FROM THE DESK OF
SHERIFF BOBBY J. GUIDROZ
Phone 337-948-6516
Fax 337-407-9458
Press Release: January 7, 2025
ARRESTED:
Treshawn Lanathan Thomas, 23 years old
413 Magnolia Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
CHARGES:
PWITD Schedule I (Marijuana)
PWITD Schedule II (Cocaine)
PWITD Schedule V (Promethazine)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Obstruction of Justice
ARRESTED:
Joseph Elton Richard, 59 years old
413 Magnolia Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
CHARGES:
6 cts. Possession of a machine gun
[Type text]
ARRESTED:
Willie Junior Sam, AKA Willie Sam, Jr., 48 years old
403 Magnolia Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
CHARGES:
7 cts. Possession of a machine gun by a Convicted Felon
Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number
4 cts. Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
PWITD Schedule I (Marijuana)
PWITD Schedule I (Synthetic Marijuana)
Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS
Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz reports, “On May 13, 2025, Narcotics Detectives received information that a subject
named “Trey” was selling marijuana from the home at 413 Magnolia Street in Opelousas. The information also
stated that “Trey” was in possession of several firearms. As the Narcotics Detectives arrived at the home, they
observed “Trey” at the front door. “Trey”, later identified as Treshawn Lanathan Thomas, attempted to flee
from the Detectives, carrying a duffle bag. Thomas was apprehended without incident, but not before he was
seen throwing a digital scale onto the roof of the house.” Sheriff Guidroz continues, “Detectives also arrested
Joseph Richard and Willie Sam, while connecting the neighboring homes to the illegal activity. Search
warrants were applied for and executed on the two residences where the following items were found:
Approximately one pint of Promethazine with an
estimated street value of $ 200.00
2 marijuana hand rolled cigarettes with an
estimated street value of $ 10.00
2 drum magazines
1 loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-auto pistol
6 auto-sears, 5 for Glock pistols and 1 for an AR
rifle, each of which will render the weapons
fully-auto.
1 Draco semi-auto pistol
1 Diamondback AR pistol, .300 Blackout caliber
with an auto-sear, rendering it a machine gun.
1 Tec-9 semi-auto pistol, fully loaded and with
an obliterated serial number.
11 sheets of “Mojo” synthetic marijuana, with an
estimated street value of $ 9,840.00
3 digital scales.”
Sheriff Guidroz concludes, “We constantly see social media posts criticizing officers for arresting persons in
possession of marijuana, as though it is not a serious offense. The weapons cache contained in these homes
demonstrates the other side of the story. The potential for death and destruction at the hands of individuals with
these weapons and devices is at the heart of our efforts to take these devices away and arrest the persons that
would manufacture, possess and use them against our citizens. All credible information will be used; all efforts
will be put forth and all criminal activity will be stopped. That has always been my commitment.”
Anyone with additional information about this crime is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office
at 337-948-6516. 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.
