Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley reports the arrest of seven individuals on drug charges at a Donaldsonville business. The individuals were found to be engaging in illegal drug activity in the presence of a two year old.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division received information indicating that Capital II Barber Shop, located at 413 Mississippi St. in Donaldsonville, was a hub of drug activity. In coordination with the Louisiana State Police, narcotics detectives executed a search warrant at the location on Wednesday, August 6. During the search, detectives located 1/4 of a pound of marijuana throughout the building, along with ecstasy, about 20 tramodol pills, drug paraphernalia, and over $500 in cash. Louisiana State Police K-9 made an alert on the vehicle of a suspect, from which the detectives recovered a stolen hand gun.

Joseph Nelson, 36, 41063 Cannon Rd. in Gonzales, was the reported license holder of the business. Mark August, 29, 3218 Wood Ln. in Donaldsonville, and Vernon Mills, 27, 10125 June Rd. in St. James, were employees. Detectives located and released a customer receiving a haircut, who was accompanied by his two year old son.

Nelson, August and Mills were arrested for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of ecstasy, possession of schedule IV CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a CDS in the presence of a minor. The following individuals, who were located at the business, were arrested on the same charges:

Levi Lewis, 25, 1040 Nolan St. in Donaldsonville.

Derrick Nicholas, 17, 603 Houmas St. in Donaldsonville.

Kenneth Parker, 23, 208 Charles St. in Donaldsonville.

Anthony Jackson, 20, 614 Houmas St. in Donaldsonville. Jackson was also arrested for possession of a stolen firearm.

No bonds have been set at this time.