Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reported Monday afternoon that five suspects have been arrested for felony burglaries of two local sawmills. The cost of replacement and damages in these cases is close to $200,000.
Arrested were Randy Lawayne Sanders, age 41, of Fisher; Christopher James Knippers, age 37, of Fisher; Rebecca Yvonne Desadier, age 50, of Florien; Darla K. Lewing, age 55, of Florien; and Stephanie Renee Gentes, age 37, of Fisher.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office received reports in February 2022 of missing copper wire and other items from the old Boise Cascade Fisher Sawmill. The site is currently being used as storage for the Boise Cascade Florien Operations. Boise Cascade Representatives report property and replacement costs at approximately $69,000.
At the end of April 2022, the Broadway Sawmill on Recknor Rd. reported over $100,000 of copper wire and other items taken from that site and with replacement costs higher.
After receiving the reports, Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies collected evidence and obtained statements.
Detective D. Flores began working the cases with help from Fisher Police Chief and Detective L. Thomas and Deputy G. Sculthorpe. Detectives believe the burglaries began from the old Fisher Sawmill late last year and occurred during the month of April 2022 from the Broadway Sawmill.
Detective Flores was able to develop Sanders, Knippers, Desadier, Lewing and Gentes as suspects in the Fisher Sawmill burglaries.
Sanders, Knippers and Desadier were the suspects in the burglaries at the Broadway Sawmill, according to Detective Flores, who interviewed several suspects and witnesses. He said the cases are still under investigation and additional suspects and/or charges are pending.
Sanders was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for two counts of Simple burglary (Felony), two counts of Theft (Felony) greater than $25,000, two counts of Simple criminal damage to property (Felony) greater than $50,000.
Knippers was booked for two counts of Simple burglary (Felony), two counts of Theft (Felony) greater than $25,000, two counts of Simple criminal damage to property (Felony) greater than $50,000, a warrant for Domestic abuse battery (Strangulation) 2nd offense and Violation of protective order.
Desadier was booked into the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail for two counts of Simple burglary (Felony), two counts of Theft (Felony) greater than $25,000, two counts of Simple criminal damage to property (Felony) greater than $50,000.
Lewing was booked for Simple burglary (Felony), Theft (Felony) greater than $25,000, Simple criminal damage to property (Felony) greater than $50,000.
Gentes was booked for Simple burglary (Felony), Theft (Felony) greater than $25,000, Simple criminal damage to property (Felony) greater than $50,000.
The 11th Judicial District Court set Sanders’ and Desadier’s total bonds at $60,000 each, Knippers’ total bonds at $85,000, and Lewing’s and Gentes’ bonds at $35,000 each.
As of Monday, all five subjects were still incarcerated.
Sheriff Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker commend these Deputies and Detectives for their work and many hours spent on these cases.
(Special thanks to Det. D.W. Seegers for the information shared above.)
We got a report the other day that Sheriff’s Deputies stopped to check on a man who was on the side of the highway and he was down “giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a possum.” Sounded like a good story for Observations, so we asked.
First, we questioned Chief Deputy Brad Walker. His reply, “You’ll have to talk to the Sheriff about it!”
So, I talked to Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, told him the rumor, and he said it was not true.
Congratulations to Dr. Mark Holder who was wed recently. He and his lovely new bride live in Shreveport where she is a second grade teacher. They have purchased a house in Shreveport, but Dr. Holder will continue to work in Many.
He is a busy man. He is Sabine Parish Coroner, Chief of Staff at Sabine Medical Center and a Detective with the Many Police Department. He recently completed a 16-week training course at the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Training Academy. He is a former deputy with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department.
Dr. Holder attended Nicholls State University and was graduated from the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans in 2000.
Last Thursday, May 5, around 50 people gathered at noon on the parking lot of Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett’s office to join together for the local observance of the National Day of Prayer, sponsored by the Sabine Ministerial Alliance.
Rev. Bo Owens of First Baptist Church headed up the event and kicked things off with a welcome and opening prayer. Rocky Wright then led the Pledge of Allegiance and my wife, Laurie Gentry, sang the National Anthem.
To start the time of prayer, Rev. Tommy Lewis of The Life Church prayed for America and our government. Zwolle Police Chief Daniel Thomas then prayed for law enforcement officers and our military personnel. Next, Rev. Nick Remedies of Trinity Baptist Church prayed for our schools, and Many Mayor Robert Hable prayed for all our local businesses and business leaders. Rev. Owens prayed for the media and for objective, fair coverage of all the issues in the news, and Rev. James Ericson of Friendship Church of the Nazarene prayed for churches. To close the prayer time, Rev. Brian Coplin of First United Methodist Church of Many prayed for our homes and families.
Laurie then sang an original patriotic Gospel song with her autoharp, “My Son,” and the entire group sang along afterward on an a cappella version of “God Bless America.”
Hats doffed to the Sabine Ministerial Alliance, DA Burkett and all who make this annual event possible. Usual attendees Rev. Cyle Clayton of Calvary Baptist Church and the Rev. Diane Carter of the Church of God of Prophecy were missed. They could not attend this year due to conflicting obligations.
“The group was encouraged to pray… every day for our country, state, and community,” Rev. Owens shared, adding, “The Sabine Ministerial Alliance thanks everyone who participated and attended.”
Speaking of things spiritual, several who attended worship at First United Methodist Church of Many on Mother’s Day Sunday commented to us how meaningful the service was. It was extra special for a several reasons.
