Criminal Case News

Williams Pleads Guilty as Charged When Jury Selection Was to Start

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Nelson Williams,(27) of Port Sulphur plead guilty as charged for Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor before his jury trial started. The defendant was accused of solicitating a minor with video conference calls while his was incarcerated. The victim refused to cooperate with authorities. Lt. Holly Hardin was the lead…

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Lafrance Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Battery

Charles J. Ballay, District Attorney for the Parish of Plaquemines, reports that on October 1, 2024, Joseph Lafrance, age 56, from Braithwaite, Louisiana, plead guilty as charged to Aggravated Battery shortly before his trial by jury set on the same day. On April 2, 2023, an adult female victim contacted P.P.S.O. to report that Lafrance…

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NAQUIN PLEADS TO 35 YEARS

The Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office reports that on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Kenneth Naquin, age 28, from Metairie, LA, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter before his trial set for April 10, 2024. Naquin was indicted on Second Degree Murder on July 21, 2022, following an incident that took place on May 11, 2022, in the…

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Sterling Sentenced to 40 Years

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, Kevin Sterling, 40 from Natchitoches, LA was found guilty by a Jury of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crystal Meth, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of a Controlled…

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Riley and Matte Plead Guilty

The Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office reports that on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the start of the jury trials of, Ray Riley, age 68, from Sunrise, LA, and Christopher J. Matte, age 42, from Belle Chasse, LA, both defendants changed their pleas to guilty. Ray Riley pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Battery and was…

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Parker Plead Guilty to Vehicular Homicide

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Reeva Parker, 38 from Buras, LA plead guilty to Vehicular Homicide, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated -Second Offense, and Possession of Alcohol Beverage in a Motor Vehicle.   Parker struck another vehicle on Highway 23 resulting in the driver suffering fatal injuries on March…

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Jury Returns a Guilty Verdict

  On Thursday, January 12, 2023, Kevin Sterling, 39 from Natchitoches, LA was found guilty by a Jury of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crystal Meth, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of a…

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Office News & Events

Battles Probation Revoked

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Judge Kevin Conner revoked the probation that Victor Battle was placed on in 2023 for the crime of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.  As a result of the revocation Judge Conner sentenced Battle to serve 10 years it the Department of Corrections. Battle, age 21 of Port Sulphur, is also…

Loup Pleads Guilty

Daniel Loup, age 58, from Marrero, LA, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to Second Degree Rape and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. He was indicted by a Grand Jury on February 1, 2024, and was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney…

District Attorney’s Office Remembers Katrina and Celebrates Labor Day

The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Friday, August 29, 2025, in observation of 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and Monday, September 1, 2025, in observation of Labor Day we will reopen Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 8:30am.  

District Attorney’s Office Closed for Independence Day

The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025, in observation of Independence Day and we will reopen Monday, July 7, 2024, at 8:30am.

District Attorney’s Office Closed 6-9-2025

The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observation of Juneteenth Day, we will reopen Friday, June 20, 2025, at 8:30am.

COURT LOCATION CHANGE FOR 6-23-2025

Please be advised that Arraignments scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2025 at 9:30 am will be held at the The Amos Cormier, Jr. Pavilion and Multi-Purpose Center 333 F. Edward Hebert Blvd. Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Memorial Day Office Closure

The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025 in observation of Memorial Day, we will reopen Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 8:30am.

Boothville-Venice Elementary, Phoenix Middle, and South Plaquemines Elementary 6th Graders Perform Their Mock Trials

  Students learned about the justice system by staging a mock trial involving a fictitious character, Johnny Smith, and his crime of Possessing Drugs on School Grounds. The trials, which took place at the Plaquemines Parish Courthouse, Pointe a la Hache, LA and the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal, New Orleans, LA, placed students in…

American Legion Post 329 and District Attorney Charles Ballay Annual Easter Baskets

The American Legion Post 329 of Belle Chasse and District Attorney Charles Ballay partnered to bring 25 Easter Baskets to kids throughout Plaquemines Parish. Every year. Bryan and Sheryl Ruiz volunteer to help organize and prepare the baskets that will be given out. This year’s basket included a Chocolate Easter Bunny, Splash Catchers Racquetball Sets,…

DA Office Closed for Good Friday

The District Attorney’s Office will be close at 3pm on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in observation of the Good Friday and Easter Holiday, we will reopen  Monday, April 21, 2025, at 8:30am.