SERVING ASCENSION, ASSUMPTION & ST. JAMES PARISHES

Bayou L’Ourse Man Sentenced to 12 Years Pursuant to Plea Deal

          On February 4, 2019, Kelton Smith of Bayou L’Ourse, LA., age 22, pled guilty to Communication of False Information of Planned Arson, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Simple Burglary. Smith was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Thomas Daigle, and presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Jessie LeBlanc. This guilty plea was the result of a plea agreement with prosecutors following two separate arrests. 

          On May 3, 2016, deputies with the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a Bayou L’Ourse residence is reference to an individual threatening to burn down a residence. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the complainant who advised that she and Kelton Smith had gotten into an argument over Smith’s use of drugs. Smith became enraged and made multiple threats to burn down the complainant’s residence. Prior to the arrival of deputies, Smith had already fled the area. Deputies obtained a warrant of arrest for Smith on the charge of Communication of False Information of Planned Arson. Smith was apprehended several days later and transported to the Assumption Parish Detention Center where he was booked accordingly.

          On January 22, 2017, deputies with the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a Belle River residence in reference to a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the complainant who advised that she was awakened by a loud noise and observed multiple subjects running out of her bedroom. The subjects then fled the area. Detectives responded and processed the scene. It was determined that multiple firearms had been taken from the residence during the burglary. Detectives quickly identified several potential suspects. Detectives were able to obtain arrest warrants for several subjects including Smith. All three subjects were subsequently arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center.

          Upon entering a guilty plea to the above-mentioned charges, as per the plea agreement with prosecutors, Smith was sentenced to 12 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served.

           Smith has been previously convicted of Simple Burglary (2 counts) and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.