On June 11, 2018, Wesley Verdin of Theriot, LA., age 40, pled guilty to DWI 4th Offense. Verdin was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Koenig, and presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Jessie LeBlanc. Upon entering a guilty plea, sentencing was deferred to a later date pending a Pre-Sentence Investigation.
On November 17, 2017 just before 5 am, troopers with Louisiana State Police were dispatched to the area of I-10 in Ascension Parish in reference to a possible impaired driver. Several individuals following the vehicle in question reported similar observations. While troopers were attempting to locate the vehicle, the vehicle was observed veering off the roadway and striking a parked car. The suspect vehicle then continued traveling on I-10 East into St. James Parish. Shortly after, a St. James Parish Sheriff’s Deputy located the suspect vehicle still traveling on I-10 and after observing multiple traffic violations initiated a traffic stop. Shortly after, troopers arrived on scene and took control of the investigation. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Wesley Verdin. Verdin appeared to be intoxicated and had the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. During an interview, Verdin admitted to striking the vehicle and fleeing, as well as consuming alcoholic beverages. Troopers then began administering Standardized Field of Sobriety Tests which Verdin did not complete. Verdin was subsequently transported to the St. James Parish Jail where he was given an opportunity to submit to a chemical breath test. Verdin submitted to the chemical breath test which yielded a blood alcohol concentration of .119 g%. Verdin was subsequently booked accordingly.
On October 9, 2018, Verdin appeared before Judge LeBlanc for sentencing. Verdin was sentenced to 20 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served.