Terrebonne Parish Father Arrested After Children Found Alone in Vehicle with Narcotics and Drug Paraphernalia

July 27, 2026

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet has confirmed the arrest of a Terrebonne Parish man following an investigation that revealed two young children were left unattended inside a vehicle parked outside a local casino.  Jearmie Paul Bourg Jr, 30, of Houma, was arrested on multiple felony charges in connection with the incident.

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, shortly before 10pm, Deputies assigned to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 Division were conducting proactive patrols at the Cash Magic Casino, located on East Main Street, due to previous criminal activity associated with the area.

While patrolling the parking lot, Deputies observed movement in the backset of a parked pickup truck, and no one observed in the front seats.  Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputies discovered two young children alone in the back seat with the vehicle unlocked.  During the initial contact, Deputies immediately observed what appeared to be drug paraphernalia containing suspected narcotics residue in plain view on the driver’s seat.

As a Deputy remained with the children to ensure their safety and well-being, another Deputy entered the casino and located the children’s father, identified as Jearmie Paul Bourg Jr, actively inside the business.  While Deputies escorted Bourg out of the business, he began to display signs of a suspicious demeanor and actions, which led to Deputies taking him into custody.  Further investigation led to Bourg admitting that he had narcotics in his pocket. A subsequent search resulted in the recovery of approximately 3.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine from his person.

A search of the vehicle uncovered additional suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and a digital scale containing suspected methamphetamine residue.  Equally concerning, Deputies located numerous hand tools and multiple knives scattered throughout the vehicle, several of which were easily accessible to the children. Investigators believe the combination of dangerous narcotics, drug paraphernalia, unsecured sharp objects, and the prolonged absence of adult supervision created an extremely hazardous environment that placed the children at significant risk of serious injury.

As part of the ongoing investigation, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the casino. The video confirmed the suspect had left the children unattended in the vehicle on two separate occasions that evening. During the second incident, surveillance showed the children remained alone for approximately 14 minutes before deputies located them.

Deputies arrested Jearmie Paul Bourg on charges of Illegal Use of Controlled Dangerous Substances in the Presence of Persons Under 17 (2 counts), Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Child Desertion (2 counts), and

 Cruelty to Juveniles (4 counts).  Bourg remains jailed at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on a $92, 500.00 bond by local judges.

“There is simply no excuse for leaving young children alone in a vehicle—especially when that vehicle contains illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and dangerous objects that could cause serious injury or death”, said Sheriff Soignet.  “Our Deputies’ vigilance very likely prevented this situation from ending in tragedy. The safety of our children will always remain one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who places a child in harm’s way.”

At the completion of the initial investigation, the children were released to the custody of a concerned family member. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

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