SERVING ASCENSION, ASSUMPTION & ST. JAMES PARISHES

Gonzales Man Sentenced on Multiple Drug Cases

          On April 4, 2017, Justin Poche of 43100 Poche Ln. Gonzales, LA., age 23, pled guilty to Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Legend Drug without Prescription or Order, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (2 counts). Poche was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Manda, and presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Tess Stromberg. This guilty plea was the result of a plea agreement with prosecutors following 3 unrelated narcotics arrests. 

          On July 10, 2013, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives initiated a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet Malibu sedan near the intersection of Hwy 621 and Marshall Bourgeois Rd. in Gonzales while investigating a complaint of illegal narcotics activity in the area. Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, identified as Justin Poche, detectives asked the driver for a valid driver’s license. While Poche was searching his wallet for his driver’s license, detectives noticed the end of what appeared to be a clear plastic baggie. Detectives were granted consent to search Poche’s vehicle and person for any illegal narcotics or weapons. During the search of Poche’s person, detectives located a clear plastic baggie containing heroin. Poche admitted that the heroin was his. During a search of the interior of the vehicle, detectives located a back pack which contained a quantity of synthetic marijuana. At this time, Poche was placed under arrest. Detectives then transported Poche back to his residence located at 43100 Marshall Bourgeois Rd. where they were granted consent to search Poche’s bedroom. During a search of the room, detectives located a piece of clear plastic wrapped around a quantity of Ultram pills. Poche claimed that the pills were his, but did not have a prescription for them. Detectives also located several clear plastic baggies containing marijuana. Poche was subsequently booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on charges of Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of a Legend Drug without Prescription or Order. 

          On November 16, 2015, troopers with Louisiana State Police initiated a traffic stop on a silver Acura sedan for a speeding violation. Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle, Justin Poche, troopers detected a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Troopers were granted consent to search the vehicle and located several clear plastic baggies containing marijuana, three glass jars containing marijuana, a digital scale, and a quantity of cash. Poche was subsequently arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on charges of speeding and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance. 

          On March 2, 2016, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives received a crime stoppers tip that a male subject by the name of Justin Poche was in possession of and selling quantities of marijuana. Detectives began an undercover operation and located Poche outside of his residence with marijuana in his pant pocket. Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for Poche’s residence. During the search of the residence, deputies located multiple glass jars containing marijuana, digital scales, and a marijuana grinder. Poche was subsequently arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on the charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance. 

          Upon entering a guilty plea to the above listed charges, as per the plea agreement with prosecutors, Jude Stromberg ordered that Poche be committed to the Louisiana Department of Corrections for a period of 4 years at hard labor with credit for time served on each individual count. It was further ordered that all of the imposed sentences are to run concurrent with one another.