Steven Jermaine Charles
COVINGTON—-District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that Steven Jermaine Charles, age 36 of Houma, was found guilty as charged today of aggravated flight from an officer. The twelve member St. Tammany Parish Jury deliberated one hour before returning the guilty verdict to 22nd Judicial District Judge Scott Gardner. Assistant District Attorney Jason Cuccia prosecuted the State’s case.
Charles was arrested in May 2014 by the Slidell Police Department after fleeing from Police when ordered to stop for outstanding warrants. Charles ran four stop signs and drove on the wrong side of the street before coming to a stop in a driveway. Charles then fled on foot jumping two fences before the canine unit chased him into a pond. Officers convinced Charles to return to shore where he was found to have no driver’s license or insurance and had two small unrestrained children in his vehicle.
Judge Gardner will sentence Charles on March 2, 2015. Aggravated flight from an officer is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years. Charles could be sentenced as a career criminal due to prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, introduction of contraband into a penal institution, felony possession of marijuana, and possession of cocaine.