Arrest Report- April 30, 2026
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell advises that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 40 complaints and reports the following arrests:
Donovan Kobie Baptiste, 22, Valdosta, GA, was arrested on April 29, 2026, at 3:47 pm on the following charges:
- Bank fraud
- Fraudulent portrayal of law enforcement
- Fraud-access device
- theft
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office recently investigated a sophisticated phone scam that resulted in an arrest. The scheme began when a victim received a call from a blocked number. The caller impersonated a law enforcement official, specifically a "Sergeant Michael Thomas," and utilized personal details about the victim's family to establish a false sense of credibility and authority.
The suspect informed the victim that a family member was currently incarcerated and required a $7,000 bond for release. To make the scam more convincing, the caller:
- Used accurate personal information (names, birthdays, and addresses) to pose as a legitimate agency employee.
- Transferred the victim to a secondary suspect posing as a "bail bondsman."
- Directed the victim to send 10% of the bond ($700) via digital payment platforms, including Apple Pay, PayPal, and CashApp.
The victims became suspicious of the high-pressure tactics and contacted the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) directly. Personnel there confirmed that no such calls had been made and that the family member in question did not have a bond set.
As the investigation progressed, Baptiste was developed as a suspect in the case. Deputies applied for a warrant for his arrest and it was granted.
The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office in Georgia made contact with Baptiste and took him into custody. He was picked up in Georgia by SMPSO deputies and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Baptiste was subsequently released on a $25,000 bond.
Sheriff Gary Driskell reminds the public that legitimate law enforcement and judicial agencies will never call to solicit bond payments over the phone via CashApp, PayPal, or gift cards. If you receive a suspicious call regarding a loved one in custody, hang up and call the jail or sheriff's office directly using a verified phone number, which is exactly what the victims did in this case to bring the scam to an end. We want to thank the victims in this case for calling and helping us apprehend this suspect.
Amy Lyn Benoit, 36, Amelia, LA, was arrested on April 29, 2026, at 8:14 am for child desertion. Bail has not been set at this time.
Craig James Deshotel, 52, Amelia, LA, was arrested on April 29, 2026, at 8:36 am on a warrant for failure to appear for operating a vehicle while license is suspended/revoked/canceled. Deshotel was released on a $250 bond.
Benjamin Andrew Murphy, 41, Youngsville, LA, was arrested on April 29, 2026, at 10:15 pm for speeding and driving while intoxicated. Bail has not been set at this time.
NARCOTICS SECTION
Christopher Woods, 34, Morgan City, LA, was arrested on April 29, 2026, at 4:44 pm for possession of schedule I (marijuana), possession of schedule II (meth) with intent to distribute, possession of schedule III (subutox) with intent to distribute, and on a Probation and Parole warrant for probation violation.
Korianne Parker, 37, Morgan City, LA, was arrested on April 29, 2026, at 4:44 pm for possession of schedule I (heroin) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Amber Stratton, 31, Morgan City, LA, was arrested on April 29, 2026, at 4:44 pm for possession of schedule II with intent to distribute (amphetamine) and possession of CDS in the presence of a minor.
Detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division received complaints of drug activity at a residence in Morgan City. An investigation was opened and a search warrant was obtained due to Christopher Woods selling drugs from Amber Stratton's residence.
On April 29, 2026, SMPSO Narcotics Detectives along with the assistance of the Berwick Police Department and the Morgan City Police Department executed a search warrant on the residence. During the search warrant, drugs were located and three arrests were made.
Woods, Parker, and Stratton were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set at this time.
Sheriff Gary Driskell and the SMPSO Narcotics Detectives would like to thank the Berwick Police Department and the Morgan City Police Department for their assistance in this case.
Lt. David Spencer
Public Information Officer
St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office
