New Orleans Police Department

Mistrust of New Orleans police affecting trials at Criminal District Court

Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 2:30 PM

By Times-Picayune Staff The Times-Picayune

Times-Picayune archiveDistrict Attorney Leon Cannizzaro says he wants to show criminals what-for and restore public trust in a justice system dogged by scandal.

"I served on a jury this spring in what should have been an open and shut case but none of the jurors, black or white trusted the police work in the case. Many of the jurors have knowledge of how the NOPD conducts its business and the question came up repeatedly when we were considering police testimony.
"We finally convicted but only because we could do it by completely disregarding police work and testimony."
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New Orleans police arrest 51 people on drug, prostitution charges during undercover stings

New Orleans police arrested 51 people on drug and prostitution charges during stings between May 9 and June 3, Superintendent Ronal Serpas said Wednesday.

Eliot Kamenitz, The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ronal Serpas discusses the arrests of 51 people who were taken into custody for drug and prostitution violation during recent sting operations. The mug shots of some of those who were arrested are behind him.

Speaking at a press conference with mug shots of dozens of those arrested displayed behind him, Serpas said those taken into custody bought and sold thousands of dollars worth of crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana and counterfeit drugs during the three-week operation.
Complaints from neighbors about illegal activity spurred the action in police districts across the city, Serpas said.
"People try to destroy the quality of life in neighborhoods" with drug dealing and other illegal activities, Serpas said. "We're not going stand for it. We're going to be aggressive."
Serpas also said that many of those arrested are no strangers to law enforcement.
"People are often repeat offenders," Serpas said as he thumbed through a stack of papers several inches thick that he said were the rap sheets for 11 of the 51 people arrested. He said if all those arrested had been included the stack would have been thicker than a ream of paper.

Drug suspect is being sought by NOPD The New Orleans Police Department is looking for a suspect they say bought drugs from undercover officers in a recent sting. Watch video

Commander Michael Harrison, who leads the NOPD's Specialized Investigations Division, said the undercover stings, with their audio and video recordings, are a better way to convict offenders.
"It is the best evidence we can present for criminal prosecution," he said.
In addition to the 51 people already arrested, two other suspects who bought or sold drugs during the stings remain at large. Police said information about the suspects will be released later Wednesday.

Reported by Times-Picayune

Mardi Gras and the NOPD

In dealing with festivities of this magnitude, the NOPD solicits the cooperation of the public which is essential for a safe and orderly season. 

 

Personal property, including clothing, should not be left in unattended vehicles.  If no alternative depository is available, personal property should then be locked in the trunk of the vehicle prior to parking.

 

Police officers will be visible along parade routes before, during and after the parades. Uniformed officers will engage in crowd control and plainclothes officers will be among the spectators for detection of crimes such as pickpocketing, etc.  Parade spectators are cautioned against carrying large sums of money or jewelry with them as purse snatchers and persons, who are adept at pickpocketing, seize the opportunity in crowd situations.  Spectators are reminded also it is illegal to drink from an open metal or glass container on or near parade routes.

There will also be an increased police presence in the Downtown, French Quarter, CBD and DDD areas. Officers will be patrolling on foot, on scooters, on segways, on motorcycles and the Mounted Unit will also be on patrol. Parking will be limited, so it is strongly suggested citizens utilize carpools, taxicabs or other forms of public transportation.  Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and towed. 

Article IV of the Mardi Gras Ordinance, entitled, “Throws and Throwing,” prohibit riders and maskers from tossing throws or favors to the rear and/or front of their floats or trucks.  It also prohibits them from throwing in the parade formation and disbanding areas.  This will be ENFORCED to provide for the safety of our citizens, especially children.  It is quite hazardous for trinket seekers to be in either the front or rear of floats and trucks, as well as in the formation and disbanding areas, which are heavily congested. 

 

Owners of property along parade routes are reminded that this Mardi Gras ordinance also prohibits the erecting of stands or platforms on the sidewalk, street and/or medians. The CHAINING OF LADDERS to public property, light standards, utility poles, and/or to each other, IS PROHIBITED.  ALL LADDERS used by parade spectators should be structurally sound.  No ladders, chairs, ice chests, chaise lounges, etc. should be placed in intersections, on medians or between curbs of public streets. The rule governing ladders is: LADDERS SHOULD BE PLACED AS MANY FEET BACK FROM THE STREET CURB AS THE LADDER IS HIGH.

