorney’s office filed separate lawsuits in the 9th JDC Clerk of Court challenging the candidacy qualifications of Williams and Allen. On January 24, 2017, both lawsuits were scheduled to be heard before the Hon. Patricia Koch. Prior to the court hearing on Williams, he voluntarily agreed he did not meet the residency requirements. Mr. Williams also signed a request to withdraw his candidacy. A full court hearing was heard on the challenge against Charles Wesley Allen. After the taking of evidence, Judge Koch ruled in favor of the State of Louisiana and ordered Charles Allen be disqualified as a candidate for Mayor for failing to meet the requirement of having to file all of his Federal and State income tax returns for the previous five years. Mr. Tom Wells, assistant District Attorney, handled both matters on behalf of the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s office.

On January 24, 2017, Christopher Glendale Howard of Alexandria, La. pled guilty to one count of Simple Rape. He was sentenced to serve fifteen (15) years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Also, Howard was ordered upon release not to have contact with the victim and to register as a Tier III sex offender. This case was prosecuted by assistant district attorney, Ms. Monica Doss, with the help of the Pineville Police Department and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

On January 9, 2017, Stanley Jordan Earthly, of Alexandria, La. pled guilty to one count of Simple Burglary. He was sentenced to serve ten (10) years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Earthly also pled guilty to one count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Goods >$1500 and was sentenced to ten (10) years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Correction. These sentences are to run concurrent with each other. This case was prosecuted by assistant district attorney, Johnny Giordano.

Teldric Devon Boyd, one of the members of the Triple M Murder Team that was arrested earlier this year, has pleaded guilty on various charges in the Ninth Judicial District Court on January 5, 2017. As a result, Mr. Boyd now stands convicted of and sentenced as follows: one (1) count of the Racketeering Law and was sentenced to fourteen (14) years at hard labor with Department of Corrections; one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and was sentenced to seven (7) years and six (6) months at hard labor with the Department of Corrections; and one (1) count of Aggravated Battery and was sentenced to five (5) years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections. The court ordered all sentences to run concurrent with each other.

These cases were prosecuted by Jermaine L. Harris, Assistant District Attorney.

STATE OF LOUISIANA VS. DARREN JOHN OLAGUES
After meetings with the victim and her attorney, she has requested that the parties be allowed
to resolve this matter in civil court and she asks that her privacy and that of her family be honored. Our office will honor this request. Our protocol for domestic abuse cases was followed in this matter as in every other case.

Consequently this office will take no further action in this matter.

“The Rapides DA’s Office successfully prosecuted quadruple murderer Darrell Robinson almost 20 years ago, resulting in a death sentence, which we believe was justified. Robinson’s current defense lawyers have alleged that he is entitled to a new trial based on the alleged incompetence of his former attorney, noted defense lawyer Mike Small of Alexandria. Robinson’s lawyers also claim that prosecutor Mike Shannon concealed evidence. Neither of these allegations has any merit, and my office is vigorously working to uphold Robinson’s conviction and to see that he is executed in conformance with the sentence imposed on him. During the course of these proceedings, Mr. Shannon’s daughter, Misty Shannon Antoon, an attorney in private practice here in Alexandria, out of an apparent sense of loyalty to her father, has been critical of some of the decisions this office has made in relation to the Robinson case. While we respect her position, it is I and my office who make legal decisions related to the Robinson case and we stand by our current position.

The Rapides District Attorney’s Office received pleadings from Robinson’s attorneys on January 3, 2017, withdrawing their “Notice of Intent to Seek Writ of Review Regarding Plaintiff’s Motion to Depose Michael Shannon.” Ms. Antoon e-filed her Amicus Brief on January 3, 2017, in connection with this withdrawn notice. While we disagree with many of Ms. Antoon’s assertions, it would be improper to comment further as our only goal and obligation in this matter is to insure that the law is and has been followed and that justice is done. We believe, as we always have, that Mr. Robinson’s conviction should be upheld and the penalty imposed by the court should be carried out. Frankly, Ms. Antoon’s assertions are irrelevant as regards the performance of our duty in this case, and appear to be based on an incomplete knowledge of the facts and history of this case.”

