Calcasieu Crime Cast

In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Tonya Doucette, a mother who lost her son to a fentanyl overdose, and founder of Project Trey. Nearly 100 people a year die of an overdose in Calcasieu Parish and fentanyl is responsible for the majority of those deaths. This discussion includes what fentanyl is, signs of addiction, community resources for addicts, and how the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney's Office is holding dealers accountable.If you would like to schedule a training on fentanyl, visit www.calcasieuda.com.If you need resources for addiction and recovery, visit www.projectrey.org.

In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with State Representative and former 14th JDC Judge, Wilford Carter, Sr to discuss the impact he has made not only in Southwest Louisiana, but Statewide. Mr. Carter shares stories of fighting for African American rights and the 1986 lawsuit pertaining to the Voting Rights Act that that he was instrumental in. In 1988, Louisiana only had 6 black judges in the State; today, Louisiana has the highest number of African American Judges per capita. 

In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with CPSO Commander Gene Pittman to discuss human trafficking in Calcasieu Parish. This is an educational episode that discusses the reality of human trafficking in Southwest Louisiana, what it looks like, and how people can help. For more information and training information about human trafficking in SWLA, visit www.fighthtswla.org or call 337-431-1350. To report suspected human trafficking in Calcasieu Parish, call 337-491-7952.

In this episode District Attorney Stephen Dwight is discussing the current death row clemency proceedings and what he is doing to oppose them. He is joined by First Assistant District Attorney Jacob Johnson, who was an attorney on the trial team of Kevin Daigle's death penalty case and will be discussing the elements that are needed to be proved in order to receive a death row conviction. 

Are you someone who has heard the term "expungement" but doesnt understand what it means? Or maybe you're someone who needs an expungement yourself. This episode breaks down what an expungement is and the steps you need to take in order to receive one. District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Calcasieu Parish District Attorney's Office Expungement Attorney, Karen McLellan and Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court Expungement Processor, Monica Winfrey to discuss everything about expungements and the New Day Expungement Event that's held every year by the District Attorney.Expungement applications for the New Day program will be available at www.calcasieuda.com starting September 1, 2023 and will be accepted until September 29, 2023. 

District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with with Calcasieu Parish Office of Juvenile Justice Services Director, Anthony Celestine to discuss juvenile crime in Calcasieu. This episode touches on misconceptions of juvenile crime in our area and expands on the numerous resources and programs our community has readily available to keep juveniles from entering the justice system. 

McNeese State University Head Baseball Coach Justin Hill joins District Attorney Stephen Dwight to discuss the importance of teaching, inspiring and being a positive role model for young men to ensure they are successful at every stage of life. 

In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Ward 3 Marshal Nathan Keller. Marshal Keller has over 30 years of experience in Law Enforcement and from the very beginning, has dedicated his time to serving the area with compassion. During his time as Marshal, Mr. Keller has created several programs that benefit the youth and senior citizens of Southwest Louisiana and has even created the Nathan T. Keller Foundation, which was created to ensure the Marshal can continue to provide and give back to the community. 

Today we  are celebrating International Women's Day by highlighting a woman in our area that is making a difference. Denise Durel is the CEO & President of United Way SWLA. Denise is a known community leader and powerhouse at getting things done. She has a passion for making a difference for the people of Southwest Louisiana and will work all hours of the night and day to take care of those in need. In today's episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Denise to discuss all aspects of United Way, how she chose her career path, and who inspired her work ethic. If you are interested in volunteering or giving back to United Way of SWLA, call 337-433-1088.

In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight and Chief of Staff James McGee sit down with Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Gary "Stitch" Guillory to discuss the importance of relationships between law enforcement agencies. Chief Deputy Guillory explains the importance of building leadership teams and how agencies have to have a good relationship to ensure optimum public safety and trust. Calcasieu Parish is one of the only areas in the state that has great working relationships between all law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney's Office.Deputy Chief Guillory explains that his passion is to give back to the community, and working for the Sheriff's Office allows him to do that on a large scale. He also explains some of the hardships law enforcement agencies are experiencing in today's society and what he thinks needs to change. 

