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

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.

DA Charles Ballay Celebrates 15th Annual Senior Citizen’s Day

District Attorney, Charles Ballay held his 15th Annual Senior Citizen’s Day at the Buras Auditorium on April 9th, 2025.  The event featured delicious food provided by local favorite, Eva’s Café & Catering, showcasing the vibrant flavors of our community. Attendees were treated to inspiring guest speakers, several lively rounds of bingo, and captivating live music…

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

**OFFICE CLOSURE** The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Monday-Tuesday, March 3rd & 4th, 2025, in observation of the Mardi Gras Holiday, we will reopen Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, at 8:30am.

District Attorney’s Office Welcomes New Attorney

We’re excited to announce the latest addition to the District Attorney’s Office in Plaquemines Parish.  Avery Riley has been appointed as an Assistant District Attorney to handle the cases involving juveniles, child support and public records request, in addition to other tasks. Avery Riley is a native of Plaquemines Parish, originally from Port Sulphur, and…

President’s Day

**OFFICE CLOSURE** The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Monday, February 17, 2025, in observation of President’s Day we will reopen Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 8:30am.

I had the pleasure and honor of joining Governor Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill and five other LA District Attorneys in congratulating newly confirmed United States Attorney General Pam Bondi at an event in New Orleans on February 6, 2025.   The Honorable Pam Bondi showed up in Louisiana within 24 hours of her…

District Attorney’s Office closed Monday, January 20, 2025

The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025, in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day we will reopen Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 8:30am.

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…

**COURT LOCATION CHANGE for 1-9-2025**

**COURT LOCATION CHANGE** Division A – Misdemeanor Trials and Traffic Court set for 1-9-2025 with be held at 301 Main Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037 starting at 9:30am.