Stephen Marcantel

Lafayette

Journalist at The Acadiana Advocate

Articles

Jennings man arrested on child sex crimes, police say

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

Jennings police arrested a man in connection with sex crimes involving children. LJ Shawn Dietz, 31, of Jennings, was arrested Tuesday and faces 12 counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, three counts of first-degree rape of a victim under the age of 13 and one count of contempt of court. Dietz is being held at the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail. He is being held without bond.
Double Wednesday shooting in Jeanerette leads to three arrests

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

Three people were arrested in connection with two separate shootings that occurred Wednesday in Jeanerette. Jeanerette police responded around 3 p.m. to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Canal Street, according to a Jeanerette Police Department announcement. Upon arrival, police discovered a male victim suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. Officers unsuccessfully pursued five suspected people on foot.
A new Louisiana law would ban speed cameras, except in Opelousas

2 days ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

A state representative from Opelousas ensured that his town would be exempt from a law banning the operation of speed cameras outside of school zones and red lights. The bill, SB99, would ban the use of automated speed enforcement cameras outside of clearly marked school zones and at red lights. Offcials who don't implement the law could be charged with malfeasance in office. But Rep.
Rising jail cost, FEMA cuts, lead to cutbacks in St. Landry: Parish president

2 days ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

The St. Landry Parish Government said it will cut positions due to the rising cost of housing inmates and FEMA restructuring. The total cuts equal to around $375,000 and are due to "escalating mandated expenses," said Parish President Jessie Bellard in a statement. Staff will be reassigned, some will be moved to part-time positions and job openings will remain vacant for the time being, he said.
Bond hearing for special ed teacher who stabbed his 6-year-old stepson rescheduled, will remain in custody

2 days ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

A judge in St. Landry Landry Parish rescheduled a bond hearing for a special education teacher who is accused of stabbing his 6-year-old stepson. The bond hearing is rescheduled to July 3 at 9 a.m. The court also placed gag orders on family members and attorneys. Patrick Greene, 37, faces upgraded charges as of yesterday.
A new connection between Youngsville and Broussard opened today

3 days ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

The cities of Broussard and Youngsville celebrated the opening of a new road that connects the two towns on Wednesday. The extension connects to the Youngsville Highway and West Fairfield Drive, according to a City of Broussard announcement.
Opelousas man accused of stabbing 6-year-old, deputies say

5 days ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

St. Landry Parish sheriff's deputies arrested a man after he allegedly stabbed a 6-year-old. Patrick Seth Greene, 37, faces one count of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, resisting an officer and two counts of aggravated assault, according to a St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office announcement. On Sunday, deputies responded to reports of domestic disturbance at a home along LA Highway 31 in the Leonville area.
These Acadiana locations are being considered for the National Register of Historic Places

5 days ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

Three Acadiana locations are being considered for the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service is currently taking public comment on the properties to understand what makes these locations important to locals with the goal of furthering historical preservation and community identity, according to an .
City of Broussard is looking to move it's city hall to former elementary school

6 days ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

The city of Broussard is looking to move its city hall and other services into the former Broussard Elementary and Madison Banquet and Reception Centre. The $3.67 million deal would be a win for a growing city that has outgrown its current space at 310 East Main St., Mayor Ray Bourque said last week. The city is currently working to finalize the deal.
Can you be the lucky owner of Lafayette High's stuffed lion? Bids are open.

1 week ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

One lucky person can become the proud owner of the Lafayette High School's iconic stuffed lion. The full-sized stuffed lion has long prowled the halls and watched over Lafayette High students for decades. The auction currently has several bids reaching $1,125 as of Thursday afterbiib and ends June 5 at 9 a.m. "Who wants to go in on the LHS stuffed lion with me?" Sam Oliver, Acadiana Center for the Arts executive director, wrote Thursday on Facebook.