Kaplan man tries to outrun Task Force, swallow crack cocaine at the same time

This week, a Kaplan man tried to outrun agents from the Vermilion Parish Task Force and at the same time, allegedly tried to swallow the evidence which may have been crack cocaine

Task Force agents were conducting street level sales and distribution, along with criminal patrol within the parish.

Task Force agents made contact with Willie Robinson Jr of Kaplan and negotiated the distribution of a large amount of crack cocaine.

Once a meeting place was established, agents traveled to the area to set up surveillance.

Upon coming into contact with Robinson, agents moved in. Robinson fled on foot while agents gave chase. While fleeing, agents noticed Robinson placing something into his mouth. It could have been crack cocaine.

Upon subduing him, it was learned that Robinson had swallowed the evidence. Robinson was arrested, and charged with attempted distribution of crack cocaine, and resisting an officer.

A detainer was placed on Robinson by probation and parole for past crimes. Robinson’s accomplice, Noah Williams (Date of birth 11-15-66) of Kaplan, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and principle to distribution of crack cocaine.

In a separate traffic stop for a traffic violation, agents began conducting interviews with the driver of the vehicle and the passenger.

Upon further investigation, agents located marijuana, crack cocaine, and illegal prescription drugs on both parties.

Taywood Hebert (Date of birth 8-2-79) of Abbeville, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute a schedule IV drug (Alprozolam) and transactions involving drug proceeds.

The passenger, Brandi Buford Simon (Date of birth 7-26-79) of Kaplan was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute a schedule IV drug (Alprozolam) and possession of marijuana.

On the same evening agents arrested the following persons during undercover sting operations:

Task Force agents made contact with Willie Robinson Jr of Kaplan and negotiated the distribution of a large amount of crack cocaine.

Once a meeting place was established, agents traveled to the area to set up surveillance.

Upon coming into contact with Robinson, agents moved in. Robinson fled on foot while agents gave chase. While fleeing, agents noticed Robinson placing something into his mouth.

Upon subduing him, it was learned that Robinson had swallowed the evidence. Robinson was arrested, and charged with attempted distribution of crack cocaine, and resisting an officer.

A detainer was placed on Robinson by probation and parole for past crimes. Robinson’s accomplice, Noah Williams (Date of birth 11-15-66) of Kaplan, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and principle to distribution of crack cocaine.

In other action, Terry Meaux (Date of birth 5-4-81) of Kaplan, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession with the intent to distribute Hydrocodone, and transactions involving drug proceeds.

Sheriff Mike Couvillon would like to thank the following persons for their effort in assisting with Task Force personnel. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, Kaplan Mayor Kirk Champagne, Abbeville Chief of Police Tony Hardy and Kaplan Chief Boyd Adams “I realize times are financially tough all over, but the Mayors and Chiefs of these cities are committed to finding the funds to help the Task Force combat the illicit drugs problem that ruins our communities. The people of Vermilion and our children are the benefactors of these city leaders’ great efforts. It is my hope that in the near future other towns and cities in the parish of Vermilion will be able to assist in the continuing fight against illicit drugs.”

Finally, Sheriff Couvillon would like to applaud the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Sheriff’s Office in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Municipal Narcotics Task Force at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.

More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Task Force for this information.