On August 28, 2019, Curtis Ross of 313 Oakshire Dr. Houma, LA., age 37, pled guilty to Monetary Instrument Abuse. Ross was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Thomas Daigle, and presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Jason Verdigets. This guilty plea was the result of a plea agreement with prosecutors following a 2018 traffic stop.

          On September 7, 2018, deputies with the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office observed a Toyota SUV towing an older model Chevrolet sedan using a frayed strap. Due to safety concerns, deputies initiated a traffic stop. Both vehicles exited the roadway without incident and were parked off the roadway. Deputies made contact with two subjects. While speaking to one of the subjects, identified as Curtis Ross, deputies learned that Ross was wanted for charges stemming from an incident in Terrebonne Parish. During a search of Ross’ person for officer safety, deputies located a large quantity of cash. Deputies determined that numerous $20 bills in Ross’ possession were counterfeit bills. All of the bills displayed the same serial number and in large print was the word “COPY” on each bill. Ross was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center.

          Upon entering a guilty plea to the above-mentioned charge, pursuant to the plea agreement with prosecutors, Ross was sentenced to 5 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served.