Plaquemines Parish District Attorney

04/23/2026

Plaquemines Parish District Attorney Charles Ballay Hosts 16th Annual Senior Citizens’ Day

Belle Chasse, LA – April 21, 2026 — Charles Ballay, District Attorney for Plaquemines Parish, proudly hosted the 16th Annual Senior Citizens’ Day on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Belle Chasse Auditorium. This year’s event, themed “Taco Tuesday,” brought together a room packed with seniors from across the parish for a day of fellowship, education, and entertainment.

The event was made possible through the generous support of numerous local businesses throughout Plaquemines Parish. Attendees were warmly welcomed with coffee and pastries before opening remarks from District Attorney Ballay.

Several parish officials addressed attendees, including Keith Hinkley, Parish President of Plaquemines Parish; Kim Turlich-Vaughn, Clerk of Court for Plaquemines Parish; and Sara Taylor, Assessor for Plaquemines Parish, each offering insights and words of appreciation for the parish’s senior community.

Public safety and awareness were key focuses of the event. Deputies from the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO) provided valuable information on how to recognize and avoid scam phone calls. Troy Leglue, Financial Center Leader for Hancock Whitney, shared guidance on protecting finances from banking scams, while Lisa Laird of NOLA Persistence educated attendees on selecting trustworthy Medicare agents and avoiding fraudulent solicitations.

Healthcare updates were also highlighted. Leslie Preist of Plaquemines Parish Medical Center informed guests about the new Quest Diagnostics services now available at the Plaquemines Parish Medical Center Urgent Care in Belle Chasse. First Assistant District Attorney Sarah Ansardi Tesvich of the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office spoke on crimes currently impacting elderly residents and ways to stay protected.

Following the presentations, seniors enjoyed lively rounds of bingo, musical entertainment by Johnny Justus, and visits with vendor tables featuring resources on banking, funeral pre-planning, and local medical services.

A special appearance was made by Kristin Nash, Orange Festival Queen, who spent time visiting with attendees.

The event concluded with a delicious Taco Tuesday lunch catered by Eva’s Catering. Rev. Mandrel Pansey of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church in Port Sulphur blessed the meal.

District Attorney Charles Ballay expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, speakers, and vendors whose continued support reflects the strong sense of community that defines Plaquemines Parish. He extended a special thank you to the dedicated volunteers from the District Attorney’s Office staff, the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and community members who generously gave their time to ensure the event’s success.

We would also like to recognize Stephanie Foret of NOLA Treasured Memories, who volunteered her time to capture memorable moments from the day.

As he prepares to conclude his final term in office, District Attorney Ballay noted that events like Senior Citizens’ Day have always held a special place in his heart, serving as a meaningful way to honor the parish’s senior citizens and celebrate the unity and pride of the community he has been proud to serve.

04/20/2026

In light of National Crime Victims' Right Week - Victim’s Family Commends Plaquemines Parish District Attorney's Office’s Victim Assistance Coordinator for Compassion and Support

Plaquemines Parish, LA — The Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office recently received a heartfelt letter from the local victim’s family, recognizing the compassion, dedication, and guidance provided by Victim Assistant Coordinator Donna Prest. Their words serve as a powerful reminder of why this work matters and how deeply the justice process affects the lives of real families in our community.

For many, the criminal justice system can feel confusing, overwhelming, and deeply emotional. While prosecutors focus on seeking justice in the courtroom, the District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Coordinator stands beside families outside of it—helping them understand each step, answering questions, offering reassurance, and, at times, simply being someone to lean on during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

In their letter, the family expressed their gratitude for Donna’s patience, kindness, and unwavering support. They shared how she guided them through a complex process with compassion, making sure they never felt alone.

“We are incredibly proud of Donna and the care she shows every person who walks through our doors,” the District Attorney’s Office said. “Behind every case number is a real family navigating real pain. Supporting victims will always be a priority of the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office.”

The office emphasized that cases don’t just affect courtrooms—they affect parents, children, and entire households across Plaquemines Parish. Employees like Donna Prest embody the mission of the Victim Assistance Program: to ensure that no family has to face the legal system without understanding, support, and dignity.

“We are proud to serve Plaquemines Parish, and we are especially proud of team members like Donna who treat every individual with respect and compassion,” the statement continued. “This family’s courage does not go unnoticed, and our community grows stronger when we support one another.”

