TRAFFIC STOP – DRUG, GUN LAW VIOLATIONS

TRAFFIC STOP – DRUG, GUN LAW VIOLATIONS – MARISHELL JOSEPH EALEM, MICHAEL LEE THOMAS, PAZ PARKER – I.C.E. ARRESTS

NAPOLEONVILLE – Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reports the arrests of Michael Lee Thomas, 20, of 614 Second Street, Donaldsonville, LA, Marishell Joseph Ealem, 18, of 207, Lafourche Street, Donaldsonville, LA and Paz Parker, 19, of 128 Palm Drive, Donaldsonville, LA, on multiple felony charges arising from a traffic stop on LA 1 north of Napoleonville late Wednesday.

A uniformed patrol deputy assigned to the I.C.E. detail observed a northbound vehicle with multiple equipment violations and initiated a stop of that vehicle. In doing so, the deputy noted sparks on the roadway, indicative of items hitting the asphalt.

The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Marishell Joseph Ealem as well as the two passengers, identified as Michael Lee Thomas and Paz Parker. All three were removed from the suspect vehicle.

After securing the suspects, the deputy searched the area and did locate three large caliber, high capacity firearms including one fully automatic handgun. Those items were collected as evidence.

The deputy secured consent to search the vehicle and during that process did secure evidence of criminal activity.

All three suspects were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center as follows:

*As to Marishell Joseph Ealem:
-Obstruction of Justice
-Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
-Manufacturer / Merchant Shall Not Permit a Machine Gun to Pass to Another
-License Plate Required
-Failure to Dim Headlights

Marishell Joseph Ealem remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

*Michael Lee Thomas:
-Prohibited Acts, Schedule V Drugs to Wit: Tramadol
-Obstruction of Justice
-Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
-Manufacturer / Merchant Shall Not Permit a Machine Gun to Pass to Another
-Taking Contraband to/from a Penal Institution

Michael Lee Thomas attempted to conceal drugs once at the detention center. Michael Lee Thomas remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

*Paz Parker:
-Obstruction of Justice
-Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
– Manufacturer / Merchant Shall Not Permit a Machine Gun to Pass to Another

Paz Parker remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

One of the seized firearms had been reported stolen in Lafourche Parish.

For additional information concerning this News Release, contact Sheriff Leland Falcon or Public Information Officer, Lonny Cavalier at (985) 498-9353 or (985) 369-7281.