Jillian Corder

Aug 12, 2024 | kplctv.com | Jillian Corder

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after someone gained access to the parish courthouse after hours. Nothing was taken during the early morning burglary, according to Clerk of Court Lynn Jones, and officials are working to determine how the suspect entered the building Monday, Aug. 5. Jones said security footage of the burglary indicates the person may have been looking for something specific.

Aug 12, 2024 | kplctv.com | Jillian Corder |Johnathan Manning

ELTON, La. (KPLC) - A change has been made at the top of the Coushatta tribal government. A source close to the tribe told KPLC Jonathan Cernek resigned as chairman Friday, Aug. 9. KPLC has reached out to Cernek, the tribe’s attorney and the tribal office for comment. Cernek was sworn in as chairman in June 2021 and served 3 years and 2 months of his 4-year term. He was with the tribal council for 11 years, previously serving as vice chair and a council member.

Apr 26, 2024 | kplctv.com | Johnathan Manning |AnaClare Barras |Jillian Corder

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - A grand jury has declined charges in an October 2020 in-custody death at Calcasieu Correctional Center. Ray Lawrence Jr., 47, died after he was found unresponsive in his single-man cell around 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2020. A lawsuit filed by his family said he was only in his cell at Calcasieu Correctional for 12 minutes. A grand jury in Calcasieu Court rejected a charge of negligent homicide on Thursday.

Mar 15, 2024 | kplctv.com | Jillian Corder

Authorities in Oakdale say this man attempted to rob the La Capital Federal Credit Union on the morning of March 15, 2024. He left in a Gray Ford F-250 with no plates, heading south on U.S. 165.(Oakdale Police Department)OAKDALE, La. (KPLC) - A man armed with a gun attempted to rob the La Capital Federal Credit Union in Oakdale this morning. Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle said the man left in a gray Ford F-250 with no plates, heading south on U.S. 165.

Feb 21, 2024 | kplctv.com | Jillian Corder

OAKDALE, La. (KPLC) - A former nurse at Oakdale Community Hospital is accused of sexually assaulting two patients. John Richard, 57, of Sunset, worked at the hospital as a contract nurse, Oakdale Chief of Police Chad Doyle said. Richard is suspected of sexually assaulting two patients, Doyle said. He is being held at the Allen Parish Jail on charges of second-degree rape; malfeasance in office (jails); and sexual battery.