On November 7, 2016, Troy Neal Rachal Jr. of 63 Nation Road, Deville, La., pleaded guilty to 3 counts of 2nd degree Battery and 1 count of 3rd Offense Domestic Abuse Battery in the 9th Judicial District Court, Division C. Rachal will serve 8 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections on each count of 2nd Degree Battery and 5 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections for the Domestic Abuse Battery. The sentences are to run concurrent. Rachal was ordered also to pay a fine of $2000.00 and court costs of $495.00. It should be noted that Rachal will serve the Domestic Abuse Battery sentence without benefit of parole. Rachal was also served with Protective Orders at the time of sentencing. Assistant District Attorney Mr. Numa Metoyer prosecuted this case and stated, "In this particular case, two prior survivors of domestic violence perpetrated by Troy Neal Rachal, as well as the victim in the instant case, came forward to tell the court their stories of abuse. Due to these victims' courage, the District Attorney’s Office was able to secure a conviction in this case. The District Attorney and his staff commend the victims for their bravery."

On October 25, 2016, Alvin June Gillespie, of Alexandria, La. pled guilty to 2nd degree Kidnapping in the 9th Judicial District Court, Division A. He was sentenced to 20 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. He is also required to register as a Tier 3 Sex Offender. Quoting from the Court Minutes, “The defendant is to register as a Tier 3 sex offender for the remainder of his natural life”. Gillespie was arrested by the Alexandria Police Department on May 20, 2016, and formal charges were filed by the Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office on July 8, 2016. Assistant District Attorney Ms. Monica Doss prosecuted this case.

On October 25, 2016, Terry William Green, Jr. pleaded guilty to 2nd degree rape in the 9th Judicial District Court, Division A. He was sentenced to 25 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. He is also required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. Green was originally indicted by the Rapides Parish Grand jury on June 30, 2016. Ms. Monica Doss was the Assistant District Attorney in charge of this case.

After a six month joint investigation by the Rapides District Attorney’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Tommy Leroy Morgan was charged, pleaded guilty and sentenced for Theft by Fraud. Morgan must comply with all sentencing requirements. He was ordered to pay the following: A fine of $5000.00 plus court cost, $5000.00 in prosecution cost, reimbursement of all investigative costs to be paid to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and restitution over $1 Million dollars.

The sentence also imposed: Five Years of Incarceration, Suspended and Five Years of Supervised Probation with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

As part of Morgan’s plea agreement over $600,000.00 in restitution has already been collected.

The Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office wishes to express appreciation to the officers of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry for their work and professionalism in bringing this case to a successful completion.

District Attorney Phillip Terrell is pleased to announce the employment of Ms. Cheryl A. Carter, as an Assistant District Attorney. Ms. Carter distinguished herself in the legal field as a prosecutor for Orleans and Terrebonne parishes respectively. Ms. Carter brings to the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s office a career dedicated to public service and a commitment to public safety. Ms. Carter is a graduate of Tioga High School with an undergraduate degree in business from Southern University , and a Juris Doctorate from Southern University. Ms. Carter says, “I’m glad to be returning home to Rapides Parish and look forward to serving our citizens”.

District Attorney Terrell has also hired T W Thompson as his Executive Administrator, TW brings over 40 years of governmental management to the District Attorney’s office. Mr. Thompson began his public service career as a deputy sheriff in the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office under the late W.C. Percy, Jr, he entered state service in 1978 with the La. Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections, retiring as Warden of Dabadie Correctional Center. Mr Thompson, furthered his service to the public, serving eight years as Director of Public Works, Commissioner of Public Safety, and Chief of Staff for the City of Alexandria. Mr. Thompson is proud to be serving District Attorney Terrell and his staff.

The following members of the Triple M Murder Team arrested earlier this year have pled guilty on various charges in the Ninth Judicial District Court:

On September 19, 2016, Jerome C. Boyd, 69 Chester Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, pled guilty to one (1) count of Racketeering Law and was sentenced to three (3) years at hard labor with Department of Corrections

On September 26, 2016, Major James Tarleton, Jr., 4101 Tulane Avenue, Alexandria, Louisiana, pled guilty to one (1) count Racketeering Law and was sentenced to twelve (12) years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections, and to one (1) count of Aggravated Second Degree Battery, and was sentenced to one (1) year at hard labor with the Department of Corrections, both counts to run concurrent with each other.

