A Plaquemines Parish man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison without the benefit of parole after pleading guilty to second-degree rape.

Lonnie Williams, of Buras, Louisiana, was 38 years old when the offense occurred on October 17, 2021, in Empire, Louisiana.

Williams was originally indicted by a Plaquemines Parish grand jury on charges including first-degree rape, home invasion, and aggravated assault with a firearm stemming from the October 2021 incident in Empire. The indictment alleged that Williams committed a sexual assault against the victim during the commission of a home invasion while armed with a dangerous weapon.

Williams ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree rape and was sentenced to 25 years at hard labor without the benefit of parole by Judge Kevin Conner. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and brings the criminal case to a close.

The investigation was conducted by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, which gathered evidence and presented the case for prosecution. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli.

The conviction concludes a case that originated from allegations reported in 2021 and resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for Williams, who will serve 25 years without eligibility for parole.

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.