LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / February 16, 2000

DES ALLEMANDS – The first use of a state RICO statute targeting drug racketeers was used by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office to bust whatSheriff Greg Champagne calls the biggest drug organization in the parish.

Vans loaded with guns, drugs and cash, all taken as evidence, poured their contents into the courthouse Friday, with alleged drug kingpin Delwin Simmons in another van. Seven vehicles were also confiscated.Simmons, 24, 16437 Old Spanish Trail, reportedly ran his marijuana and cocaine distribution operation from his house, which bears a sign reading, “Little House on the Prairie.”Simmons was charged with racketeering and possession of marijuana on Friday. Additional charges of possession of marijuana, possession of cocaineand four counts of distribution of cocaine were added Monday. Champagnesaid the racketeering charge could bring Simmons up to 50 years, if convicted.

The RICO(racketeering influence and corrupt organizations) statute is normally used against a business or corporation, but this is the first use in the state against a drug organization.

Situated two doors from a local church, Simmons’ home was one of four which allegedly served as the organization’s headquarters.

About noon Friday, a task force capped its two-year investigation by sweeping in and making eight arrests there. Five more arrests were madelater Friday afternoon.

The 80 officers, including representatives of the St. John Parish andLafourche Parish sheriff’s offices, Louisiana State Police and St. CharlesParish, were joined by a National Guard helicopter.

In all, 28 people are being sought in the investigation. Those arrested so farinclude: George Hunter Jr., 17, 149 J.B. Green Road, Des Allemands, racketeeringand two counts of distribution of cocaine.

Reginald Mott, 19, 151 Mott Lane, Des Allemands, distribution of cocaine and racketeering.

Brad Simmons, 17, 16407 Old Spanish Trail, Des Allemands, racketeering and four counts distribution of cocaine.

Jarrell Turner, 17, P.O. Box 279, Des Allemands, distribution of cocaine andracketeering.

Quincy Simmons, 19, 146 Norman Lane, Des Allemands, distribution of cocaine and racketeering.

Halisha Hunter, 22, 149 J.B. Green Road, Des Allemands, racketeering. Delwin Simmons, 24, 16437 Old Spanish Trail, Des Allemands, racketeering, possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.

Arnold Savin Jr., 32, 181 Maloney Road, Des Allemands, racketeering. Cynthia Dufrene, 34, 134 Frickey Lane, Des Allemands, racketeering.

Glenese Boyd, 35, 125 Kliner Road, Des Allemands, racketeering and distribution of cocaine.

Lisa Hamilton, 35, 16620 U.S. Highway 90, Des Allemands, racketeering. Fred Cortez Jr., 36, 117 Ridge Road, Des Allemands, racketeering. Bradley Brimmer Sr., 37, 16407 Old Spanish Trail, Des Allemands,racketeering.

John Tregle, 38, 332 Up the Bayou Road, Des Allemands, racketeering.

Dennis Hill, 39, 1862 Paul Maillard Road, Luling, possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Galen Hill, 40, P.O. Box 643, Des Allemands, racketeering. Craig Dufrene, 40, 134 Frickey Lane, Des Allemands, racketeering.

Phillip Comardelle, 43, 127 Dufrene Lane, Des Allemands, racketeering.

Floyd Howard Sr., 48, 16423 Old Spanish Trail, Des Allemands,racketeering.

Joseph Chapman, 55, P.O. Box 638, Des Allemands, possession of cocaine.

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