The District Attorney’s Office thanked the family for trusting them and for allowing their kind words to be shared publicly.

04/08/2026

David Jefferson Sentenced to Prison for Contractor Fraud and Theft

Plaquemines Parish, LA — April 7, 2026

District Attorney Charles Ballay announced that on April 7, 2026, Judge Kevin Conner sentenced David Jefferson, 50, of Gretna, Louisiana, following his guilty plea on March 23, 2026, to four counts of contractor fraud and one count of theft over $1,000.
Judge Conner sentenced Jefferson to seven (7) years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections, with three and one-half years suspended. Upon release, Jefferson will be placed on five (5) years of active probation. As a condition of probation, Jefferson is ordered to pay $32,350 in restitution to the victims.

Jefferson’s convictions stem from fraudulent contracting activities committed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, during which he targeted homeowners seeking repairs, accepted large sums of money, and failed to complete the promised work—leaving families with damaged or uninhabitable homes.

Several victims addressed the Court during sentencing and described the long-term consequences of Jefferson’s actions.
One victim, Joannie Martin, a 71 year old retiree, explained that the fraud forced her back into the workforce:
“I was retired and living a stable, mortgage-free life until I trusted the defendant. Because of what he did, I was forced to come out of retirement and return to work just to make sure I have a roof over my head.”

Kendra Sylve, speaking on behalf of her 80 year old mother Sarah Sylve, described how the crime displaced her mother from her lifelong home:
“The defendant didn’t just take money. He took my mother’s stability, her comfort, and her ability to remain in her own home.”

Dary Vun, explained that the harm extended far beyond financial loss:
“My home, which should be a place of comfort and security, has instead become a daily source of stress and uncertainty. I continue to live with the conditions that were left behind.”

James Wilson, described the impact of Jefferson’s actions on his family, stating:
“I trusted the defendant to do the work he was paid for, and instead I was left with a damaged floor, an unfinished home, and the burden of finding someone else to repair the mess he left behind. The time, money, and emotional strain this has caused have been substantial.”

Another victim, Kay Williams, explained how the fraud compounded hardships following hurricane damage to her home:
“When I found out he wasn’t licensed—and realized he had taken our money and disappeared—I felt physically sick. I was embarrassed that I had trusted someone who took advantage of us during one of the hardest times of our lives.”

Williams further told the court that Jefferson’s conduct left her family without a livable home:
“You left us with a mess, a home that we cannot live in, and a huge financial burden. We are still living with the consequences.”

Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Louisiana, and Rae Riley, the Victim Assistance Coordinator at the District Attorney’s Office, worked with the vicims to assist them in this difficult time.

District Attorney Ballay emphasized that his office remains steadfast in its mission to protect residents from exploitation, particularly during times of disaster recovery.

“Those who take advantage of families during moments of vulnerability will be held accountable,” Ballay said. “This sentence sends a clear message that contractor fraud will not be tolerated in Plaquemines Parish.”

04/02/2026

**District Attorney's Office Holiday Closure Notice**

The Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office will close on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 3:30 PM and Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday.

Our office will reopen on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:30 AM.
We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

04/01/2026

American Legion Post 329 Donates 30 Easter Baskets to Local Children

American Legion Post 329 of Belle Chasse, with the partnership of Chevron Oronite’s Veterans Employee Network, continued its tradition of community service this week, donating 30 Easter baskets to some of the parish’s most vulnerable families through a partnership with the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office.
The baskets were thoughtfully organized and assembled by volunteers Bryan and Sheryl Ruiz, who dedicated their time to preparing each one with care. Every basket included a chocolate Easter bunny, bubbles, Easter-themed chalk, and colorful plastic eggs filled with assorted candy.

Commander John Richardson said the project reflects the Legion’s mission to uplift local families facing hardship. “We want these children to feel remembered and supported, especially during the holidays,” he said.

The District Attorney’s Office distributed the baskets to families experiencing significant challenges, including victims of domestic violence, single mothers, and households where a parent has passed away. First Assistant District Attorney Sarah A. Tesvich said the collaboration with Post 329 helps ensure that more families can enjoy the holiday, regardless of financial circumstances. Officials noted that small gestures like these can bring comfort and joy during difficult times.

With strong volunteer support and a successful partnership in place, Post 329 hopes to continue expanding its outreach efforts and brighten the holidays for even more children in the years ahead.

