In November of 2015 the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division began an investigation into 27- year-old Christopher Zeringue after developing information that he was a major distributor of methamphetamine (crystal meth) in Ascension Parish.

According to Lt. Col. Bobby Webre, during the investigation, narcotics detectives made an undisclosed number of undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Zeringue. On Wednesday, February 10, narcotics detectives continued developing a strong case on Zeringue when they witnessed a vehicle leave his home on Rome Street in Gonzales. Detectives followed the vehicle and witnessed the driver toss a plastic bag from the vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and as a result the bag was located which contained approximately one ounce of methamphetamine. The driver, Kendra Fung of Hammond, was arrested for possession of the bag of methamphetamine and also for being in possession of Adderall and Clonazepam without a prescription.

A subsequent search warrant was executed at Zeringue’s home where detectives located approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and $4,404 in cash. Zeringue’s two juvenile children were also in the home when the search warrant was executed. The two children were released to family members and Zeringue was taken into custody on an array of drug charges.

As a result of Zeringue’s arrest, detectives were able to develop additional information involving the sale of methamphetamine which enabled them to further the investigation. A purchase was arranged with Zeringue’s supplier, Danny Mouton, of Breaux Bridge.

In the early morning hours on Thursday, February 11, Mouton attempted to deliver a quantity of methamphetamine to an undisclosed location on Highway 30 near I-10 in Gonzales. After witnessing the delivery of the methamphetamine, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives, along with Gonzales Police Officers, searched Mouton’s vehicle. Mouton and two passengers in the vehicle, later identified as Timothy Mercer and Ronald McKinney, fled on foot. All were apprehended and taken into custody a short while later. Detectives located approximately one and a half ounces of meth in Mouton’s vehicle and three and half ounces of meth on the ground that was discarded by Mouton when he fled.

As a result of Mouton’s arrest, another methamphetamine purchase was arranged with Mouton’s supplier, Rene Eleazer Villa also known as “Mexico.” Ascension Narcotics Detectives, along with Gonzales Police Officers and Louisiana State Police Detectives, set up surveillance awaiting the arrival of “Mexico” at another undisclosed location in Gonzales. As “Mexico” arrived to conduct the drug transaction, detectives executed a felony takedown and “Mexico” and his passenger, Francisco Felix  Rodriguez, were taken into custody. Subsequent to these two arrests, detectives located 14 ounces of methamphetamine in Villa’s vehicle in plain sight.

As a result of the two arrests, detectives continued the investigation on Friday, February 12 and with the assistance of the Lafayette area drug task force, detectives executed several search warrants in the Lafayette area which led to the arrest of 25-year-old Adolfo Cruz for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Detectives seized a total of $11,900 in cash and five ounces of methamphetamine from Cruz.

The total amount of cash seized in this investigation was $16,304 and a total of one pound, ten ounces of methamphetamine seized. The street value of the methamphetamine seized is approximately $31,200.

Eight persons were arrested as a result of the investigation and charged as follows:

Kendra Fung, 43, OF 14249 Woodlands Drive, Hammond, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS, two counts possession of schedule IV CDS, failure to signal when turning, license plate light required, and fugitive from another agency. She was booked on Wednesday, February 10.

Christopher Zeringue, 27, of 1204 East Rome Street, Gonzales, was charged with three counts possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS, drug paraphernalia, and two counts illegal use of CDS in presence of person under 17. He was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Thursday, February 11.

Danny Mouton, 35, of 1231 Herbert Avenue, Breaux Bridge, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS, drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer. He was booked in the Ascension Parish Jail on Thursday, February 11.

Timothy Mercer, 48, of 28913 Church of God Road, Springfield, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS, drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer. He was booked in the Ascension Parish Jail on Thursday, February 11.

Ronald McKinney, 27, of 21866 Perrin Ferry Road, Springfield, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS and drug paraphernalia. He was booked in the Ascension Parish Jail on Thursday, February 11.

Rene Villa, 32, of 1033 Leblanc Drive, Henderson, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS. He was booked in the Ascension Parish Jail on Thursday, February 11.

Francisco Rodriguez, 31, of 1033 Leblanc Drive, Henderson, was charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS. He was booked in the Ascension Parish Jail on Thursday, February 11. Adolfo Cruz, 25, address unknown, was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was booked into the Lafayette Parish Jail on Friday, February 12.

Anyone with information on illegal drug activity is urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division at 225-621-8350 or by texting 847411 to our anonymous tip line from any cellular device or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867). To be eligible for a cash reward, you must call Crime Stoppers immediately.