By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / April 13, 1999

HAHNVILLE – The war on illegal drugs got a shot in the arm in St. CharlesParish Thursday when Sheriff Greg Champagne received a check from U.S.Attorney Eddie Jordan for $214,610.

The money was just one portion, with more to come, stemming from drug asset seizures from convicted Bayou Gauche drug dealer Clinton Dufrene and his extended crime cartel.

More assets are being liquidated, Jordan and U.S. Drug Enforcement AgentGeorge Cazenavette said, including a Lexus, an ultralite airplane, houseboat and a 100-acre ranch.

Dufrene’s nemesis, DEA undercover agent Henry “Roo-ster” Richardson, who led the battle in the field, was honored for his efforts and presented with a plaque. Dufrene himself pled guilty in September 1997 on variousdrug charges and accepted a 10-year sentence.

“I’m glad to see some of the proceeds of the sales back in the parish,” Champagne commented.

“This kind of cooperation is key to law enforcement,” Jordan added.

Nearly a dozen other defendants related to this extended case have already been convicted and sentenced. Dufrene’s alleged supplier, Rogerio Estrada,is coming up for trial in federal court in May, Jordan said.

In July 1997, Dufrene was arrested on a federal indictment, along with Arthur and Marjorie McNeely.

Forty-three pounds of marijuana, along with several 9mm Intratech assault-style handguns, 10 shotguns and three rifles were confiscated.

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