Pictured (l to r) – Sheryl Ruiz (volunteer), District Attorney Charles Ballay, Eric Christian (Chevron Veteran Employee Network, Rae Riley, David Mallaun (Post 329 member), Commander John Richardson, 2nd Vice Malcolm Hartman, 1st Assistant District Attorney Sarah Tesvich, Scott Curtis (Chevron Veteran Employee Network)

03/30/2026

IMPORTANT JURY DUTY NOTICE:

If you have been subpoenaed for DIVISION A GRAND JURY with Judge Kevin D. Conner on TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026, you DO HAVE TO APPEAR!

Thank you for your civic duty!

03/24/2026

David Jefferson Pleads Guilty to Contractor Fraud and Theft Charges

Plaquemines Parish, LA — March 24, 2026

District Attorney Charles Ballay announced that David Jefferson, 50, of Gretna, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to four counts of contractor fraud and one count of theft over $1,000. The case was set for a jury trial to start on March 23, 2026.

Jefferson defrauded five families of a total of $28,000 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The offenses involved fraudulent contracting activities that resulted in significant financial losses for the victims.

Jefferson entered his guilty plea in court. Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for April 7, 2026, before Judge Kevin Conner.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli prosecuted the case on behalf of the state.

Mr. Ballay says our office is committed to holding individuals accountable for exploiting residents during disaster recovery efforts.

03/19/2026

The District Attorney’s Office of Plaquemines Parish is filled with gratitude and joy as we celebrate the recovery of our cherished colleague, Lorene Yuratich, following her courageous battle with breast cancer. We are deeply thankful for the many prayers, kind thoughts, and expressions of concern that have surrounded Lorene throughout this journey. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit are truly inspiring, and she remains a tremendous asset to our office. We thank God for her healing and are blessed to have her back with us.

03/18/2026

03/11/2026

We’re excited to share that our very own Daniel W. Swear, legal counsel for the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office and Assistant District Attorney for the 25th Judicial District Court, has been published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin!
His article, “Crime Prevention Spotlight: Drug Courts Create Safer Communities,” highlights how drug courts are transforming public safety by breaking the cycle of addiction-driven crime. Daniel explains how these courts use treatment, accountability, and close supervision—not leniency—to reduce repeat offenses and support long term recovery.
Drug courts are proving themselves every day by:
• Reducing recidivism and repeat calls for service
• Strengthening community trust
• Freeing up law enforcement resources for serious threats
• Improving officer safety through stabilization of high risk participants
We’re grateful for Daniel’s leadership and his commitment to advancing smarter, more effective justice strategies in our parish.
Read the full article here:

Drug courts are a practical, results-oriented intervention strategy for nonviolent offenders.

02/25/2026

Belle Chasse Man Sentenced to 10 Years Following Major Narcotics Investigation

District Attorney Charles Ballay reports that Jamar Basell Higgins, a 48 year old resident of Belle Chasse has been sentenced by Judge Michael Clement to 10 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to multiple drug related charges stemming from a 2025 narcotics investigation.

The conviction follows a May 22, 2025 operation in which the PPSO Drug Interdiction & Criminal Enforcement Unit (DICE), working with the Major Crimes Task Force (MCTF), executed a search warrant at a home on in Belle Chasse. Detectives located an adult male outside the residence and a female occupant inside a shared bedroom. Both were found to have active attachments from other agencies.
A search of the residence and a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder uncovered a large quantity of controlled substances—including methadone, alprazolam, clonazepam, oxycodone, gabapentin, and buprenorphine—as well as $7,376 in U.S. currency believed to be tied to illegal narcotics sales. Two cell phones were also seized pending search warrants.

Two children, ages 2 and 6, were present in the home at the time, including one sleeping near a bag containing methadone wafers. Detectives reported that many of the recovered prescription bottles had labels removed or belonged to third parties.

Both occupants were arrested and charged with multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute Schedule II–V controlled substances, controlled dangerous substances in the presence of minors, and outstanding attachments. Forfeiture notices were issued for the seized currency and the vehicle. Judge Kevin Connor of the 25th Judicial Court later authorized seizure warrants for both.
The case was prosecuted by Assistance District Attorney Jason Napoli.

02/12/2026

The Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of President’s Day and Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in observance of Mardi Gras Day.
Our office will reopen on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 8:30 AM.
We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!