A Houma man has been arrested after he allegedly left two children in a car parked outside a local casino.
Jearmie Paul Bourg Jr., 30, of Houma was arrested by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and charged with multiple felony charges in connection with the incident.
Deputies say on Wednesday, July 22, shortly before 10 p.m., they were conducting proactive patrols at the Cash Magic Casino, located on East Main Street, due to previous criminal activity in the area.
While patrolling, they observed movement in the back seat of a parked pickup truck, and no one was observed in the front seat.
According to deputies, two young children were alone in the back seat with the car unlocked. They also saw what appeared to be drug paraphernalia containing suspected narcotics residue in plain view on the driver’s seat.
Deputies remained with the children to ensure their safety and well-being, while another deputy entered the casino and located the children’s father, identified as Bourg Jr., actively inside the business.
Bourg was escorted out of the business by deputies, and 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, and a search resulted in the recovery of approximately 3.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine from his person.
Deputies also searched his car and discovered additional suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and a digital scale containing suspected methamphetamine residue.
They also located numerous hand tools and multiple knives scattered throughout the car, several of which were easily accessible to the children.
Video from the casino confirmed the suspect had left the children unattended in the car on two separate occasions.
During the second incident, video showed the children alone for approximately 14 minutes before deputies located them.
Bourg is being charged with illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of persons under 17, possession of Methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of desertion, and four counts of cruelty to juveniles.
Bourg remains at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex. He is being held on a $92,500 bond.
READ MORE:Houma man arrested, accused of leaving young children in car unattended at casino
