ANONYMOUS NARCOTICS TIP LEADS TO ARREST WARRANT FOR
OPELOUSAS RESIDENT
According to Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, “Approximately one month ago, narcotics
detectives with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip
regarding William Rideau selling cocaine and crack cocaine from 553 Liberty Street in
Opelousas, Louisiana, where he resides with his mother. Detectives attempted to speak
with the residents, however, the mother was non-cooperative and refused to provide
consent to search.”
Detectives continued to monitor the traffic from the residence and on June 19, 2024,
conducted a traffic stop for illegal window tint on a black Chevrolet Silverado on
Railroad and South Street. The driver of the vehicle provided the registration, which
showed that the vehicle belonged to the resident of 553 Liberty Street in Opelousas.
Upon searching the vehicle, detectives located two digital scales and numerous small
“Ziploc” bags. During questioning, the driver admitted that the scales and packaging
material belonged to William Rideau.
While detectives were on the traffic stop, the mother arrived on scene and claimed
possession of the truck. She was advised of her Miranda Rights and was informed that
her residence would be frozen pending the issuance of a search warrant. Her cellphone
was seized to prevent her from alerting anyone at the residence of detectives’ presence for
the purpose of officer safety, and to prevent the destruction of evidence.
Detectives then went to 553 Liberty Street in Opelousas where they froze and cleared the
inside of the residence. One occupant was detained inside the residence and was
identified as the father of William Rideau.
At approximately 11:45 am, detectives obtained a warrant signed by the judge to search
the residence. During the search, detectives located approximately 5 grams of cocaine, 3
grams of crack cocaine and 3 fluid ounces of PCP.
Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for William Rideau, charging him with
possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS (cocaine), possession with intent to
distribute schedule II CDS (crack cocaine), possession with intent to distribute schedule
II CDS (PCP) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the St. Landry
Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Hotline at 337-948-0970 or 948-1030. All callers remain
anonymous and the information is kept strictly confidential.
If you know the whereabouts of William Rideau or have any information about illegal
drug activity, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, download the P3 app
on your mobile device or simply dial **TIPS on your mobile phone to tip. All calls are
anonymous and you can earn a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
This is Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz. All persons are presumed innocent until proven
guilty in a court of law.
