By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

Information pertaining to narcotic activity received by Sgt. Orvel Hale, Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), in the City of Ville Platte led to the arrest of one Saturday, May 3.

EPSO Captain Keith Dupre, chief of detectives, said Hale contacted him about his investigation, and then Lt. John B. “Chip” Matte and Sgt. Joseph “Plywood” Fontenot, both detectives with the Ville Platte Police Department, were contacted.

The case was turned over to Matte, and deputies and officers on the road were contacted for assistance. Matte said a “buy” was set up in an area parking lot, and officers were able to purchase cocaine.

Officers were able to confiscate over $500 in cash and approximately $100 in crack cocaine. As a result of this investigation, Christopher Edwards, 19, 711 N. Coreil St., Ville Platte, was charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Assisting in this investigation were Deputies Elliott Bertrand and Joe Arnold and Officers Chad Mead and Rod Soileau.

Both Dupre and Matte commended Hale on the excellent job he did in setting up the framework for this case and each other’s department for the work they conducted together. Sgt. Fontenot said they look forward to working together in the future.