For Immediate Release s117

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Amite- District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux reports that 22-year-old Erica Blanchard of Hammond, LA, pleaded nolo contendere to production and manufacturing of schedule II controlled dangerous substances and possession of schedule II controlled dangerous substances, methamphetamine.

On September 4, 2014, deputies were dispatched to an address on Shingle Mill Road in Hammond, LA, in reference to a felony warrant for Terry Elkins.

When deputies arrived on scene, they reported a strong chemical odor coming from the residence and were able to determine the odor was similar to odors created during the manufacturing and production of methamphetamine.

Once adequate personnel arrived on scene to pursue Elkins, entry was made into the residence. Upon entering the residence, Elkins and Blanchard were apprehended.

During apprehension, the residence was filled with noxious chemical odors created as a result of manufacturing and producing methamphetamine. The residence was secured for the preparation of the search warrant.

Nplex review revealed that Blanchard had recently purchased pseudoephedrine on September 2, 2014. Moreover, on that same date, Elkins purchased pseudoephedrine at the same time and in the same area, showing their affiliation.

Upon receiving a signed search warrant agents began their search of the residence. Agents located a pill bottle containing suspected Xanex and also located pipes commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.

Outside of the residence in a shed agents located a bag containing everything needed to manufacture methamphetamine along with HCL hoses that had been previously been used. Agents also located a receipt from Walgreens showing the purchase of pseudoephedrine along with two empty boxes of pseudoephedrine and empty blister packs.

All subjects were arrested and transported to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail where they were properly booked.

Assistant District Attorney Le’Anne Malnar represented the state with Judge Elizabeth Wolfe handing down the sentence.

Erica Blanchard was sentenced to 10 years with the department of corrections without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, said Perrilloux.