THE 21ST
MONTHLY
FROM THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT ATTORNEY SCOTT M. PERRILLOUX
APRIL 2017| VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHT WEEK 2017 CEREMONY
In celebration of National Crime Victims’ Rights week, April 2-8, 2017, the
District Attorney’s Tri-Parish Victim’s Advocates hosted a special ceremony
to honor homicide victims and their families. The ceremony was held on April
6, 2014, at 5:30 in the evening at the Hammond Police Union Hall in
Hammond, LA.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Greg Rizan, the father of Heather Rizan-
LaGarrigue, who was murdered by her husband in July of 2013. Rizan
explained that the Victim’s Advocates along with the District Attorney were
very helpful, showed compassion, and were transparent through the entire
court process.
After the guest speaker, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Belser said a
special Memorial Prayer for the families of the victims.
District Attorney Scott Perrilloux spoke with the audience about the
difficulties they face as cases progress though the court system. He explained
that although it can take a long time before a case is resolved, families have to
remain vigilant.
Following closing remarks by District Attorney Perrilloux, those in attendance
exited the building for the memorial balloon release. Victims’ family members
were each given a balloon and a note card where they could write their family
members’ name or a message to them. The multi-colored balloons were then
released. All were invited to enjoy dinner and cake after the release.
A memorial portfolio, which displays a tribute to area homicide victims, is
currently on display at the District Attorney’s Offices in Livingston,
Tangipahoa, and St. Helena parishes, and is available for public viewing.
The Tri-Parish Victims’ Assistance program provides services to victims of
crime with active cases in the 21st Judicial District. These services include
advocacy, education, emotional support, case notification for felony and
domestic cases, court escorts, 24-hour rape crisis hotline, and a domestic
violence prosecution unit. Anyone in need of these services should contact
their local district attorney’s office weekdays from 8a.m. to 4p.m.
GRAND JURY INDICTS CONTRACTOR
ON 51 COUNTS OF FRAUD
Livingston Parish Grand Jury returned a True Bill
of Indictment on Matthew J. Morris, age 39, of
Baton Rouge, LA on a total of 51 counts of
charges relating to contractor fraud.
A total of 11 victims have made reports against
Morris, who is the owner of Complete
Construction Contractors, alleging the following
criminal charges:
• 9 counts of Residential Contractor Fraud
$1,500.00 or more.
• 7 counts of Misapplication of Payment by
Contractor.
• 11 counts of Insurance Fraud
• 11 counts of Engaging in Business of
Contracting without a License. Damages over
$300.00
• 7 counts of Filing or Maintaining False
Public Records
• 5 counts of Extortion
• 1 count of Theft of the assets of an aged
or disabled person
“This indictment is only the beginning. We will
continue our commitment to the victims in these
cases for recovery of their losses and appropriate
justice for Mr. Morris”, said Perrilloux.
Morris remains incarcerated at the Livingston
Parish Detention Center.
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NOTABLE APRIL CONVICTIONS
Frank Cabibi, age 30, of Hammond, LA, pleaded no contest to possession
of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal use/possession/control of
weapons-crime of violence/controlled dangerous substances. Cabibi was
sentenced to 10 years with the department of corrections without the
possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.
Derrick Harrison, age 39, of Hammond, LA, pleaded no contest to two
counts of simple burglary. Harrison was sentenced to five years on the first
count of simple burglary and six years on the second count of simple
burglary. Time is to be served consecutively, totaling 11 years with the
department of corrections.
Robert Magee, age 36, of Amite, LA, pleaded no contest to possession of a
firearm by a convicted felon, possession of weapons while in possession of
controlled dangerous substances, possession of schedule I controlled
dangerous substances, possession of schedule IV controlled dangerous
substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Magee was sentenced to
10 years with the department of corrections. Time is to be served without
the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence
Anthony Rogers, age 28, of Springfield, LA, pleaded no contest to one
count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and 67 counts of
simple burglary. Rogers was sentenced to 10 years with the department of
corrections without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of
sentence.
Darrell Smith, age 37, of Livingston, LA, pleaded no contest to possession
with intent to distribute schedule II controlled dangerous substances-
oxycodone. He was sentenced to seven years with the department of
corrections.