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Press Release:  June 16, 2022

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ARRESTED: Lee Albert Sam, age 32 – 888 St. Landry Road – Opelousas, LA., 70570

CHARGES:  Possession of Schedule IV CDS; Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS (2 counts); Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies (2 counts); Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of; Domestic Abuse Battery (2 counts); Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses; Money Laundering

BOND:  $90,000

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ARRESTED:
Amber Mechelle Arnaud, age 35 – 888 St. Andrew Road – Opelousas, LA., 70570

CHARGES: Money Laundering

BOND:  $5,000

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ARRESTED: Robbie I. Myers, age 26 – 1702 Pujo Avenue – Opelousas, LA., 70570

CHARGES: Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS; Illegal Possession of a Weapon in the Presence of a CDS; Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

BOND:  $18,500

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On June 7, 2022, the St. Landry Parish Narcotics Detectives arrested Lee Sam, Jr., who was in possession of approximately 2 pounds of high grade marijuana.   Prior to June 7, 2022, Mr. Lee Sam Jr. was not incarcerated and on parole for numerous previous arrests. Lee Sam, Jr. is considered to be a violent offender towards women, illegal drug possession and sales charges and other violent crimes involving firearms.   

While Sam was incarcerated, detectives continued to investigate Lee Sam, Jr. and members of his drug trafficking organization. Through the course of this investigation, detectives discovered Lee Sam, Jr.’s drug trafficking organization continued to operate.   Sam utilized numerous associates to continue the operation and conceal his involvement to evade law enforcement. Unbeknownst to Sam, the narcotics detectives were always one step ahead of Lee Sam Jr.

Through the course of furthering the investigation, detectives were able to identify Lee Sam, Jr.’s residence located in the 3300 block of Highway 104, Opelousas, La.  Lee Sam, Jr. went through great lengths to conceal this residence from Probation and Parole and local law enforcement. Sam had provided his Parole Officer with an address where he did not actually reside to conceal his illegal criminal activity not only for himself but for his drug trafficking organization.

Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for Lee Sam, Jr.’s residence located in the 3300 block of Highway 104, Opelousas, La. Upon execution of the search warrant, detectives located approximately 17.8 pounds of high grade marijuana, $21,051.00 in U.S. Currency, one Draco 7.62 x39 mm rifle, 3 ounces of Promethazine and one .380 handgun. 

Additional investigation continued and detectives discovered Lee Sam, Jr. resided at the residence with his girlfriend, who was identified as Robbie Myers. The investigation revealed Myers was aware of all the contraband located inside the residence and was a willing participant aiding Lee Sam, Jr. with concealing his illegal activity.  

Detectives were also able to identify a third suspect identified as Amber Arnaud. Sam Jr. utilized Arnaud as a pawn to legitimize the money which Sam Jr. earned from the illegal sales of marijuana. Detectives confirmed Arnaud was fully aware of Lee Sam, Jr. being a drug dealer and Arnaud was a participant in helping him to conceal his profits for the sales of illegal narcotics.  

The estimated street value of the 17.8 pounds of high grade marijuana, if broken down into grams, is estimated to be approximately $202, 600.00 dollars. 

As a result of the investigation, Lee Albert Sam, Jr. was additionally charged with possession of schedule IV promethazine, illegal firearm in the presence of CDS (2counts), possession of a firearm by convicted felon (2counts), possession of firearm by person convicted of domestic violence (2 Counts), transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses and money laundering.

Additionally, detectives were able to obtain warrants for Amber Arnaud of Opelousas for money laundering, as well as Robbie Myers, for possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, marijuana, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. These warrants were both executed on the June 14, 2022. Arnaud and Myers were subsequently booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on the aforementioned warrants.

This investigation remains open and further arrests are pending.

Sheriff Guidroz stated he is upholding his promise and commitment to the citizens of St. Landry Parish.  Sheriff Guidroz also stated this is an example of the commitment and dedication to him and the people of the parish by his employees.  This is a prime example of my dedication and “Committed to a Higher Standard” to the residence of St. Landry Parish.  Sheriff Guidroz would also like to thank the concerned citizens of St. Landry Parish who have taken the time to call and give information regarding illegal drug activity and any other type of crimes.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff Department’s Drug Hotline at 337-948-0970 or 948-1030. All callers remain anonymous and the information is kept strictly confidential.  

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.

On behalf of Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, this is Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux.  All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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