01. May 2023
Today, May 1, John A. Arceneaux, 51, Lake Charles, pled guilty as charged to one hundred (100) counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles Under 13. Arceneaux was found to be in possession of these materials after an investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crimes Unit and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Arceneaux was sentenced by Judge Clayton Davis to the statutory maximum of 40 years at hard labor, as recommended at the time of the plea. “Our children deserve to...
21. April 2023
Yesterday, April 20, 2023, Jermaine Washington, Jr., 27, Lake Charles, was found guilty as charged of First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In 2018, Washington was hired to kill. Washington strategically planned and fatally shot the victim. Washington is facing a mandatory life sentence without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. Sentencing will be held July 21, 2023, before Judge Robert Wyatt. Assistant District Attorneys Charles Robinson,...
22. March 2023
Today, March 22, Judge Michael Canaday sentenced Sheron L. Lewis, 40, Iowa, to life in prison on one (1) count First Degree Murder; fifty (50) years in prison on one (1) count Attempted First Degree Murder; and fifteen (15) years in prison on one (1) count Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The sentences for First Degree Murder and Attempted First Degree Murder are to run consecutively to each other and the Possession of a Firearm sentence is to run concurrently to the other sentences,...
03. March 2023
Today, March 3, Braylen M. LeDay, 24, Lake Charles, was found guilty as charged of First Degree Rape. In 2022, LeDay sexually abused a victim who was 11 years old at the time of the crimes. LeDay is facing a mandatory life sentence at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. Sentencing is set for April 28, 2023, before Judge Robert Wyatt. Assistant District Attorneys Charles Robinson and Conrad Huber prosecuted the case for the Calcasieu Parish District...
25. January 2023
On Tuesday, January 24, Travis Shane Ryan, 47, Lake Charles, was found guilty as charged on one (1) count Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor; three (3) counts Pornography Involving a Juvenile Under 13; and one (1) count Possession of CDS II; and was found guilty on two (2) counts Pornography Involving a Juvenile. Sentencing for Ryan will be held April 26, 2023 before Judge Robert Wyatt and is being held without bond. The District Attorney’s Office will be seeking a Habitual Offender...
23. November 2022
Today, November 23rd, Judge Michael Canaday sentenced Nathaniel Mitchell III, 43, Lake Charles, to life in prison without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence on one (1) count Second Degree Murder. In 2019, Mitchell shot and killed the victim and then later took part in burning the victim’s body. Assistant District Attorneys Jacob Johnson and Taylor Alexander prosecuted the case for the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office.
03. October 2022
Today, October 3rd, Nathaniel Mitchell III, 43, Lake Charles, was found guilty as charged on one (1) count Second Degree Murder. In 2019, Mitchell shot and killed the victim and then later took part in burning the victim’s body. Mitchell is facing a mandatory life sentence without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence and is being held without bond. Sentencing is set for November 23, 2022 before Judge Michael Canaday. Assistant District Attorneys Jacob Johnson and Taylor...
30. September 2022
On September 30th, Harold A. Campbell, 47, Lake Charles, was found guilty as charged on one (1) count Second Degree Murder. In 2019, Campbell shot and killed his wife in their home after a verbal argument. Campbell is facing a mandatory life sentence without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. Sentencing is set for November 16, 2022 before Judge Robert Wyatt. Assistant District Attorneys Conrad Huber and Charles Robinson prosecuted the case for the Calcasieu Parish District...
08. September 2022
On September 7, 2022, District Attorney Stephen Dwight announced a partnership between the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office, Calcasieu Parish School Board, and McNeese Athletics called Rowdy for Success. In addition to the District Attorney’s Office Early Intervention Program, this partnership will provide extra support to encourage student success in the classroom and at home. This partnership aims to promote positive behaviors by using students, athletes, and coaches from our...
19. August 2022
Today, Judge David Ritchie found Kendrick N. Shepherd, 35, Sulphur, to be a fourth or subsequent habitual offender. Due to Shepherd’s violent criminal history, Judge David Ritchie sentenced Shepherd to the mandatory life sentence without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. Earlier this year, Shepherd was found guilty as charged of one (1) count Armed Robbery. In 2018, Shepherd violently robbed 2 gas stations just 5 days apart. During the first armed robbery, Shepherd was...