On September 27, 2016, Charvick Contrell Rachal, 5300 Jeff Davis Blvd, Alexandria, Louisiana, pled guilty to two (2) counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Schedule I, and was sentenced to eight (8) years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections on each count, to run concurrent with each other.

On September 29, 2016, Jerrell M. Boyd, 2401 Madeline Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, pled guilty to one (1) count of Racketeering Law and was sentenced to three (3) years at hard labor with Department of Corrections.

On September 29, 2016, Demetrius L. Bryant, 2719 Monroe Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, pled guilty to one (1) count of Racketeering Law and was sentenced to five (5) years at hard labor with Department of Corrections

These cases were prosecuted by Jermaine L. Harris, Assistant District Attorney.

JOIN US for the National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims.

September 25, 2016 @ 7:30pm

Front steps of Rapides Parish Courthouse
701 Murray St., Alexandria, LA

Bring a picture of a loved one for the Memorial table.

August 25, 2016

Troherro Keith Batiste, 31 years old, was indicted on ATTEMPTED
MANSLAUGHTER, 2 counts AGGRAVATED SECOND DEGREE BATTERY
& SECOND DEGREE BATTERY by a Grand Jury. Assistant District attorney,
Numa Metoyer will prosecute this case.

Akeely Keshawn Blade, Jr., 17 years old, Camryn Lasyone, 16 years old,
Travis Weston, 16 years old, and Brooke Daniels, 16 years old, were indicted
on FIRST DEGREE MURDER and CONSPIRACY TO COMMITT SECOND
DEGREE ROBBERY by a Grand Jury. All will be tried as adults. Assistant
District Attorney Jermaine Harris will prosecute this case.

On August 15, 2016, Desmon Marquis Williams pled guilty to four (4) counts Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling. He was sentenced to ten (10) years at hard labor with Department of Corrections on each count and the first year of sentence is to be without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. Williams also pled guilty to one (1) count Attempted Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling and was sentenced to six (6) years at hard labor with Department of Corrections. All counts are to run concurrent with each other. This case was prosecuted by assistant district attorney, Jermaine L. Harris.

PRESS RELEASE…..

July 11, 2016


Another member of the Triple M Murder Team has been arrested.

Alger Joseph Boyd, Jr. was indicted on RACKETEERING CHARGES by a Grand Jury on 3/31/2016. On 7/3/2016 Boyd was arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department in Columbus, Ohio on the indictment warrant. Boyd signed a Waiver of Extradition and will be returned to Rapides Parish to begin legal proceedings. Assistant District Attorney Jermaine Harris will prosecute this case.

On June 24, 2016, Fred Thomas pled guilty to:

1. One (1) count False Imprisonment with a Weapon and was sentenced to five (5) years at hard labor with Department of Corrections, and
2. One (1) count Simple Burglary and was sentenced to five (5) years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections.
These sentences are to run concurrent with each other. The case was prosecuted by Jermaine L. Harris.

GUILTY PLEA(S) ENTERED ON JUNE 13, 2016:

CLYDE GLENN ISSAC, JR, 40 of Dry Prong, pled guilty to 1 count of CAR JACKING. He was sentenced to serve 10 years Hard Labor with the Department of Corrections. This sentence is to be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The court designates this charge as a crime of violence. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney, Brian D. Mosley.


GEORGE ALTON PERKINS, JR, 41 of Glenmora, pled guilty to 1 count THEFT OF $1500 or MORE, AND 1 count of SEXUAL BATTERY. Perkins was sentenced to 5 years Hard Labor for the count of THEFT charge and 5 years Hard Labor on the SEXUAL BATTERY charge… these charges will run concurrent. Upon release from the Department of Corrections, Mr. Perkins is required to register as sex offender for 15 years and abide by all of the conditions. The case was prosecuted Assistant District Attorneys, Brian D. Mosley and Brian C. Cespiva.