Born in Lafayette and raised in St. Martinville, I am a Cajun in heart, mind and spirit. I dove into the news industry with my start at my hometown newspaper where I picked up some journalistic skills. I earned a degree in mass communications at UL Lafayette which prepared me for covering news in Acadiana and around the state. As a news reporter for KPEL, my news beats include, but are not limited to, Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Parish School Board. Jumping from print media to broadcast has been an exciting move for me in the ever-changing multimedia environment of today's news world. When not covering news, I can often be found playing guitar or cooking at home, both usually being done with my daughter, Jolie, very near by.
Derek Albert
LPSO Seeking Vehicle Burglary Suspects
Detectives are asking for the public's assistance in locating the suspects involved in the April 9th theft.
Church Point Man Arrested On Long List Of Drug Charges
The suspect earned charges for possession of six different types of narcotics.
BBB Warns Social Media Users Of Facebook Scammers
While the social network constantly works to strengthen its’ security features, it's still important to know what to do in case your account is compromised.
Sheriff: Dead Body Discovered at Lafayette Home
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office has released few details as the investigation is ongoing.
Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball and Softball Teams Heading To Mobile (Audio)
Cajuns fans can see the No. 1 seeded softball team play in the Sun Belt Tournament and the Sun Belt's No. 2 ranked baseball team take on the Jaguars.
Brand Buzz: Local Partnerships Can Make Your Business More Visible (Audio)
Your business--your brand--can make a mark on the community by establishing a community partnership with a local non-profit organization.
Former LCG Employee Stole Tens Of Thousands From Parking Meters
The total estimated value of the parking meter funds stolen ranges somewhere between $77,000 and $100,000.
Breaux Bridge Man Arrested For Burglary
Jason Gant was booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center Friday.
Lafayette Family Searching For Runaway Teen
The Lafayette teen was last seen more than two weeks ago.
Trump Says GOP Unity Would Be Nice, Not Essential
Trump is expecting a large number of Democratic voters to defect at the polls this fall.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Report
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reported 34 arrests for Saturday.
State Plans To Use Food Stamp Data In Medicaid Expansion
State health department officials are hoping to gain federal approval for their plan to use food stamp data.
Lafayette Schools Face Budget Problems, Lost Jobs
This projected deficit comes despite an expected increase in property tax collections and state funding.
Lafayette Parish Arrest Report
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office reported 32 arrests for the past 24 hours.
Cajun Field Parking Lot Will Be Packed This Weekend
UL staff have shifted parking at Cajun Field this weekend to accommodate the LADA Car Show and Sale and a Ragin' Cajuns' baseball home series.
Fake Drugs (And Real Ones) Land SM’Ville Man In Jail
Not only did this suspect get arrested for 'real' drugs, but for counterfeit ones, too.
Arrest Made In Crowley Car Burglaries
Investigators recognized the suspect from one homeowner's surveillance footage.
Vernon Parish Toddler Reported Missing
Anyone having any information as to the whereabouts of Willow Rain Renteria-Molina should immediately contact the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Superintendent Makes New Appoinments At LPSS
Dr. Donald Aguillard appointed a new principal at Acadian Middle School and a World Language Specialist.
Shreveport Woman Defrauds Social Security For 19 Years
The woman pleaded guilty Wednesday for forging her husband's Social Security benefit checks. What's worse...he's been dead since 1986!