The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office announced on May 15 that a traffic stop led to the arrest of Joseph A. Vilches and the seizure of drugs, cash, and a vehicle. Deputies from the Traffic Division stopped Vilches on I-49 Southbound and discovered he had active warrants from San Jose, California.
After his arrest, deputies searched Vilches’s vehicle and found 104 grams of marijuana and 108 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Authorities seized $2,379 in cash along with his 2023 Ford F350 truck. Vilches was booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail and later released on bond.
A forfeiture hearing was held by the 13th Judicial District Court, which ordered that both the truck and money be forfeited to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office. The office reported that “If you see the F350, you can thank the drug dealer. It is currently being used in the EPSO fleet.”
Sheriff Charles R. Guillory said members of the public with information about criminal activity are encouraged to contact their Criminal Investigations Division or submit tips through their website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org. He said all reports will remain anonymous.
The sheriff’s office also reminded residents that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.