Youngsville Police Chief Under Criminal Investigation Following Methamphetamine Discovery at Station
Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux is currently the subject of a criminal investigation after the discovery of methamphetamine near his office at the Police Department, according to Mega Wyatt with The Acadiana Advocate.
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed to Wyatt that it is conducting the investigation but has refrained from disclosing specific details due to the ongoing nature of the case.
Obtaining a search warrant, The Acadiana Advocate revealed that the Sheriff's Office was authorized to review video footage from cameras installed at the Youngsville Police Department, which is believed to contain evidence related to one count of felony possession of a schedule II substance. Drugs falling under this classification include hydrocodone, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. The search warrant was signed by 15th Judicial District Court Judge Royale Colbert on July 17 at 11:23 a.m.
Sources indicate that a substance found near Chief Boudreaux's office on the morning of July 17 tested positive for methamphetamine. Consequently, an external agency was called in to assist with the investigation after the Louisiana State Police cited a staffing shortage and declined to handle the case. The Youngsville City Attorney, Wade Trahan, confirmed that city representatives had contacted law enforcement agencies to conduct the investigation but did not divulge further details, stating that the matter is now in the hands of the Sheriff's Office.
Pat Magee, who is representing Chief Boudreaux in an ongoing civil lawsuit against the city council, stated that he was unaware of any alleged criminal activity concerning his client or whether Chief Boudreaux had retained a criminal attorney. Magee emphasized that his law firm only represents Chief Boudreaux in his capacity as an elected official and not in any criminal matters.
In the wake of these developments, Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter declined to comment on the situation, while council members expressed varying levels of restraint due to the ongoing investigation. Council member Logan Lannoo described the situation as "touch and go" and refrained from sharing specifics. Council member Matt Romero stated that the Sheriff's Office should be entrusted to handle the investigation professionally, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
See the full story here at The Acadiana Advocate.