EX-OFFICER GETS 17 1/2 YEARS IN DRUG CASE

LAFAYETTE - A federal judge sentenced a former Abbeville police
officer Thursday to 171/2 years in prison for his role in a
drug-trafficking ring, and she changed her mind in a related case and
allowed a co-defendant to go free.

U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty sentenced former Officer Calvin
Broussard Sr., 49, to the maximum 210-month sentence required by
federal guidelines. The minimum was 168 months.

"I found the crime you engaged in and the betrayal you made to your
position, to the community and to the state to be extremely, extremely
heinous," Judge Doherty told Broussard.

Abbeville Police Chief Mike Hardy, who was at the sentencing, said he
was surprised at the severity.

"I think any dirty cop deserves what they get," the chief said.

Broussard, an Abbeville police officer for 17 years, was part of a
crack cocaine drug network that extended from New Orleans to Houston,
and he provided information to the traffickers and also transported
drugs. Arrests in the case were made in March 2000 by federal, state
and local authorities who named the group "Legion of Doom," prosecuted
by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley.

The ringleader, Leonard "Stridder" Castleberry, 49, of Houston, is
serving a life sentence. Doherty sentenced Castleberry's nephew Elton
Castleberry, 30, of Houston to 10 years in jail Thursday, the minimum
required. Like the others Thursday, Castleberry pleaded guilty to
conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base.

The judge said she was ready Thursday to sentence Brian "Big
Louisiana" Landry, 33, of Abbeville to 225 months in prison. Instead
she decided to give him credit for serving time in jail up to now,
effectively setting him free, but warning him he must not break any
laws during five years of probation.

"Hallelujah Jesus! Hallelujah!" Landry's sister, Kay Turner of
Abbeville, shouted in the courtroom, and she started speaking in tongues.

Landry started crying and told the judge he would not stray.

"I'll even put my seat belt on," he said.

She made her decision after Landry begged for mercy, and he blamed his
extensive criminal behavior on drug addiction. He said his mother's
funeral would be held today.

"I'm asking you to search your soul," Landry told the judge. "I'm
speaking from my soul. You'll never see me again.

"I'm here to prove you wrong, and I'm here to prove the statistics
wrong," he said. "Ms. Doherty, please give me another chance."

His attorney, Frank Dawkins of Lafayette, told the judge his client
gave the government considerable information about other crimes.

Doherty also sentenced Milton Willis, 38, of Abbeville to 10 years and
seven months. Willis' attorney, Harold Register of Lafayette, told the
judge his client tried to help the government but he was unable
because he didn't have any information about co-defendants.

After sentencing Willis, several friends and family members left the
courtroom. Doherty told them, "Spread the word we are losing entirely
too many young people to drugs. The federal government means business,
and there is very little I can do."

The judge sentenced Albert "Styme" Foster, 33, of Abbeville to five
years in jail. Doherty said she gave him credit for cooperating with
the government, otherwise his jail term would have ranged from 11 to
14 years.

Hardy was uncertain of the effect of Thursday's sentencings. He said
it might make drug dealers more cautious, but he said he's not sure if
it will deter trafficking.

"Crack is infested in the community right now," he said.

U.S. Attorney Donald Washington said the sentencings send a message.
"This is a major blow to drug traffickers in southwest Louisiana," he
said.