  

MARDI GRAS is a show enjoyed by millions, and the New Orleans Police Department will utilize all resources to assure that it is as safe as possible for all to enjoy.

http://www.haroldweiser.com/

French Quarter Trouble

On Friday, February 18, 2011, at 2:20am, the victim, 22y/o W/M, and a friend observed an unknown white male acting aggressively toward two unknown females. The victim tried to intercede in the argument, but the suspect picked up a piece of broken flower pot and struck the victim. Responding officers apprehended the suspect, Derrick Prejeant, W/M, 3-28-74. Additional information on this arrest and/or any subsequent prosecution can be obtained via the Docket Master at www.opcso.org. If you have any information on this incident, please contact Det. Nolan at 658-6080. You may also call Crimestoppers anonymously at 822-1111. Remember to report any suspicious persons or activities you see in your neighborhood by calling 821-2222. In an emergency, call 911 immediately. Captain Edwin Hosli Eighth District
More Information on Criminal Law Contact Harold Weiser at http://www.haroldweiser.com/

Felony Arrests

The New Orleans Police Department – Public Information Office

2 Convicted And Repeat Armed And Dangerous Felons Arrested From Citizen Involvement And On Going Narcotics Investigation

           Sixth District Narcotics Task Force Units and S.O.D. arrested two Convicted Felons who are brothers, 37-year-old Paul Bailey, and 33-year-old Herman Bailey.  35-year-old Tricia Johnson was also arrested in the incident.  All 3 were booked for Narcotics and Weapons Violations as a result of citizen information and an on-going Narcotics investigation.

         Superintendent Serpas said, “This is an excellent example of how citizen involvement can assist our officers in apprehending armed and dangerous suspects.  With our citizen’s tips and information, we can continue to arrest repeat and armed and dangerous offenders.”       

On Thursday, January 27, 2011, Detectives from the Sixth District Narcotic Task Force Unit executed a Search Warrant at 2728 Cleveland. The Search Warrant stemmed from an ongoing narcotic investigation in the Sixth District. The Detectives executed the Search Warrant with the assistance of S.O.D. after Detectives received information that the subjects possibly had weapons in the residence.  Once the house was secured, the Detectives located three handguns, a S.W.D. 9 mm Mack 11, a Hi-Point 45 caliber pistol and a Sky Industries 9 mm pistol. The Detectives also seized $1,310.00 in U.S. currency and 16 grams of Crack Cocaine.

Paul Bailey had prior arrests for Murder in 1987, Aggravated Assault in 1989, Attempted Murder in 1990, Attempted Murder in 1991, Murder in 1998 and Aggravated Battery in 1999 and had a conviction for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in 1994.  He was booked in this incident for Illegal Carrying of a Weapon, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine.  

Herman Bailey had two Crack Cocaine convictions in 1994 and had prior arrests for Crack Distribution, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Domestic Violence, Trespassing, Filing a False Police Report and Traffic.  He was booked in this incident with Illegal Carrying of a Weapon, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

Tricia Johnson had prior arrests for Resisting Arrest, Dog Fighting, Battery, Theft and Trespassing.  She was booked in this incident with Illegal Carrying of a Weapon, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and a Traffic Attachment. 

For more information on criminal law contact Attorney Harold E. Weiser at http://www.haroldweiser.com/

Stabbing on Bourban Street New Orleans

January 25, 2011

 Convicted Felon And Repeat Offender Keith Martin Arrested Minutes After The Stabbing of A Restaurant Manager

Eighth District Detectives arrested 48-year-old Keith Martin of New Orleans, and booked him with aggravated battery by cutting on a 46-year-old male local restaurant manager.  The offence occurred in the 100 block of Bourbon Street at approximately 9:10 P.M.

Martin entered the restaurant and caused a disturbance.  The manager asked Martin to leave.  As the manager assisted Martin who was in a wheelchair leaving, he produced a knife and cut the victim to the chin.  The victim called police and a description of the suspect was broadcasted.  Minutes later the suspects was apprehended at Iberville and Bourbon Streets.

The victim was treated by Emergency Medical Paramedics on scene for a cut to the chin.    

  

Keith Martin was currently wanted for Probation Violation and had prior arrests for Attempted First and Second Degree Murder, Possession of Crack, many Battery on Police Officers, many Resisting Officers, Battery, Lewd Conduct, Aggravated Assault, Simple Burglaries, Attempted burglary, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon, Aggravated Arsons which he pled guilty to, many Trespassing and Disturbing the Peace, Begging, Criminal Damage to Property, Obstructing a Public Place, Theft, and Possession of Stolen Property.

www.HaroldWeiser.com

Purse Snatching Near Universities Uptown

On January 17, 2011 at approximately 3:25 pm the victim was walking in the 1900 block of Robert Street when she was approached by an unknown black male who asked to use her cell phone. The unknown black male grabbed the victims purse and fled making good his escape.

The suspect is described as a black male, 5’7”, 150 pounds, dark complexion, clean shaven, short black hair wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt and navy blue pants.

If you have any information on this suspect, please call Detective Baldwin at 658-6020. You may also call Crimestoppers anonymously at 822-1111.

Remember to report any suspicious persons or activities you see in your neighborhood by calling 821-2222. In an emergency call 911 immediately.  

For more information on Criminal Law visit www.HaroldWeiser.com