Friday, July 3, 2026, in observation of Independence Day.

Our office is scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 8:30 AM.

We wish everyone a safe holiday!

Plaquemines Parish District Attorney Charles Ballay announced that a St. Amant man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony sex offenses connected to a 2024 incident.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Michael Louis Perriloux, 30, pleaded guilty to sexual battery and second-degree rape stemming from an incident that occurred on March 10, 2024.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Perriloux was initially arrested on July 21, 2025, and charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile. As the investigation progressed, additional evidence was uncovered by Detective Victoria Barrois of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, prompting prosecutors to seek more serious charges.

The case was subsequently presented to a Plaquemines Parish Grand Jury on January 14, 2026, which resulted in upgraded charges against Perriloux, ultimately leading to his guilty plea this week.

Judge Michael Clement presided over the case and sentenced Perriloux to 25 years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections. The sentence is to be served without the benefit of probation or parole, ensuring Perriloux will remain incarcerated for the full term.

In addition to his prison sentence, Perriloux will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, in accordance with Louisiana law.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli, who represented the state throughout the proceedings.

District Attorney Ballay credited law enforcement and prosecutors for their work in advancing the case and securing a conviction.

2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

Our office will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 8:30 AM.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

As part of the program, students participated in mock trials based on a fictional case involving a character named Johnny Smith, who was charged with distributing drugs on school property. The experience allowed students to move beyond textbooks and actively learn how courts function in real-world settings.

The mock trials were held in the Plaquemines Parish Courthouse, Division A, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal courtrooms. Students took on various courtroom roles, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, the victim, and the defendant. The trials were presided over by 25th Judicial District Court Judge Kevin Conner, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Joy Lobrano, and Port Sulphur Justice of the Peace Judge Brenda Hymes.

Project L.E.A.D., which stands for Legal Enrichment and Decision-making, was launched in 2000 by Judge Joy Lobrano and continues today under the leadership of District Attorney Charles Ballay. The program focuses on helping students develop critical thinking skills and understand the consequences of the choices they make during adolescence and throughout life. Lessons address peer pressure, accountability, self-respect, and personal responsibility, encouraging students to make informed decisions and avoid behaviors that could lead to legal trouble.

The curriculum uses realistic scenarios that place characters at moral and legal crossroads, showing how quickly poor decisions can lead to serious consequences. These scenarios are discussed in class and build toward the mock trial, which serves as the program’s capstone activity. Every sixth grader in the parish participates in Project L.E.A.D., which is taught by one of five Assistant District Attorneys and other District Attorney’s Office staff members, with Rae Riley being the Project L.E.A.D. Coordinator.

District Attorney Ballay says it is always great to see parents of the students at the mock trials and to hear from them on the success of the program.

Students from Phoenix Elementary and Boothville-Venice Elementary held their mock trial on May 7, 2026, at the Plaquemines Parish Courthouse, Division A, before Judge Kevin Conner. First Assistant District Attorney Sarah Tesvich instructed Phoenix Elementary, while Boothville-Venice Elementary was instructed by Assistant District Attorney Charles Lobrano.

Students from South Plaquemines Elementary and Our Lady of Perpetual Help participated together in a mock trial on May 8, 2026, at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal before Judge Joy Lobrano and Justice of the Peace Brenda Hymes from Port Sulphur. Assistant District Attorney Avery Riley instructed South Plaquemines Elementary, and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Swear instructed Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Pictured with the Phoenix Elementary students is Kim Turlich-Vaughn, Clerk of Court, Charles J. Ballay, District Attorney, Judge Kevin Conner, 1st Assistant District Attorney Sarah Tesvich and Rae Riley, Project L.E.A.D Coordinator

Pictured with the Boothville-Venice Elementary students is Kim Turlich-Vaughn, Clerk of Court, Charles J. Ballay, District Attorney, Judge Kevin Conner, 1st Assistant District Attorney Sarah Tesvich and Rae Riley, Project L.E.A.D Coordinator

Pictured with South Plaquemines Elementary students is Charles J. Ballay, District Attorney, Avery Riley, District Attorney, Judge Joy Lobrano and Justice of the Peace Brenda Hymes

Pictured with Our Lady of Perpetual Help students is Charles J. Ballay, District Attorney, Avery Riley, Assistant District Attorney, Daniel Swear, Assistant District Attorney

Pictured is Charles J. Ballay, District Attorney, Judge Joy Lobrano and Justice of the Peace Brenda Hymes

Pictured is Judge Joy Lobrano and Justice of the Peace Brenda Hymes

The event was made possible through the generous support of numerous local businesses throughout Plaquemines Parish. Attendees were warmly welcomed with coffee and pastries before opening remarks from District Attorney Ballay.

Several parish officials addressed attendees, including Keith Hinkley, Parish President of Plaquemines Parish; Kim Turlich-Vaughn, Clerk of Court for Plaquemines Parish; and Sara Taylor, Assessor for Plaquemines Parish, each offering insights and words of appreciation for the parish’s senior community.

Public safety and awareness were key focuses of the event. Deputies from the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO) provided valuable information on how to recognize and avoid scam phone calls. Troy Leglue, Financial Center Leader for Hancock Whitney, shared guidance on protecting finances from banking scams, while Lisa Laird of NOLA Persistence educated attendees on selecting trustworthy Medicare agents and avoiding fraudulent solicitations.