District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Judge Kendrick Guidry and Bill Williams, LPC, to discuss Veteran's Treatment Court. This specialty court aims to help Veterans with criminal offenses, get back on the right path through mentorship, counseling, and much more. This episode is packed with community resources and gives an in depth look on how the 14th Judicial District and various community partners,  gives their full support to Veterans participating in Veteran's Treatment Court. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this episode will discuss Domestic Violence which could trigger some listeners.In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Special Victims Unit Section Chief and Prosecutor Hope Buford, as well as Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Detective Senior Sergeant Tomas Juarez to discuss their time and experience investigating and prosecuting domestic violence cases.Buford and Juarez share valuable community resources available to domestic violence victims, warning signs to look for, and how to report and get help. This episode gives listeners a first-hand look into the lives of what some domestic violence victims go through and how the District Attorney's Office and Law Enforcement agencies are with them every step of the way to get them the help and resources they need.If you need help, please contact law enforcement to file a report. 

In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Chief of Litigation Bobby Holmes and Deputy Chief of Litigation Charles Robinson, both of who are on his executive team within the office. Bobby & Charles both started their careers as prosecutors in Orleans Parish and ultimately made their way to Calcasieu where they worked their way to the top. They both discuss how they like to try cases and what it means to them to seek justice for families. We also dive a little deeper to discuss the challenging roads that led them to where they are today. It's an episode you don't want to miss! 

In this episode, District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with First Assistant District Attorney Jacob Johnson to discuss what contributed to Johnson's success at such a young age. Johnson shares why he wanted to be a prosecutor, things he has learned along the way, and why he is passionate about giving immediate and continuous training to the attorneys at the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney's office. Johnson was also a prosecutor on the trial team that prosecuted the Death Sentence of Kevin Daigle. This episode is packed with educational information on Death Sentence trials, prosecutor development and gives an inside look at who Jacob Johnson is. 

District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with former Louisiana Senator and current Louisiana State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns. Mr. Johns discusses his time serving as a former Senator and how he is currently serving the State of Louisiana as Chairman of the Gaming Control Board. In addition, we discuss sports betting, the regulations Mr. Johns created and oversees, the fight against Human Trafficking, and the Humanitarian work Mr. Johns continues to do. 

In this episode District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with David Duplechin with the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC). David is a Vice President of Family & Youth, the home of the Calcasieu Parish CAC, and has been doing this work for 20 years. David explains the CAC is a child friendly environment where children ages 2-17 can safely share their story of sexual or physical abuse. We have mentioned the CAC in nearly every episode, because it is a vital part in bringing justice to child victims of abuse. This episode will answer all your questions about the CAC and what they do. To contact Family & Youth visit their website at www.fyca.org or call 337-436-9533.

In this episode District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Lieutenant Jacob Dore and Sergeant LeAnn Adams from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Sex Crimes Division. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to educate the public and advocate for victims of sexual assault, Lieutenant Dore and Sergeant Adams share what their jobs entail, what grooming behaviors are, and give advice to parents on what to look out for. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, please call the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office at 337-491-3605. If you would like an educational presentation please email Captain Beth McGee at bmcgee@cpso.com. 

In this episode Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight sits down with Judge Sharon Wilson to discuss her time as a prosecutor, private practice attorney, district judge, as well as, 3rd circuit court of appeal judge. Judge Wilson also talks about why she thinks only 30% of judges are women and what she would like to see change. This episode is packed with inspiration and encouragement for those that wish to accomplish a dream of theirs.

In this episode Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso discuss how effective communication between community leaders greatly benefits public safety.

In this episode District Attorney Stephen Dwight discusses how his former State Representative seat prepared him for his role as District Attorney. We discuss his achievements and things that surprised him during his first year in office and what he is looking forward to.