Little Jack Cambias, baby son of Nick and Hope Curtis Cambias, was baptized, and lots of family turned out to see the little fellow. It was very special to hear his parents and the church take their vows to raise Jack in the faith and encourage him in his growth to become a disciple of Christ.
Jack was a trouper, and the Rev. Brian Coplin did a great job as well. We understand the ceremony was a first for both of them. Hope noted later how special the day was as her first Mother’s Day and also her and Nick’s wedding anniversary.
Congratulations to all!
Our friend and Many native Bussy Mims of Springfield, MO is always ready to tell a funny one.
“Why did the catcher wear eye shadow and mascara, and the pitcher wear lipstick?” he asked.
He then replied, “It was a make-up game.”
We are glad to report one of our favorites, Mary Perry, is back at work at Foy Motors. She is a busy woman and, in addition, serves on the Many Town Council. She recently had health problems but is recovering. With her positive outlook, she will overcome them. Our best to this fine lady.
As mentioned earlier, Mother’s Day Sunday at FUMC-Many was extra special. All ladies attending were honored with a rose stem white vase, and afterward, the extra roses were gifted to residents of Many Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
A powerful moment in the service came when Mrs. Ashley Ford shared her personal testimony. Her story is inspiring and a great example of how, with God’s grace, help and strength, we can all be overcomers.
Pastor Brian’s sermon, the second in his new series titled “Radical Change,” hit the mark, and several said it left them very spiritually uplifted. Can’t ask for more than that.
The church will get to work soon with other area churches and community organizations on the annual Sabine Parish Back to School Rally. The event, coordinated by Ms. Mary Gore, is scheduled for Saturday, July 30. It provides a fun, prayer-filled outreach at which school supplies are distributed to any Sabine Parish students who need the items offered. The event is usually held at the FUMC-Many Family Life Center at 1000 Main St. in Many.
Watch Observations for updates on this year’s Back to School Rally.
WE GET LETTERS: This one from Derek Campbell: “All I’m gonna say is y’all need to put up some speed trap signs in Many. Maybe change the name to ‘Robeline.’”
Pipe stretches throughout the area, as Michels Corporation of Brownsville, WI continues work on a 36-inch pipeline that runs from Westdale, LA to Starks, LA. This photo was taken from La. Hwy. 120 near Old Pisgah between Marthaville and Belmont.
Sabine Sheriff Aaron Mitchell recently announced the April Felony Narcotics and Firearm Arrests as follows:
Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies and Tactical Narcotics Team Agents seized over five and one-half pounds of suspected Marijuana, approximately eight and one-half ounces of suspected Methamphetamine, several Oxycodone, Lortab, Amphetamine pills, over 19 grams of suspected Cocaine, over 13 grams of suspected Mushrooms, various drug paraphernalia, two firearms and approximately $3,080 in cash during these arrests and other narcotics investigations.
Arrested were
Jose Octavio Valdez, age 27, of Zwolle – Warrant for three counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), Criminal conspiracy.
Larry Collier Jr., age 35, of Florien – Warrant for three counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth).
Sasha L. Gasaway, age 32, of Many – Felon in possession of a firearm, Headlamps required.
Jack Brevelle III, age 59, of Hemphill, TX – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Contraband in penal institution, Speeding 74/55, Warrant for Assault from Austin, TX.
Mark Allen Carter, age 30, of Frierson – Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule II (Amphetamine), Headlamps required, Warrant for Possession of controlled substance from Palo Pinto County, TX.
George Reginald Gosey Jr., age 39, of Zwolle – Zwolle arrest for Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Zwolle warrant for Second degree battery, Entry after being forbidden, Zwolle warrant for Resisting an officer, Sabine Sheriff’s Office warrant for two counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), Second or subsequent offenses.
Jackie Dykes, age 59, of Pleasant Hill – Warrant for Distribution of schedule II (Oxycodone), Second or subsequent offenses.
Johnny Eugene Turner, age 34, of Pleasant Hill – Warrant for two counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth).
Kevin L. Youngblood, age 34, of Pleasant Hill – Warrants for four counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), Warrant for Careless operation, Driving while license suspended, Florien warrant for Speeding 11-20 over.
Forrest Bradford Veuleman, age 26, of Pleasant Hill – Warrant for Distribution of schedule II (Meth).
James Fuss, age 64, of Pleasant Hill – Warrant for five counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Tajarez Jushun White, age 29, of Florien – Warrant for two counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), Warrant for Speeding, Driving under suspension for DWI, No child restraint.
Johnson Anthony Malmay, age 59, of Zwolle – Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Warrant for Allowing dogs to roam.
Tyson Coby Strickland, age 37, of Many – Warrant for two counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), Warrant for Distribution of schedule II (Cocaine), Warrant for 10 counts of Pornography involving juveniles.
Devonte Marquise Taylor, age 26, of Many – Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Brake lights required.
(Special thanks to Det. D.W. Seegers for the information above.)
DON’T FORGET! The 7th Annual May Daze Car Show happens this Saturday, May 14 at the Many High School from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Toledo Cruisers car club, and it always features the best classic cars around.
Awards will be presented starting at 1 p.m. for Best of Show, Top 20, Ladies Choice, Long Distance and other categories.
Spectators’ admission is completely free. Those who wish to enter vehicles in the show pay $20 for the first vehicle, then $10 for each additional automobile entered.
There will be goodie bags, drawings for men’s and ladies’ gift baskets, door prizes, music and more.
The designated charity recipient this year is the Many High School Band Program, so your participation all goes to a great cause!
For more information, email toledocruisers@gmail.com or message Toledo Cruisers on Facebook.
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