Crime
St. Gabriel police officer Devin “Curly” Boutte found stabbed to death at home on Legion Drive
ST. GABRIEL, La. — A veteran police officer with the St. Gabriel Police Department was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning, July 6, prompting an outpouring of grief across the law enforcement community and the city he served.
The victim has been identified as Captain Devin “Curly” Boutte, 34, a respected and longtime member of the department.
Authorities confirmed that Boutte was discovered deceased at his residence on Legion Drive in St. Gabriel.
A suspect is currently in custody, and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation.
St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his colleague and friend.
“It’s a dark day, not only at the police department, but for the entire City of St. Gabriel,” said Chief Ambeau. “He was loved by everybody. He was just that kind of officer — dedicated, approachable, and respected by all.”
Captain Boutte had served with distinction for many years and was known for his commitment to community policing and his positive presence throughout the city.
St. Gabriel Mayor Lionel Johnson also addressed the community’s grief, calling for unity and compassion in the days ahead.
“Please continue to pray for the City of St. Gabriel, our police department, and most importantly, for the family of Captain Boutte,” Mayor Johnson said. “There will be tough days ahead, but we will get through them together.”
Expressions of sympathy have poured in from across the state.
The New Roads Police Department issued a public statement extending condolences:
“Captain Boutte served his community with courage, honor, and dedication. His loss is felt not only by his department but by the entire law enforcement family across Louisiana. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in blue during this time of sorrow. May God grant peace, strength, and comfort to his family, fellow officers, and all who knew and loved him. Rest easy, Captain Boutte. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Further details about the circumstances of his death have not yet been released, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved officer whose life and service left a lasting impact on many.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.