Houma man arrested on weapon and drug charges during traffic stop

NEWS RELEASE

January 20, 2026

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of a Houma man, in connection with a traffic stop investigation.  John T. Gathen, 43, was arrested for narcotics-related offenses, in connection with the incident. 

On January 19th, shortly before 7:00pm, members of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division performed a traffic stop on a vehicle near the 5000 block of West Main Street, after witnessing a violation of law.  As Deputies made contact with the driver, an obvious odor of Marijuana was found to be emitting from the vehicle.  The driver was removed from the vehicle and identified as John Tyrell Gathen, 43, of Houma.

Further investigation of the incident led to Deputies completing a search of the vehicle, where they discovered over 14 grams of Marijuana inside, in addition to a firearm located under the driver seat.  A check of Gathen’s arrest history revealed that he is a convicted felon in the State of Louisiana.

Deputies subsequently arrested Gathen at the scene, who was later transported to the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, and booked on charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of Narcotics.  Gathen remains jailed on a $75,000 bond by local judges.

Sheriff Tim Soignet would like to commend the efforts of the Patrol Division in this case.  Sheriff Soignet said, “This incident is another example of how proactive Law Enforcement tactics can have a positive impact in our community.  I am proud to work with such a tremendous group of motivated men and women, who dedicate their lives to making our community a safer place.” 

ALL ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

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