Investigation of Lockport meth dealer leads to four arrests – Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced that a drug investigation into a local meth dealer resulted in four arrests. Mitchell Folse, 45, Walter Nelson III, 42, and Chad Brunet, 43, all of Lockport, were arrested along with Darby Smith Jr., 21, of Larose.

During an investigation into Folse, drug agents obtained arrest warrants and a search warrant for his Mar Drive residence. On July 11, 2024, officers located Folse and took him into custody. Officers then went to the Mar Drive residence to conduct a search with assistance from LPSO patrol officers and detectives and the Lockport Police Department. When they arrived, they encountered several people in the residence, including Nelson, Smith, and Brunet. Nelson and Smith attempted to evade arrest by escaping the residence through a window, but were quickly apprehended. During the search, officers discovered suspected methamphetamine. All four were arrested and booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux.

Folse was arrested on three counts of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a drug use structure. Bail is set at $125,000.

Smith was arrested on several warrants, including four counts of violation of protective orders, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, theft of a firearm, theft, simple burglary and contempt of court. He was also charged with resisting an officer and violating probation. Bail was set at $55,500 and he is also being held on probation and conditional release in Louisiana.

Nelson has two warrants out for his arrest for contempt of court and is also charged with resisting arrest and his bail is set at $50,100. Brunet has a warrant out for contempt of court and his bail is set at $25,000.

Officials believe the investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges are possible.

Citizens are reminded that they can report any drug-related or suspicious activity. Information can be reported directly to Narcotics Division Chief Lieutenant Adam Dufrene at (985) 532-4365 or [email protected]. Information can also be reported anonymously to Bayou Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433, CrimeStoppersBR.orgor about the Bayou Tips App on mobile devices.

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NOTE: Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 234, a booking photograph cannot be issued for this arrest.