St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 29 complaints and reports the following arrests:
Melissa Annette Blanco, 50, Bayou Vista, LA, was arrested on February 13, 2023, at 12:31 pm on two warrants for failure to appear for the charge of theft. Bail has not been set at this time.
NARCOTICS SECTION
William James Moore, 24, Franklin, LA, was arrested on February 13, 2023, at 11:22 pm for simple burglary.
Ashton James Hale, 22, Franklin, LA, was arrested on February 13, 2023, at 11:22 pm for simple burglary and simple damage to property.
On February 13, 2023, deputies traveled to the old hospital in Franklin due to multiple complaints of the building being burglarized. Deputies identified a possible point of entry and set up surveillance on the location.
Shortly after 10:11 pm, deputies observed two suspects, later identified as Moore and Hale, enter the building. After staying inside for a short time, they emerged with copper. Hale was then observed damaging a surveillance camera before the subjects left the area.
As the subjects were traveling down the roadway, they were stopped by a marked patrol unit and placed under arrest. Moore and Hale were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set at this time.
All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.