Media Release: CONCERNED CITIZENS LEAD DETECTIVES TO DRUGS

Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

1,000 IXP

Case Details

CONCERNED CITIZENS IN OPELOUSAS LEAD DETECTIVES TO LARGE AMOUNT OF ILLEGAL NARCOTICS

According to Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, “During the last couple of months, narcotics detectives with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office have been receiving numerous citizen complaints regarding illegal drug activity occurring at 368 Pavy Road in Opelousas, Louisiana. Narcotics detectives were familiar with the residence due to a previously executed narcotics search warrant in May 2023.”

On April 2, 2024, after conducting several weeks of surveillance, detectives responded to the residence and spoke to the homeowner, who was identified as Lionel Brown. During the encounter with Brown, detectives developed enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the residence. The residence was then frozen from further activity, and two additional suspects were detained.

Upon executing the search warrant, detectives located a fourth suspect hiding under a large pile of clothes. This suspect was identified as John Manuel, a known drug trafficker who had several outstanding bench warrants.

During the search, detectives located approximately 388 grams of powder cocaine, approximately 96 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine, one semi-automatic pistol, and $439.00 in US currency. The drugs have a combined street value of approximately $48,000.00.

John Manuel, Lionel Brown, and Shawn Murphy were advised of their Miranda Rights, however, they refused to answer any questions. The three suspects were transported to the St. Landry Parish Jail and charged as follows:

Lionel Brown – Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (2 counts), Possession of Schedule II CDS, Illegal Carrying of Weapons, Manufacturing Schedule II CDS, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

John Albert Manuel -- Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (2 counts), Possession of Schedule II CDS, Manufacturing Schedule II CDS, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Shawn Frederick Murphy -- Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (2 counts), Possession of Schedule II CDS, Manufacturing Schedule II CDS, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The fourth person in the residence was questioned and released at the scene.

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.

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.

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ARRESTED:

Lionel Brown, age 66

Black / Male

368 Pavy Road

Opelousas, LA., 70570

CHARGES:

Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (2 counts)

Possession of Schedule II CDS

Illegal Carrying of Weapons

Manufacturing Schedule II CDS

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

BOND: $108,000

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ARRESTED:

Shawn Frederick Murphy, age 53

Black / Male

1061 Perrys Lane

Opelousas, LA., 70570

CHARGES:

Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (2 counts)

Possession of Schedule II CDS

Manufacturing Schedule II CDS

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

BOND: $105,500

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ARRESTED:

John Albert Manuel, age 53

Black / Male

210 Anita Drive

Opelousas, LA., 70570

CHARGES:

Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (2 counts)

Possession of Schedule II CDS

Manufacturing Schedule II CDS

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

BOND: $105,500

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This is Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

File Number	337-948-TIPS (8477)

Posted By: St. Landry Crime Stoppers

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