Healthcare updates were also highlighted. Leslie Preist of Plaquemines Parish Medical Center informed guests about the new Quest Diagnostics services now available at the Plaquemines Parish Medical Center Urgent Care in Belle Chasse. First Assistant District Attorney Sarah Ansardi Tesvich of the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office spoke on crimes currently impacting elderly residents and ways to stay protected.

Following the presentations, seniors enjoyed lively rounds of bingo, musical entertainment by Johnny Justus, and visits with vendor tables featuring resources on banking, funeral pre-planning, and local medical services.

A special appearance was made by Kristin Nash, Orange Festival Queen, who spent time visiting with attendees.

The event concluded with a delicious Taco Tuesday lunch catered by Eva’s Catering. Rev. Mandrel Pansey of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church in Port Sulphur blessed the meal.

District Attorney Charles Ballay expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, speakers, and vendors whose continued support reflects the strong sense of community that defines Plaquemines Parish. He extended a special thank you to the dedicated volunteers from the District Attorney’s Office staff, the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and community members who generously gave their time to ensure the event’s success.

We would also like to recognize Stephanie Foret of NOLA Treasured Memories, who volunteered her time to capture memorable moments from the day.

As he prepares to conclude his final term in office, District Attorney Ballay noted that events like Senior Citizens’ Day have always held a special place in his heart, serving as a meaningful way to honor the parish’s senior citizens and celebrate the unity and pride of the community he has been proud to serve.

District Attorney Charles Ballay announced that on April 7, 2026, Judge Kevin Conner sentenced David Jefferson, 50, of Gretna, Louisiana, following his guilty plea on March 23, 2026, to four counts of contractor fraud and one count of theft over $1,000.

Judge Conner sentenced Jefferson to seven (7) years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections, with three and one-half years suspended. Upon release, Jefferson will be placed on five (5) years of active probation. As a condition of probation, Jefferson is ordered to pay $32,350 in restitution to the victims.

Jefferson’s convictions stem from fraudulent contracting activities committed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, during which he targeted homeowners seeking repairs, accepted large sums of money, and failed to complete the promised work—leaving families with damaged or uninhabitable homes.

Several victims addressed the Court during sentencing and described the long-term consequences of Jefferson’s actions.

One victim, Joannie Martin, a 71‑year‑old retiree, explained that the fraud forced her back into the workforce:

“I was retired and living a stable, mortgage-free life until I trusted the defendant. Because of what he did, I was forced to come out of retirement and return to work just to make sure I have a roof over my head.”

Kendra Sylve, speaking on behalf of her 80‑year‑old mother Sarah Sylve, described how the crime displaced her mother from her lifelong home:

“The defendant didn’t just take money. He took my mother’s stability, her comfort, and her ability to remain in her own home.”

Dary Vun, explained that the harm extended far beyond financial loss:

“My home, which should be a place of comfort and security, has instead become a daily source of stress and uncertainty. I continue to live with the conditions that were left behind.”

James Wilson, described the impact of Jefferson’s actions on his family, stating:

“I trusted the defendant to do the work he was paid for, and instead I was left with a damaged floor, an unfinished home, and the burden of finding someone else to repair the mess he left behind. The time, money, and emotional strain this has caused have been substantial.”

Another victim, Kay Williams, explained how the fraud compounded hardships following hurricane damage to her home:

“When I found out he wasn’t licensed—and realized he had taken our money and disappeared—I felt physically sick. I was embarrassed that I had trusted someone who took advantage of us during one of the hardest times of our lives.”

Williams further told the court that Jefferson’s conduct left her family without a livable home:

“You left us with a mess, a home that we cannot live in, and a huge financial burden. We are still living with the consequences.”

Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Louisiana, and Rae Riley, the Victim Assistance Coordinator at the District Attorney’s Office, worked with the vicims to assist them in this difficult time.

District Attorney Ballay emphasized that his office remains steadfast in its mission to protect residents from exploitation, particularly during times of disaster recovery.

“Those who take advantage of families during moments of vulnerability will be held accountable,” Ballay said. “This sentence sends a clear message that contractor fraud will not be tolerated in Plaquemines Parish.”

Our office will reopen on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:30 AM.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

The baskets were thoughtfully organized and assembled by volunteers Bryan and Sheryl Ruiz, who dedicated their time to preparing each one with care. Every basket included a chocolate Easter bunny, bubbles, Easter-themed chalk, and colorful plastic eggs filled with assorted candy.

Commander John Richardson said the project reflects the Legion’s mission to uplift local families facing hardship. “We want these children to feel remembered and supported, especially during the holidays,” he said.

The District Attorney’s Office distributed the baskets to families experiencing significant challenges, including victims of domestic violence, single mothers, and households where a parent has passed away. First Assistant District Attorney Sarah A. Tesvich said the collaboration with Post 329 helps ensure that more families can enjoy the holiday, regardless of financial circumstances. Officials noted that small gestures like these can bring comfort and joy during difficult times.

With strong volunteer support and a successful partnership in place, Post 329 hopes to continue expanding its outreach efforts and brighten the holidays for even more children in the years ahead.

Pictured (l to r) – Sheryl Ruiz (volunteer), District Attorney Charles Ballay, Eric Christian (Chevron Veteran Employee Network, Rae Riley, David Mallaun (Post 329 member), Commander John Richardson, 2nd Vice Malcolm Hartman, 1st Assistant District Attorney Sarah Tesvich, Scott Curtis (Chevron Veteran Employee Network)